United Way of Greater Knoxville · 1 month ago
Vice President of Philanthropy
Knoxville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$125K/yr - $150K/yr
10+ years expUnited Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) is seeking a Vice President of Philanthropy to provide strategic leadership for corporate engagement, major donor engagement, and community-wide fundraising. This role involves designing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy to enhance UWGK's position in the philanthropic landscape and ensure alignment with community impact goals.
CharityFinanceNon Profit
Responsibilities
Providing leadership, coaching, and mentorship to ensure high performance and professional growth
Setting clear expectations and goals, directing and delegating work assignments, monitoring progress, and conducting performance evaluations
Supporting cross-functional collaboration and guiding team members in aligning their work with organizational strategies and revenue goals
Ensuring department staffing, structure, and processes maximize available resources and opportunities
Champion UWGK’s mission and community well-being as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing a united and visible presence across the organization and broader community
Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors, Advancement and Communications teams, and fundraising volunteer committees to create and execute intentional, comprehensive, effective short- and long-term strategies for increased revenue generation and diversification aligned with UWGK’s mission and goals
Utilize data and analytics to track and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and prepare reports on fundraising activities for the President/CEO and board of directors/key stakeholders to inform data-driven decision-making and resource optimization
In collaboration with the Finance department, develop and manage budgets related to fundraising activities, oversee fundraising reporting, and ensure that all fundraising practices and processes adhere to legal and ethical standards and are in compliance with relevant regulations
In collaboration with the Chief of Staff and Communications and Marketing & Communications team, align data, storytelling, marketing, and outreach strategies to grow, engage, and mobilize segmented target audiences
Engage and mobilize corporate partners, business leaders, community groups, individual donors, and nonprofit partners to strengthen support for UWGK’s mission and increase revenue
Provide leadership to UWGK’s Advancement Committee and staff support to volunteer fundraising committees, councils, and strategies, including the Alexis de Tocqueville council (ADT), giving societies, and executive ambassador program
Annually, serve as primary liaison with UWGK Community Campaign chair and lead Advancement team in planning and coordinating community/corporate campaign activities, and driving and monitoring annual giving campaign results
Leverages CRM, wealth screening, and leads technology initiatives to enhance fundraising results and donor satisfaction, which improves the organization’s use of systems to increase overall impact
Advance a donor-centric, relationship-based moves management strategy grounded in best practices to inspire increased philanthropic giving and long-term donor and corporate partnership
Drive donor prospecting, cultivation, acquisition, solicitation, and stewardship of high-net-worth individuals to maximize financial support for community investment and initiatives
Expand UWGK’s major gift program by establishing strong relationships to secure transformational major, endowment, deferred, and legacy gifts ($500K+)
Lead corporate partnership strategy to build and expand mutually beneficial relationships - developing and leading annual fundraising planning, workplace campaigns, sponsorships, and new volunteerism and CSR initiatives
Oversee donor engagement events, coordinating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful fundraising efforts
In collaboration with the Community Impact department, draft and manage timely, compelling proposals, presentations, reports, and acknowledgements
Cultivate and lead donor experiences and use data insights to strengthen the advancement model and donor pipelines continuously
Create cultivation and stewardship strategies to deepen relationships, strengthen retention, and grow average gift size
Expand innovative workplace giving strategies and corporate engagement methods to grow UWGK’s donor base
Serve as the organizational champion for CRM excellence by leading improvements in system usage, functionality, and data accuracy to ensure Advancement efforts are fully supported and data-driven
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in a related field required
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience leading a development or advancement function for a nonprofit or similarly complex institution with multiple stakeholders
At least five (5) years of experience in program evaluation, outcomes measurement, and data-driven performance improvement
Demonstrated success securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts
Innovative thinker with a track record for translating strategy into action plans and results
Expertise in managing high-performing teams
Exceptional communication skills, executive presence, and ability to project confidence and credibility to peers, top-level executives, and internal and external stakeholders
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, donor management software systems, project planning software, and other relevant tools
Strategic Leadership: Ability to develop and execute long- and short-range strategic plans that integrate fundraising, community mobilization, and donor engagement
Fundraising Expertise: Demonstrated success in and strong understanding of fund development best practices, including donor cultivation, stewardship, major gifts, workplace campaigns, and planned giving
Communication & Influence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to inspire, persuade, and engage diverse audiences, including donors, corporate partners, volunteers, and community leaders
Team Leadership & Coaching: Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, develop, and motivate high-performing teams with a focus on accountability, collaboration, and performance excellence
Relationship Building: Proven ability to cultivate productive, trust-based relationships with donors, business leaders, nonprofit partners, volunteers, and internal teams
CRM & Data Management: Advanced proficiency with CRM systems, including the ability to lead improvements in functionality, accuracy, and adoption across the organization; skilled in using data to guide strategy and decision-making
Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify trends, and make informed decisions that improve outcomes
Project & Process Management: Ability to design and manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously, meeting deadlines while maintaining quality and strategic alignment
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skilled at working across departments to ensure alignment, reduce silos, and integrate messaging, goals, and engagement strategies
Community Engagement: Ability to mobilize and activate key partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to advance UWGK's mission and increase community involvement
Adaptability & Innovation: Demonstrated track record of introducing innovative strategies, adapting to evolving community needs, and leading change within complex environments
Cultural Competency: Ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences
Technology Fluency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, project management tools, and technology platforms that support donor engagement and performance management
Preferred
Master's degree or advanced certification (CFRE, ANCP) preferred
Key knowledge of the Greater Knoxville community and the local philanthropic and corporate landscape
Company
United Way of Greater Knoxville
United Way of Greater Knoxville is a non-profit organization that works for stable housing, financial security, early care, and education.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Matt Ryerson
President & CEO
Blake Valentine
Chief Financial Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase