THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Coast Guard Foundation is seeking a Regional Director of Philanthropy to play a critical role in
engaging the Mid-Atlantic Region donor base and securing annual, major, and planned gifts to increase organizational revenue. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Regional Director develops and implements metrics-driven cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for a portfolio of 70-90 donors capable of giving at least $10,000 annually, with a focus on donors capable of
making $25,000+ gifts. Working from home and managing a region that focuses on the greater
Washington Metropolitan Area, the Regional Director coordinates with headquarters staff and
regional major gift colleagues to maximize giving opportunities.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
DONOR PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT:
• Take the lead in strengthening and expanding the Coast Guard Foundation's overall philanthropy
program in the Mid-Atlantic Region.
• Provide overall management for a portfolio of 150+ major donors and prospects qualified for
6- to 7-figure annual and multi-year gifts.
• Develop and execute individualized annual donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans
designed to deepen donor engagement and increase gift levels.
• Plan and conduct 90 to 120 donor visits annually in order to maintain steady movement toward solicitations.
• Plan and make 30 to 50 solicitations annually to meet revenue goals.
• Match donor interests to the Coast Guard Foundation's strategic priorities by soliciting commitments to the Foundation's annual fund and special events; major outright gifts for specific programmatic priorities; and memberships in the planned giving legacy society.
• Travel regionally 30 to 50 percent of the time to attend donor meetings.
TEAM COLLABORATION:
• Brief and staff the President and/ or Chief Philanthropy Officer, as appropriate, on donor visits.
• Work with the President and Chief Philanthropy Officer to create opportunities to meaningfully engage Foundation trustees in fundraising.
• Coordinate with the Coast Guard Foundation's national staff-including the Director of Special Events, Researcher, and other Regional Directors of Philanthropy-to ensure maximally effective fundraising initiatives.
• In collaboration with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, monitor progress to achieve short-term targets while expanding annual revenue beyond $2 million.
• Maintain accurate and confidential donor records, including call reports documenting each donor visit and monthly progress reports on all activities.
• Develop expert familiarity with the Coast Guard Foundation's programmatic needs and priorities, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of key regional developments.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful Regional Director of Philanthropy will combine a personal passion for the Coast Guard Foundation's mission with confident individual major gift fundraising skills. The Regional Director will be a highly effective communicator who is able to motivate and engage high-level and high-net-worth individuals, volunteer leaders, and Board members and deepen their commitment to the Foundation. S/he will be able to use these skills in a highly self-motivated and results-oriented manner, independently following through on plans and proactively updating and coordinating with others as needed.
BACKGROUND
• At least 10 years of professional experience, including 3 to s years in a fundraising role.
• Record of commitment to professional teams and institutions.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
• Demonstrated success in all facets of major gifts fundraising, including prospect identification,
relationship building, and solicitation, or equivalent experience in such fields as financial advising,
sales, marketing, or non-profit management
• Proven ability to develop effective, tailored strategies for identifying and cultivating prospects.
• Commitment to personalized fundraising, including regular face-to-face donor meetings,
and outstanding one-on-one relationship-building skills.
• Record of securing donations or investments at the $1,000,000 level.
• Experience growing a donor or sales base and increasing revenue.
• Prior experience working with Board members and volunteers to increase their comfort
and participation in fundraising and other development-related activities.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, as well as experience making individual
and group presentations.
• Knowledge of the philanthropic market in and around the nation's capital.
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge or another donor database and Microsoft Office suite.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent; advanced degree or certification, such as a CFRE, is preferred.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND WORK STYLE
• High degree of initiative and self-motivation, with the ability to work independently toward goals
and to steadily monitor progress.
• Commitment to a collaborative approach to fundraising and sensitivity to the needs of others in
complex team environments that engage supervisors, volunteers, and colleagues at the national and regional levels; assiduous attention to sharing information is critical.
• Ability and willingness to work effectively from a home office.
• Ability and willingness to travel 30 to 50 percent of the time across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
• Personal commitment to supporting the men and women of the Coast Guard.
Compensation for this role will start at $150,000.00 USD annually but will be commensurate with experience.