Vice President for Philanthropy

Organizational Overview

The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) is a $220 million dollar community foundation focused on enriching the quality of life in Washtenaw County. Our assets have doubled since 2015 and now AAACF is one of the 20 fastest-growing community foundations in the US. Founded in 1963, AAACF administers over 600 charitable funds.  Through a core team of 17 Trustees, 14 employees, and 400+ volunteers, AAACF works to connect people, charitable causes, and permanent capital for community impact. To learn more, visit www.aaacf.org.

The Position

The Vice President of Philanthropy is a full-time exempt position that reports to the President & CEO. The Vice President leads a 3-person team that includes a Philanthropic Services Manager and Business Intelligence and Systems Coordinator. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Vice President works closely with the President & CEO to market the Community Foundation’s services to individuals and families, professional advisors, and private foundations.

Overview

The Vice President of Philanthropy is responsible for:

• the implementation of a comprehensive development program and strategy to identify, cultivate and secure new donors;
• advancing a diversified planned giving program focused on professional advisor outreach;
• formulating and executing plans to increase community philanthropic partnerships and
• ensuring facilitation of all gifts from prospective donors, including non-cash, deferred and testamentary gifts.

Main responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Development

• Researches, identifies, cultivates, and solicits donor prospects
• Plans and coordinates donor cultivation and recognition events
• Seeks new opportunities to increase the Community Foundation’s visibility with prospective donors
• Develops and expands the Community Foundation’s planned giving program
• Monitors national trends related to philanthropy

Professional Advisors

• Cultivates the professional advisor community to increase quantity and quality of donor referrals through presentations at professional advisor firms
• 1:1 meetings with advisors
• Identification of new advisors
• Management of ongoing relationships with existing advisor groups
• Delivery of educational programs for the advisor community

Donor Education & Services

• Plans and coordinates events that educate donors about community issues and the role of AAACF in addressing those issues
• Works closely with the grantmaking staff to identify opportunities to leverage additional donor support for grants made by AAACF

Strategy and Governance

• Regularly participates in Board and Leadership Team meetings to stay abreast of key issues and contribute to the achievement of strategic goals

Position Requirements

Education, Training, and Geography

A bachelor’s degree is required. A graduate degree is preferred. Certifications in fundraising, financial planning, estate planning, or related areas are a plus. A hands-on knowledge of modern development and communications tools (such as development software, CRM, databases, spreadsheets, and online research services) is strongly preferred.  Successful candidate must live in Washtenaw County or be willing to relocate to Washtenaw County within 3 months of starting the position.

Work Experience and Demonstrated Competencies

Prior Work Experience

• Significant professional experience is required
• Nonprofit fundraising experience is required, and a proven track record of closing major gifts is necessary
• Experience in new business development of high-net-worth individuals

Technical Competencies

• Superior interpersonal skills
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent public speaking abilities
• Good command of modern office software and technologies
• Familiarity with Washtenaw County issues, nonprofits, donors, and communities is preferred.

Behavioral Competencies

• Mission: Genuine and demonstrated passion for the community and the AAACF vision around diversity, equity and inclusion. Demonstrated leadership presence to represent the Core Values of the Foundation in the public sphere
• Communication: Ability to establish effective relationships with prospective donors, donors, professional advisors, board members and staff members; incorporates a strong customer service ethic into all activities (a service-oriented mindset is critical); confidentiality and discretion are a must; good sense of humor and ability to laugh at oneself
• Teamwork: Consummate team player; comfortable supporting and leading group efforts; willingness to embrace AAACF’s strategic and tactical direction; active manager and mentor for all direct reports; contributes to a positive culture for all AAACF staff
• Organization: Highly motivated, self-organized; thrives on handling multiple activities at once; able to prioritize issues on an ongoing basis; great attention to detail; able to handle most office tasks without assistance
• Professional Maturity: Able to work independently to achieve objectives and solve problems; an entrepreneurial and creative mindset; a very strong work ethic, as well as integrity, sound judgement.

Benefits include:

• hybrid working environment
• health, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with contribution matching
• eight weeks of paid family or medical leave
• life insurance
• short and long-term disability insurance
• flexible and childcare savings accounts
• paid time off and much more

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $120,000 and an offer will be based on a candidate’s relevant qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Please submit the following items: cover letter, resume, fundraising plan that you have implemented and answers to the three questions below to jobs@aaacf.org (no phone calls, please). You may address the cover letter to Dorcas Patterson, assistant to the CEO.  The three questions to be answered are:

1. What makes you an exceptional candidate for this position?
2. Why do you want to work at AAACF?
3. Which, if any, of our Core Values resonates with you?

Deadline To Apply: July 29, 2022

This will be a two-interview process of which the first interview will be virtual, and the second interview will be in-person half day opportunity to meet our staff.

AAACF is an equal opportunity employer.