Director of Philanthropy

POSITION OVERVIEW

This opportunity is for an experienced development professional to take fundraising programs to the next level at a healthy nonprofit in a dynamic phase of growth. The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) will lead and integrate Canopy’s fundraising strategies across individual and institutional giving, and provide hands-on implementation for foundation and corporate grants, the annual fund, and a budding major gifts program.

ARE YOU?

• Energetic, a sophisticated communicator who loves to help people accomplish their philanthropic goals?
• Tech and systems savvy?
• Excited at the opportunity to go to tree plantings, meet volunteers and make connections?
• A warm person who makes people feel welcome and included?

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Senior Director of Programs and Board leadership to evaluate and manage Canopy’s mix of funding from contributed revenue, earned program revenue, and government contracts to ensure diversified revenue streams and long-term financial sustainability. This position has two direct reports, a Communications Manager and Database Specialist, and shares oversight of an Administrative Associate who provides development support. Canopy actively strives towards the principles of community-centric fundraising.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with Executive Director, Senior Director of Programs, and Board leadership to evaluate and manage Canopy’s mix of funding from contributed revenue, earned program revenue, and government contracts to ensure diversified revenue streams and long-term financial sustainability.
• Establish clear fundraising goals for all contributed revenue sources (individual, corporate, and foundation); plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate strategies to achieve goals and grow contributed revenue over time, coordinating efforts among all relevant team members to achieve shared goals.
• Manage two reports, including Communications Manager and Database Specialist, guiding work plans and goal setting, conducting performance reviews, and supporting professional development.
• Work with the Executive Director to frame Canopy’s case for support in a clear, consistent, and compelling way.
• Build stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation strategies, engaging and equipping staff, board members, and key volunteers to build meaningful relationships with donors and funders at all levels.
• With support from the development team, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual major donors, personally and in partnership with staff and board.
• Reinvigorate a philanthropy committee of the board within the first six months of employment.
• Craft appeals and manage execution of multi-channel fundraising for the annual fund and other individual giving campaigns, including direct mail, online solicitations, and fundraising events with support from the team.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward institutional funders, prepare proposals in partnership with program staff, and manage Canopy’s portfolio of institutional grants in partnership with Operations Director.
• Establish a legacy giving program; this can be done initially in collaboration with a consultant as needed.
• Work with the Executive Director and Board Chair to build the Board’s capacity and confidence with fundraising.
• Coordinate with the operations team to ensure accurate processing and accounting of gifts, contracts, and grants.
• Evaluate and improve internal systems, donor metrics, policies, and procedures for efficient and effective development at Canopy.
• Create a marketing/communications strategy, in coordination with the Executive leadership
• In 2022, initiate a feasibility study for a multi-year capital-style campaign, building on the organization's success with its similar campaign of 2015-2018.
• Perform other related duties as needed to ensure success of Canopy’s fundraising programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment and passion for Canopy’s mission to advance “tree equity” and grow a vibrant urban forest in Midpeninsula communities for the benefit of all
• Commitment to Environmental Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI), and cultural competency to communicate, interact, and collaborate with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities
• Bachelor’s Degree and 5-7 years of experience in progressively challenging fundraising roles, or equivalent combination of education/experience
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) preferred
• Comfort with public speaking and direct solicitations
• Proven track record of securing major gifts
• Tangible experience of having sustained and grown donor relationships over time
• Direct work experience training and supporting boards and/or high-level volunteers in fundraising
• Professional experience in nonprofit leadership, with demonstrated success achieving goals
• Exceptional communication and writing skills
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Management experience of a diverse team; ability to foster a supportive environment where creativity and professional growth are encouraged
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to think strategically
• Strong project planning, management, and execution skills, with high attention to detail
• Strong knowledge of fundraising software and donor databases; Salesforce experience preferred
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed

Hybrid Environment

Canopy is committed to the health and safety of our staff. We have a hybrid work environment with some days in the office or field, and some days working from home. Because of the constantly changing environment, team members will need to maintain flexibility with possible changes and updates to the hybrid work plan.

All Canopy employees are fully vaccinated. View Canopy’s vaccination policy here.

SALARY OR SALARY RANGE

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000, provides Medical/dental/vision insurance, sick leave and generous vacation time, and opportunities for professional development.

In keeping with our commitment to equity and equal pay for all, Cook Silverman Search posts salary ranges on all job descriptions.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Victoria Silverman at apply@cooksilverman.com.

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.