Chief Development and Philanthropy Officer

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Development & Philanthropy Officer guides the strategic vision and day-to-day execution of Williamsburg Landing's comprehensive fundraising initiatives. Reporting directly to the President/Chief Executive Officer, this position will plan and coordinate all community-wide fundraising programs, provide professional, strategic support to the Development Committee of the Board of Directors and actively participate in the solicitation of major gifts and contributions. This role is central to identifying, building, and nurturing authentic, long-term relationships with key donors, prospects, and institutional funding sources to advance the organization's mission. 

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position will work collaboratively with the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, the Chairman of the Development Committee of the Board of Directors and the President of the Residents’ Council. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Strategic Fundraising & Leadership

• Annual Strategy & Planning: Design, recommend, and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan—complete with strategic objectives, financial goals, and action plans—aligned with Williamsburg Landing policies for approval by the CEO and Development Committee.
• Campaign Execution: Identify and recommend innovative fundraising activities to the CEO and spearhead their operational execution.
• Industry Best Practices: Stay abreast of philanthropic trends and successful development models at benchmark institutions to ensure Williamsburg Landing offers cutting-edge, compliant giving opportunities.
• Budgetary Oversight: Formulate the annual department budget and maintain strict fiscal management throughout the year.

Donor Cultivation & Community Engagement

• Major Gift Solicitation: Participate in high-level fundraising initiatives and strategically support the CEO and key volunteers in soliciting major contributions.
• Prospect Research: Design and execute a sophisticated prospect identification, research, and evaluation program to build a robust pipeline.
• Donor Relations & Stewardship: Establish a comprehensive donor relations program to sustain meaningful, long-term contact with past, current, and prospective donors.
• Community Advocacy: Maintain an active, visible presence within the greater Williamsburg community by attending and participating in civic and service organizations' events to elevate the profile of Williamsburg Landing.

Financial Management, Compliance, & Governance

• Financial Controls: Partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer and the Finance & Accounting team to establish and maintain rigorous financial controls.
• Gift Accounting & Gift Acceptance: Coordinate with Finance & Accounting on the receipt and proper allocation of all philanthropic gifts. Establish comprehensive giving policies, including clear guidelines on the acceptance/rejection of complex gifts.
• Restricted Fund Stewardship: Ensure restricted gifts are utilized strictly in accordance with donor intent and proactively communicate impact to donors. In instances where a restriction cannot be met, negotiate alternative uses.
• Tax Compliance: Oversee the preparation and issuance of accurate tax acknowledgement letters for all forms of giving (cash, property, bequests, charitable gift annuities, and other sophisticated financial instruments).
• Reporting & Advisory: Provide regular, comprehensive progress reports to keep the CEO, Development Committee, and key stakeholders fully informed of fundraising performance and milestones.

Communications, Events, & Volunteer Management

• Marketing & Collateral: Plan and oversee the creation and distribution of compelling, informational development and promotional materials.
• Educational Programming: Host annual educational events at Williamsburg Landing to inform stakeholders about philanthropic opportunities, as well as the legal and financial aspects of planned giving.
• Volunteer Mobilization: Activate and organize specialized fundraising task forces from Williamsburg Landing’s volunteer groups; lead recruitment efforts and maintain effective communication to support development initiatives.

Counsel & Administration

• External Counsel Management: Evaluate the organization’s need for independent fundraising counsel and, in partnership with the CEO, negotiate contracts and oversee their work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field, preferred
• Five or more (5+) years of progressive leadership experience in development and fundraising roles, with a strong preference for candidates from the senior living, healthcare, or higher education sectors
• Proven track record of success in major gift cultivation, with specialized expertise in planned giving, deferred giving, and capital campaigns

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• In-depth knowledge of modern development and philanthropy best practices, institutional funding sources, and the complex tax and legal implications of various gift vehicles
• Strategic thinker capable of exercising sound professional judgment, translating high-level vision into actionable campaign plans, and delivering measurable results
• Advanced proficiency with donor databases/fundraising management software (e.g., PG Calc, Crescendo, etc.), Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace
• Exceptional ability to build authentic, high-trust relationships; anticipate the needs of executive leadership and Board members; and serve as an articulate ambassador to residents and community partners
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to design, write, and format high-impact campaign materials with meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to work as a team or independently and be self-motivated and goal oriented, maintaining shared accountability for operational excellence, financial performance, and resident satisfaction with donor programs
• Exceptional administrative and time-management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Absolute commitment to the highest standards of professional integrity, ethical fundraising codes, and strict donor confidentiality
• Proven ability to motivate, mentor, train, and evaluate a high-performing team
• Ability to perform occasional physical tasks throughout the day, including standing, walking, and lifting up to 10 lbs., and to move about the community as required to provide operational oversight of events, attend meetings, visit residents, and host, participate in, or present at activities as needed.