Director of Philanthropy

Council of Foundations; Cincinnati (OH); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Relocation assistance

Medical benefits

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with match

Profit sharing

Job summary

The Director of Philanthropy at Single-Family Office in Greater Cincinnati leads strategic philanthropy, family engagement, governance, and grant administration. You work closely with a multi-generational family to translate their philanthropic vision into impactful programs, reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer.

This client-facing role requires coordinating with tax, wealth management, and foundation staff; travel nationwide to support family-led initiatives and experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; professional credentials preferred (CAP/21/64/CTFA).
• Minimum 7 years' philanthropy or foundation-related experience.
• Experience with grant management systems and high-net-worth client contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, governance and grant administration for complex philanthropy programs.
• Engage multi-generational family members to translate priorities into actions.
• Prepare and present at client and Foundation meetings; drive decisive outcomes.
• Travel to meet clients and support philanthropic activities nationwide.

Skills

Trusted advisor

Communication skills

Facilitation

Team leadership

Relationship management

Education

Bachelor's Degree

CAP/21/64/CTFA

Tools

Grant Management System

Job description

Director of Philanthropy

Greater Cincinnati Area

Organization: Single-Family Office

Salary: based on experience

THE OPPORTUNITY

Are you a philanthropic leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, client service, and family engagement?
Would you be energized by partnering directly with a multi-generational family to shape and advance their philanthropic vision and impact?
Are you excited by the opportunity to work alongside a sophisticated, growing philanthropy team on meaningful, complex initiatives?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

A single-family office that provides a diverse array of services, including investment and estate planning, tax, accounting, fiduciary, and philanthropic services to a multi-generational family with a controlling stake in a publicly traded corporation.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

The Director of Philanthropy will be a core member of the Philanthropy team responsible for thought leadership and execution in strategic philanthropy, family engagement, governance, and grant administration. As a client-facing member of the team, this individual will work closely with family members to understand their philanthropic interests and goals, facilitate thoughtful decision-making, and help translate those priorities into meaningful philanthropic strategies and experiences. This position will report to the Chief Philanthropy Officer.

Planning, Family Relations & Engagement

• Create, maintain, and manage individual giving strategic plans
• Lead and facilitate client and family meetings, including Foundation and grant committee meetings, creating an environment that encourages thoughtful discussion, engagement, and decision-making
• Prepare for and lead client presentations and discussions, translating complex philanthropic issues and recommendations into clear, compelling information for family membersContribute to Foundation meetings with a focus on bringing strategic solutions, as needed
• Partner with the CPO and colleagues to prepare for and facilitate presentations and discussions with family members
• Support strategic initiatives of the Philanthropy Team
• Contribute to, manage, and execute on philanthropic experience for family members
• Strategize, create, manage, and execute philanthropic events, in collaboration with staff
• Create, assist, execute, or identify opportunities to enhance family education
• Coordinate and collaborate with relationship managers, tax team and wealth management team
• Travel periodically to meet with clients across the country to support philanthropic activities, meetings, site visits, events, and other family-led philanthropic experiences

Foundation Leadership

• Lead a focus area committee
• Coordinate production of materials
• Present as needed to Foundation Board
• Coordinate and interact with nonprofit organizations within the focus area

Marketing and Communications

• Collaborate with External Director on publications, annual reports, and other acknowledgement collateral
• Work with and support the External Relations Director and CPO on internal and external marketing and communications strategies
• Support External Relations Director in messaging, website updates, and collateral materials

Management & Governance

• Manage a small team of Philanthropic Specialists
• Consult with Senior Leadership, peers, and CPO on complicated gifts
• Assist with data collection and organization for tax filings
• Create, assist, execute, or identify opportunities to enhance internal education

Family Dynamics and Advancement

• Contribute to value based or intergenerational communication skills
• Functional knowledge of communication, negotiation, or facilitation skills
• Support Client Services with development, creation, and implementation of educational tools
• Coaching of colleagues on usage of tool or direct implementation of tool

Grant Administration

• Develop functional knowledge of grant management system mastery of grant management system as super-user
• Approve assigned grants
• Coordinate with Director of Philanthropy Operations

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Other applicable credentials such as CAP, 21/64, or CTFA preferred
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in a philanthropy role, or in a role demonstrating support of foundations or tax-exempt entities
• Must have experience with a Grant Management System
• Demonstrated progressive level of skills and responsibility, preferably in an ultra-high net worth or grant making context
• Demonstrated success serving as a trusted advisor to clients, families, or other high-net-worth stakeholders, with the presence and communication skills to lead meetings, facilitate discussions, and guide clients through complex philanthropic decisions.
• Demonstrated talent for managing a large portfolio of relationships in a timely manner
• Experience with grant making strategies
• Experience working directly with ultra-high-net-worth families or other highly sophisticated philanthropic clients; experience in a family-office environment is highly valued.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Exceptional interpersonal presence and the ability to build trust with family members and clients, navigate differing perspectives, and facilitate productive conversations and decisions.
• Confident and polished facilitator who can lead a room, engage diverse personalities, and communicate complex philanthropic concepts with clarity and sensitivity.
• Demonstrated superior interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse, challenging, and creative personalities
• Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and multitask
• Superior written and oral communication skills

THE PAYOFF

• Work with a team that is supportive, engaged, and passionate about the mission.
• Perform good and meaningful work and grow within an organization that has a focus on employee development.
• Be part of an organization that is growing in both size and philanthropic impact.
• Help leave a lasting legacy in a variety of communities through philanthropy.
• The Family Office offers an enviable work life balance that includes team-oriented work environment and competitive compensation package.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability, paid training, paid holidays, paid time off, volunteer time off, 401(k) plan with match and profit sharing in addition to work from home days.
• Hybrid work, 4 days in office, one day remote.
• Relocation assistance provided.