Associate Vice President, US Philanthropy

Operation Smile; Virginia Beach (VA); Remote; USD 113,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer matching

Health plans

Paid holidays

Flexible work arrangements

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Operation Smile is seeking an AVP of US Philanthropy to lead a nationwide, fully remote team focused on Major Gifts, Mid-Level, and Concierge giving. You will drive a structured fundraising model, expand donor engagement, and ensure consistent execution across channels to meet aggressive revenue goals.

The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on management, requiring 12–15 years in fundraising leadership, CRM proficiency, and a track record of delivering results across multiple donor

Qualifications

• 12–15 years in leadership fundraising or business development.
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver against revenue targets.
• Strong operator with experience managing performance through metrics.
• Experience coaching teams on strategy, systems, and execution.
• High proficiency in CRM systems (BBCRM preferred) and data-driven decision making.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to travel 20–40%.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive revenue performance across Major Gifts, Mid-Level, and Concierge channels.
• Lead the execution and accountability of the organization’s fundraising strategy.
• Track performance weekly against revenue, pipeline, and activity metrics.
• Drive accountability through portfolio reviews and follow-up.
• Identify performance gaps and implement solutions at individual and program levels.
• Strengthen pipeline, donor movement, and CRM discipline.
• Coach team on donor strategy and operational execution.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management.

Skills

Leadership fundraising

Team leadership

Donor relationship management

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Tools

BBCRM

Job description

AVP, US Philanthropy

Location: Remote in USA

Travel: Up to 25% Travel Required - Foreign and Domestic

Application Requirements: Cover Letter preferred

General Description

The AVP of US Philanthropy directly manages a team responsible for delivering revenue goals of $8.5M+ across Major Gifts and $3.5M+ across Mid-Level and Concierge ($2M+ Mid-Level, $1.50M+ Concierge). This role leads five Development Directors and one Development Manager overseeing four Specialists, and two Concierge contracts with a clear mandate to drive revenue growth, performance, and execution across these channels. We are driving toward doubling revenue across all fundraising channels by 2031 to support programmatic growth. The first 12–24 months will focus on accelerating individual giving performance and scaling existing channels. By year 3-4, the AVP will help build and integrate a Principal Giving program. This is a highly operational, results-oriented role responsible for meeting revenue targets and executing a structured, performance-driven fundraising strategy across Major Gifts and Mid-Level giving in the United States. The focus is on strengthening systems, improving pipeline health, and ensuring consistent execution across both revenue and key non-revenue metrics. This is both a strategic operator and team leader, responsible for executing an established model, identifying gaps, and building solutions that improve team performance and donor outcomes. This role leads a fully remote team across multiple time zones, maintaining clear communication, accountability, and consistency in execution.

Key Responsibilities

Execution & Performance Management (Primary Focus)

• Own and drive revenue performance across Major Gifts, Mid-Level, and Concierge channels, ensuring teams consistently execute against annual goals, pipeline expectations, and key performance metrics
• Lead the execution and accountability of the organization’s relationship management fundraising strategy, ensuring consistent donor movement, proactive portfolio management, and strong solicitation activity across all channels
• Track performance weekly against revenue, pipeline, and activity metrics
• Drive accountability through portfolio reviews, clear expectations, and consistent follow-up
• Identify performance gaps and implement solutions at both individual and program levels
• Strengthen core practices: pipeline development, donor movement, and CRM discipline
• Coach team on donor strategy and operational execution
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management

Strategic Leadership & Growth

• Partner with VP on forecasting, planning, and growth strategy
• Prioritize and solve operational challenges to keep work moving efficiently
• Support build-out of Principal Giving program (year 3–4) and contribute to select HNWI relationships

Reporting & Program Enablement

• Oversee consistent reporting cadence (bi-monthly, monthly, quarterly)
• Translate program strategy into clear, usable donor-facing insights
• Equip the team with tools, messaging, and context needed to drive results

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Planned Giving, Prospect Research, Brand, Mass Market, Data & Analytics, Finance, and external vendors
• Align strategy across channels to improve donor experience and outcomes
• Support donor engagement opportunities, including events and site visits
• Manage team budgets to maximize efficiency and impact

Qualifications

• 12–15 years in leadership fundraising or business development, preferably in a global nonprofit
• Proven ability to lead teams and deliver against revenue targets
• Strong operator with experience managing performance through metrics
• Experience coaching teams on strategy, systems, and execution
• High proficiency in CRM systems (BBCRM preferred) and data-driven decision making
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to travel 20–40%

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic fundraising team and play a pivotal role in advancing Operation Smile’s mission. If you are a strategic leader with a passion for philanthropy and a proven track record of success.

Compensation

Operation Smile is committed to pay transparency. The anticipated salary range for this position is $112,800 to $141,000 which may vary slightly based on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Why Operation Smile?

• Meaningful Work – At Operation Smile, you will engage in meaningful work that transforms lives, providing essential medical care to children and contributing to global health and well‑being.
• A Brighter Future – Make saving for the future easy with Operation Smile’s 401(k) plan, featuring Safe Harbor and employer matching.
• Happy and Healthy – Kick back and relax with Operation Smile's all‑in‑one health plans! We've got your health, pharmacy, dental, and vision needs covered for you and your loved ones. No worries, just smiles!
• Worry‑Free Insurance – Enjoy true peace of mind with 100% paid premiums for life and AD&D insurances. We've got you covered, no matter what!
• Take Your Time (Off) – Flexible time off and celebrate with company‑paid holidays! More time for fun and relaxation.
• Work it, Flex it – Enjoy flexible work arrangements that fit your lifestyle, with remote, on‑site, and hybrid work arrangements.
• Travel Minus Stress – See the world through our unique employee programs, which offer opportunities to participate in international medical trips, community outreach, and global health initiatives

More About Us

Operation Smile is a global nonprofit specializing in expert cleft surgery and care. We provide medical expertise, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits and health systems and supported by our generous donors. Since 1982, Operation Smile has been committed to providing patients with health that lasts through life‑saving cleft surgeries and comprehensive care, helping them to better breathe, eat, speak, and live lives of greater quality and confidence. Our training and education programs elevate safe surgical standards and strengthen a global network to reach more people earlier in their lives. Learn more at www.operationsmile.org or by following @operationsmile on social media.