Vice President Philanthropy (Northern California)

Opportunity International; Canada; On-site; CAD 229,000 - 258,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global non-profit organization is seeking a Vice President, Philanthropy for Northern California, to drive fundraising strategies and engage high-net-worth individuals. The successful candidate will excel in building relationships, securing transformational gifts, and effectively communicating the organization's mission. This senior-level role offers a compensation range of $165,000 – $185,000 annually, emphasizing significant experience in fundraising and strong interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Health insurance

Paid time off

403(b) retirement plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of successful fundraising experience, securing 7- and 8-figure gifts.
• Ability to communicate the organization's mission effectively.
• Fluency in written and verbal English required.

Responsibilities

• Identify and steward a portfolio of 25–50 principal gift donors.
• Secure a run-rate revenue of $5M or more by year three.
• Cultivate transformational gifts aligned with organizational priorities.
• Engage donors in meaningful dialogue to align their goals with our mission.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Strong relationship-building

Excellent communication skills

Financial understanding

Cross-cultural awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Opportunity International is partnering with Red Sea Executive Search for the appointment of this position. Please apply through their website at the following link: https://www.redseasearch.com/job/vice-president-philanthropy-northern-california/

The Vice President, Philanthropy for Northern California role supports the growth and mission of Opportunity International in serving those living in poverty worldwide. We are seeking an experienced principal gifts officer, titled Vice President, Philanthropy, to join our Philanthropy team. This senior‑level fundraiser will identify, develop and steward relationships with high and ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals and families capable of making transformational gifts ($5M+). The role will place strong emphasis on building new relationships and developing funding partnerships. Opportunity International is in an exciting growth mode, increasing revenues and broadening its major donor portfolio through unique, globally recognized solutions for people living in poverty worldwide. We are in the planning phase of our next five‑year Strategic Plan, which will feature rapid growth in client impact, fueled by aggressive revenue growth and cutting‑edge technologies to reach more people, faster.

To succeed, the Vice President, Philanthropy must be dynamic and engaging, highly organized, goal‑oriented, and proactive; using effective techniques and resources to present a clear and compelling case for supporting Opportunity International’s unique business model and transformative mission. The successful candidate will bring both relational depth and strategic skills, inviting donors to invest in work that has meaningful and eternal impact.

Compensation Range: $165,000 – $185,000 Annually

Responsibilities

• Identify, build and steward a small portfolio of 25–50 principal gift donors.
• Develop your portfolio to secure a run‑rate revenue of $5M or more by year three.
• Cultivate, solicit and steward transformational gifts in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Engage donors in meaningful dialogue to align their philanthropic goals with transformative gifts within Opportunity, which include cash gifts, planned gifts, endowment gifts, estate gifts and non‑cash assets.
• Partner with senior leadership, the Board and program teams to engage donors through tailored experiences, program visits and personalized proposals.
• Ensure thoughtful stewardship and reporting that demonstrates impact and accountability.
• Serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring that donors experience transparency, accountability and a deep connection to the mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of successful fundraising experience, including a record of securing 7‑ and 8‑figure gifts and growing revenues year over year.
• Excellent financial understanding, including key financial statements.
• Holds a deep passion for and commitment to the mission, vision and values of Opportunity International.
• Can articulate compelling reasons for supporting Opportunity International’s unique mission.
• Positivity; strong relationship‑building, communication and storytelling skills with comfort in speaking and social engagements. Excellent communication skills with a persuasive ability, including strong written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience with and knowledge of all fundraising vehicles for both cash and non‑cash assets, such as endowments, DAFs, etc.
• Cross‑cultural awareness and ability to work in diverse communities with respect and sensitivity.
• Ability to promote and communicate the organization’s goals and objectives to external and internal stakeholders.

Language Skills

• Written and verbal fluency in English required. Additional language skills are desirable.

Travel Requirement

• Travel extensively (25–50%), including occasional international trips.

About Opportunity International

Opportunity International is a global non‑profit that has been equipping people to build sustainable livelihoods and educate their children for 54 years. Opportunity provides 21 million families with innovative financial resources, training and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school. In 2024, Opportunity International and its partners helped fund 19,000 schools that reached 3.4 million children. We respond to Jesus Christ’s call to love and serve people living in poverty. We seek to emulate the Good Samaritan, whose compassion crossed ethnic groups and religions. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Discover more at opportunity.org.

Child Protection Commitment

Opportunity believes that all children have a right to protection from any form of abuse regardless of gender, culture, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation or ability. Opportunity operates in line with international best practices for child protection and recognizes its responsibility to ensure that all employees meet this requirement. This policy applies to anyone acting on behalf of Opportunity or is involved in its programs in any capacity. All employees are subject to background checks, which include criminal checks and sex offender list checks, as allowed by local law.

Equal Pay & Benefits Commitment

EQUAL PAY & BENEFITS COMMITMENT At Opportunity International, we are dedicated to maintaining transparency and fairness in our hiring process. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and Opportunity International reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. For regular roles, Opportunity International offers medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, disability, accident, critical illness, cancer and pet insurance, identity theft protection, 403(b) and paid time off. For more details on our benefits, please visit our website.

Opportunity International is partnering with Red Sea Executive Search for the appointment of this position. Please apply through their website at the following link: https://www.redseasearch.com/job/vice-president-philanthropy-northern-california/