Executive Director, Foundation

Southeast Georgia Health System Inc / SGHS; Brunswick (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Southeast Georgia Health System Inc / SGHS is seeking an Executive Director, Foundation to lead fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and campaigns that advance patient care and healthcare innovation. This role reports to senior leadership, directs Foundation staff, and builds community partnerships to support health programs and capital needs.

The ideal candidate will be a relationship-driven fundraiser with expertise in healthcare philanthropy, major gifts, and capital campaigns, and will

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years fundraising experience, preferably in healthcare philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Foundation's strategic fundraising plan aligned with priorities.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, donor engagement strategies, and revenue growth.
• Oversee major gifts, planned giving, and stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with leadership, board, physicians, and community stakeholders.
• Lead campaigns: annual, major gifts, capital, planned giving, and sponsorships.
• Oversee budgeting, policies, and staff development.

Skills

Fundraising Leadership

Major Gifts

Donor Stewardship

Strategic Planning

Capital Campaigns

Nonprofit Leadership

Foundation Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

CFRE certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you an experienced fundraising executive passionate about advancing healthcare and community well-being? We are seeking an Executive Director, Foundation to lead all philanthropic strategies, donor engagement initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and Foundation operations that support the mission of a leading healthcare organization.

In this executive leadership role, you will develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies, cultivate major donors, oversee planned giving programs, manage Foundation staff, and strengthen community partnerships that directly impact patient care, medical programs, and healthcare innovation.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven fundraising leader with expertise in healthcare philanthropy, major gifts, donor stewardship, capital campaigns, foundation management, and nonprofit leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Foundation's strategic fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, donor engagement strategies, and revenue growth objectives.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and implement improvements to maximize philanthropic impact.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, board members, physicians, and community stakeholders to advance fundraising initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic partners.
• Lead major gift and planned giving efforts, including bequests, trusts, estate gifts, and endowment opportunities.
• Develop customized funding opportunities tied to healthcare programs, patient initiatives, research, and capital needs.
• Design and lead comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including:
  • Annual giving programs
  • Major gift initiatives
  • Capital campaigns
  • Planned giving programs
  • Corporate sponsorship programs
  • Community fundraising events
• Expand participation and donor engagement through innovative campaign strategies and community outreach.
• Research funding opportunities from foundations, corporations, and grant-making organizations.
• Develop compelling grant proposals and funding requests.
• Monitor grant compliance, reporting requirements, and stewardship activities.
• Serve as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for the Foundation.
• Strengthen community awareness of the Foundation's mission, impact, and fundraising priorities.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to develop donor communications, reports, newsletters, and fundraising materials.
• Represent the organization at community events, donor meetings, and fundraising functions.
• Lead, coach, and develop Foundation staff.
• Oversee Foundation budgeting, financial management, and operational planning.
• Coordinate Board of Directors meetings and support board engagement in fundraising activities.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Ensure accurate gift processing, donor acknowledgment, and compliance with IRS regulations and organizational policies.
• Stay informed of philanthropy trends, charitable giving strategies, tax law changes, and planned giving regulations.
• Recommend innovative fundraising programs that support long‑term organizational growth.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, Healthcare Administration, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required.

CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of previous experience in fundraising or in health care related area preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must understand philanthropy at the community level
• Requires organizational abilities and detailed management skills required to create and maintain systems control, including regulatory and legal matters
• Must be able to manage multiple projects and working knowledge of Microsoft products

Why Join Us?

As Executive Director of the Foundation, you will play a critical role in securing resources that improve healthcare access, enhance patient outcomes, support clinical excellence, and strengthen the health of the communities we serve. Your leadership will directly influence transformational initiatives that leave a lasting impact on patients, families, and future generations.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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