Director of Individual Philanthropy

Position Summary:

The Director of Individual Philanthropy is a senior member of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation’s Development team and conceptualizes and manages the Free Library Foundation’s annual fundraising programs, which include premier membership (The Pepper Society), young professionals membership (The Ravens Society), and family membership (The Knee-Hi Society), as well as the Free Library Fund. The Director carries a portfolio of leadership prospects and is responsible for fundraising goals of $2M+. Supports, enhances, and executes the vision of the Executive Director, and the CSAO. Believes in the mission of the Foundation and the communities it serves.

In addition to directing annual giving programs, the Director of Individual Philanthropy manages the volunteer councils that support membership acquisition and stewardship. They direct all acquisition, renewal, and stewardship activity, including relationship cultivation, events, and benefits administration. This position oversees a robust direct marketing program, and is responsible for messaging and coordination of this successful fundraising strategy. In addition, this position is responsible for overseeing all programmatic aspects of the Individual Giving program, working closely with the Major Gifts and Special Assistant to the Executive Director, Executive Assistant & Special Events Coordinator, Membership Engagement Coordinator, and Author Events team to plan and execute all related donor/prospect events including dinners, receptions, trips, author experiences, and more.

Why Work For Us?

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation offers a competitive compensation package. We offer the following benefits: flexible work environment, medical, dental, flex and HSA plans, disability & life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement 403b, PTO, paid holidays (including floating).

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage Black, Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. The organization is committed to building a community that is inclusive and equitable.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the development team with conceiving and implementing premier events for the foundation.
• Envisions, implements, and directs strategy to ensure continued growth of individual annual giving programs at the Free Library.
• Cultivates and solicits Pepper Society and leadership annual giving prospects with the goal of increasing giving, and/or to becoming major giving donors as well as planned giving donors.
• Meets mutually agreed upon goals for outreach, cultivation, and solicitation.
• Manages the Foundation’s volunteers as they advocate and support development efforts to expand the membership programs.
• Supervises the Individual Philanthropy team members, whose responsibilities include overseeing successful donor engagement, acquisition, benefit administration, and stewardship.
• Works to plan strategy for donor recognition and cultivation events for members and other donors.
• Works with the Individual Philanthropy team to engage donors through monthly newsletters, social media, and other platforms, contributing to content development and overseeing the calendar for development communications.
• Fosters a culture of philanthropy mindset, actively engaging in fundraising efforts organized or attended by staff and promoting the organization's mission and values in and outside the organization including but not limited to supporting the mission of the Foundation by promoting membership and developing, promoting and attending events as appropriate.
• Builds a culture of philanthropy within the Foundation and works to successfully engage in one-on-one solicitation and ongoing donor stewardship.
• Assumes responsibility for oversight of Major Gifts and Planning Giving team members.
• Maintains comprehensive, accurate donor records, coordinates funding requests, preps donor materials and maintains efficient development systems.
• Develops and maintains three annual budgets as it relates to Annual Giving, and events.
• Leads and inspires staff and Board to participate in philanthropic activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in leadership level fundraising and individual giving, with management responsibilities.
• Experience in initiating and implementing development strategies, including membership and annual fund programs, and in forming donor engagement programs or improving existing programs.
• Experience in creating and monitoring revenue and expense budgets.
• Experience in donor cultivation and moves management, including renewals, recapture and upgrading individual donors.
• A strong background in volunteer management and volunteer leadership development.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, setting goals for this position and for team members, and overseeing progress toward goals, including the ability to change course and revise strategies if/when needed.
• Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills. Excellent storytelling
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Entrepreneurial and growth mindset
• Working knowledge of Blackbaud’s Altru or Raiser’s Edge, or similar fundraising program.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of five to seven years of progressive development experience and a proven record of fundraising and leadership success.
• Bachelor’s degree.

THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA FOUNDATION:

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the city of Philadelphia’s public library system. Increasingly, the Library relies on private support to provide the critical programs and resources necessary to advance literacy, guide learning and inspire curiosity throughout the Philadelphia region.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send resume and cover letter to Diane Mallery: MalleryD@freelibrary.org with the job title in the subject line.