Description
The Vice President of Donor Relations (VPDR) is a key member of the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada’s executive leadership team and serves as the strategic driver of development and donor stewardship efforts. This role leads the professionals who cultivate, advise, and support donors, while also directly managing a portfolio of high-impact relationships.
The VPDR strengthens philanthropic partnerships by expanding our donor pipeline, stewarding charitable assets, and deepening engagement with professional advisors, volunteers, and community leaders. Success in this position includes growing the Community Foundation’s charitable footprint while ensuring every donor experience reflects our longstanding commitment to integrity, community investment, and honoring donor intent.
We are seeking an accomplished development leader with proven success in planned giving, relationship cultivation, and team leadership — someone energized by connecting people who care with causes that matter.
Requirements
1. Strategic Team Leadership (25%)
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team: Director of Giving Strategies, Director of Donor Services, Director of Marketing and Communications, and Donor Relations Officer.
- Drive strategy, goal-setting, and operational excellence to grow charitable assets and expand legacy commitments.
Partner with CEO and CFO as part of the Executive Leadership Team to align cross-functional planning and organizational priorities. - Oversee marketing and communications strategy development and execution in support of new charitable asset growth, donor stewardship, and community leadership goals.
- Engage the Board and Advisors in Donor Relations strategy, operations, and policies, and serve as the Staff Liaison to the Board Donor Relations Committee.
- Ensure communications and stewardship practices reflect the Community Foundation’s values of trust, quality, and donor-centered philanthropy.
Prepare for thoughtful team expansion as the organization continues to grow.
2. Pipeline Growth (25%)
- Cultivate relationships with prospective donors and professional advisors to generate $25+ million in new charitable assets annually.
- Strengthen and expand professional advisor network and alumni Board engagement.
- Increase visibility and partnership opportunities across Northern Nevada’s rapidly evolving community.
3. Gift & Opportunities Management (25%)
- Serve as a lead gift planning strategist, particularly for complex or non-cash charitable contributions.
- Conduct high-level donor meetings and coach the team in opportunity progression and successful gift closure.
- Ensure efficient, ethical processes support every step of the giving experience.
4. Donor Stewardship (15%)
- Guide excellence in donor services and philanthropic advising; personally steward a select portfolio of fundholders.
- Support donors and lead team in shaping philanthropic goals and expanding impact.
- Implement strategies that enhance donor alignment with the Community Foundation’s community leadership initiatives.
5. Operational Fundraising (10%)
- Lead annual fundraising and Board giving initiatives.
- Ensure strong stewardship practices for all donors and grantmaking partners.
Requirements:
- 8+ years of experience in gift planning or major/planned gift fundraising, including negotiation of complex gifts and non-cash assets
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams
- Strong engagement with professional advisors and referral networks
- Skilled in prospect pipeline development and CRM/prospect management practices
- Ability to thoughtfully guide donors through the full giving lifecycle
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Expert communicator with the ability to build meaningful relationships and inspire philanthropy
- Deep knowledge of planned giving strategies, particularly for gifts greater than $500,000
- Proven judgment navigating sensitive or high-profile donor engagements
- Strategic thinker who brings analytical discipline and creativity to advance mission and outcomes
- High emotional intelligence, integrity, and alignment with community-led philanthropy
