Executive Director, SCH Foundation and Community Engagement Officer

South County Health; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent health organization in Wakefield seeks a Chief Philanthropy & Community Engagement Officer to lead community engagement and fundraising efforts. The ideal candidate will possess 7-10+ years of leadership experience, proven success in multi-million-dollar campaigns, and exceptional relationship-building skills. This role offers the opportunity to significantly contribute to community health initiatives and cultivate major gifts.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of leadership in development or community engagement.
• Proven success leading multi-million-dollar campaigns.
• Natural relationship-builder with strong public presence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the face of South County Health in the community.
• Direct and execute fundraising campaigns to achieve milestones.
• Provide strategic oversight as Executive Director of the Foundation.

Skills

Leadership in development

Community engagement

Stakeholder relations

Exceptional communication

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Role Overview

This is more than a fundraising role—it’s a chance to lead a community transformation. South County Health is Rhode Island’s only remaining independent health system, trusted by more than 200,000 residents for over a century. As the Chief Philanthropy & Community Engagement Officer, you’ll shape the future of independent healthcare through strategic development and community partnership, ensuring that mission drives money, not the other way around.

You’ll be supported by a committed CEO, engaged board, and experienced team—all working together to strengthen one of the region’s most essential community institutions. This role requires a leader who can inspire trust, engage the community, cultivate major gifts, strengthen partnerships, and position South County Health as an indispensable community asset.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Relationship Building (Primary Focus)

• Serve as the face of South County Health at community events, forums, and stakeholder meetings.
• Build and sustain authentic relationships with residents, business leaders, civic groups, and influencers.
• Lead community listening initiatives to understand needs, address concerns, and foster trust.
• Partner with the CEO to cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, allies, and even skeptics.

Strategic Development Leadership

• Direct and execute Campaigns, achieving major fundraising milestones.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors.
• Serve as key staff to the Foundation Board, with accountability for recruitment, governance, and engagement.
• Oversee all development functions: annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and events.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance in philanthropic operations.

Foundation Executive Leadership & Financial Oversight

• Serve as Executive Director of the South County Health Foundation, providing strategic oversight and operational leadership.
• Provide comprehensive financial oversight for the SCH Foundation to ensure the financial accounting of donations in accordance with donors’ intent.
• Partner closely with the finance office to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Partner with Executive Leaders for recommending the allocation and distribution of foundation funds in support of SCH strategic objectives.
• Ensure operational excellence and compliance in all philanthropic operations and foundation governance.

Executive Partnership & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO on community relations and organizational positioning.
• Shape messaging and response strategies that strengthen South County Health’s reputation.
• Contribute as a member of the leadership team, advancing system-wide strategic goals.
• Mentor, develop, and optimize the development team to achieve long‑term success.

What We’re Looking For

• 7–10+ years of leadership in development, community engagement, or stakeholder relations.
• Proven success leading multi‑million‑dollar campaigns and cultivating major gifts.
• Strong record of building and managing volunteer boards.
• Natural relationship‑builder with exceptional communication and public presence.
• Skilled at navigating complex community dynamics with diplomacy and authenticity.
• Bachelor’s required; Master’s preferred.

Preferred but not Required

Experience with financial management, reporting, and compliance in nonprofit settings.

Experience with donor database management (Raiser's Edge or similar platforms).

Understanding of healthcare philanthropy and community health initiatives.