Director of Philanthropy

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that demonstrates God's love and compassion. ADRA works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.

ADRA International is a religiously qualified Equal Opportunity Employer under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. As such we have the right to prefer a member of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in the hiring process. If a qualified Seventh-day Adventist candidate is not found, we will give the opportunity to candidates who must understand, respect, and honor the mission, purpose, and identity of ADRA.

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SUMMARY

Under the guidance of the Sr. Director of Growth Marketing and Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy will oversee the development and management of ADRA International's philanthropy strategy, including donor relations, major giving, legacy and planned giving, and family foundation engagement. This role is responsible for the cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention of transformational donors and philanthropic partners that support ADRA's global mission and long-term sustainability. This position will provide leadership, strategic vision, and direction to a team of philanthropy professionals and serves as a key leader in advancing organizational revenue goals, donor engagement, and philanthropic growth.

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OUTCOMES

• Drive sustainable philanthropic revenue growth through major gifts, planned giving, family foundations, and transformational donor engagement.
• Strengthen donor satisfaction and stewardship through exceptional donor experiences and relationship management.
• Build and lead a high-performing philanthropy team through effective leadership, professional development, process improvement, and consistent execution of priorities.
• Support organizational sustainability by increasing multi-year commitments, legacy gifts, foundation investments, and diversified revenue streams.
• Improve fundraising performance through data-driven portfolio management, donor insights, and measurable fundraising outcomes.

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PRE-REQUISITES

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Communications, Philanthropy, Sales, International Development, or related field required (Master's Degree preferred.)

Required Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will be passionate about cultivating meaningful donor relationships and advancing ADRA's mission through philanthropy and the donor experience.
• 7-10 years progressive fundraising, philanthropy, business development, sales, or customer service experience, including at least 3 years leading teams and managing budgets.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts, strategic partnerships, or comparable revenue-generating relationships.
• Experience leading teams, including responsibility for strategy, personnel, and fiscal management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic fundraising or sales plans using both quantitative and qualitative insights.
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors, family foundations, philanthropic partners, or business relationships.
• Strong partnership-oriented and collaborative working style with excellent interpersonal, listening, and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to identify opportunities that expand organizational relevance and deepen donor engagement.
• Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to solve complex problems, define goals, and assess fundraising effectiveness.

Specialized Skills/Knowledge

• Strategic fundraiser, relationship builder, and servant leader with a proven ability to drive revenue growth.
• Knowledge of major gifts, donor relations, planned giving, family foundations, and relationship-based fundraising/revenue generation.
• Experience managing donor portfolios, sales pipelines, or comparable relationship-management systems.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, donor analytics, prospect research, and fundraising technology.
• Ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-value donors, partners, or prospects.
• Skilled at translating organizational priorities into compelling funding and investment opportunities.
• Strong business development, negotiation, presentation, and consultative relationship-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage pipelines, forecast results, and achieve revenue goals.
• Excellent judgment, emotional intelligence, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and relationships in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to ethical fundraising, donor-centered practices, and organizational values.
• Experience developing and leading high-performing fundraising, sales, or relationship-management teams.
• Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity and inclusion.

Preferred

• Understanding of international relief and development issues, challenges, and trends.
• Experience in a faith-based organization or international NGO.
• Experience working within complex, matrixed, or networked organizations.
• Familiarity with planned giving vehicles, estate planning, and family foundation fundraising.

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BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

• Leading and Supervising (1.2) - Provides others with clear direction; sets appropriate standards of behavior.
• Relating and Networking (3.1) - Establishes good relationships with donors, partners, and colleagues.
• Persuading and Influencing (3.3) - Gains commitment and support through effective communication and relationship building.
• Deciding and Initiating Action (1.1) - Makes prompt, clear decisions which may involve considered risks.
• Adapting and Responding to Change (4.1) - Adapts to changing circumstances and opportunities.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage donor relations, major giving, legacy giving, and family foundation teams, as well as contractors and consultants as needed.
• Responsible for staff performance and development goals, establishing staff priorities, and conducting annual performance appraisals.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and donor-centered service.

Essential Responsibilities

• Translate philanthropy vision, strategy, and priorities to advance ADRA's mission and revenue goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of major gifts, legacy giving, family foundation, and transformational donor strategies.
• Manage philanthropy budget, fundraising investments, and revenue performance.
• Own high-value donor growth, retention, fundraising performance, and revenue generation.
• Develop and oversee high-value donor journeys from cultivation through stewardship and legacy commitment.
• Establish and monitor KPIs for high-value donor acquisition, retention, revenue growth, portfolio performance, and engagement.
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, family foundations, and strategic philanthropic partners.
• Provide strategic oversight of donor relations, stewardship, donor experience, and gift processing functions.
• Lead ADRA's planned giving, legacy giving, and family foundation fundraising programs.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure donor-centered, compliant fundraising practices and strategic alignment.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for philanthropy staff while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Leverage CRM systems, donor analytics, prospect research, and fundraising technology to inform strategy and improve results.

Other Key Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintain strong relationships with key donors, foundations, church leaders, and strategic partners.
• Represent ADRA at donor meetings, conferences, church events, and professional gatherings.
• Serve as an ambassador for ADRA's mission, values, and philanthropic priorities.

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TRAVEL

• Up to 25% domestic travel required. Occasional international travel as needed. Must have the ability to travel on short notice if necessary.

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MENTAL/EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to work in a fast-paced and customer service-oriented environment; to perform duties under pressure and meet deadlines in a timely manner; to work as part of a team as well as to complete assignments independently; to take instructions from supervisors; to exercise problem-solving skills; and to interact with Marketing and Public Relations staff, Pastors, church staff, church attendees and volunteers, school principals, teachers, and students, as well as the public in a professional and pleasant manner.

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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION (OSHA)

A person must be able to perform essential job functions with or without accommodation. Incumbent should be in optimal health for local travel in general.