Regional Director of Philanthropy - Midwest Region

Epilepsy Foundation of America; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Travel opportunities

Job summary

The Epilepsy Foundation of America is seeking a Regional Director of Philanthropy for the Midwest to lead major gift fundraising and donor stewardship. You will manage a $25k+ donor portfolio, develop moves management plans, and collaborate with leadership to advance priorities across research, advocacy, education, and patient services.

This full-time remote role requires 5+ years in major gifts, a Bachelor's degree (CFRE preferred), and proven success with high-net-worth donors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field is required.
• CFRE certification is preferred.
• Minimum five years of major gift fundraising experience.
• Proven success securing individual gifts of $25,000 or greater.
• Experience using moves management and a CRM like Salesforce.

Responsibilities

• Manage an active portfolio of major gift donors and prospects ($25,000+).
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward major gifts.
• Develop donor engagement strategies and moves management plans.
• Conduct in-person, virtual, and phone meetings with donors.
• Prepare proposals, gift agreements, and stewardship reports.
• Collaborate with foundation leadership and volunteers on major gift strategies.
• Identify planned giving opportunities and legacy commitments.
• Meet or exceed revenue and activity goals.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Donor cultivation

Donor stewardship

Portfolio management

Salesforce CRM

High-net-worth relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE certification

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Position Summary

The Regional Director of Philanthropy, Midwest Region, is a frontline fundraising professional responsible for securing transformational philanthropic investments that advance the mission of the Epilepsy Foundation of America. Reporting to the Vice President of Individual Giving, this position manages a portfolio of approximately 75100 qualified major gift donors and prospects with the capacity to make annual gifts of $25,000 or more.

The Regional Director develops and executes strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans designed to inspire philanthropic investment in the Foundations highest priorities, including research, advocacy, education, patient services, and innovation.

This position works collaboratively with Foundation leadership, affiliate partners, volunteers, physicians, researchers, grateful families, and other stakeholders to identify and engage donors whose philanthropic interests align with the Foundations mission.

Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management (60%)

• Manage an active portfolio of approximately 75100 qualified major gift donors and prospects with the capacity to make gifts of $25,000 or more.

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close, and steward major gift commitments supporting the Foundations strategic priorities.

• Develop comprehensive donor engagement strategies and individualized moves management plans for assigned prospects.

• Conduct regular in-person, virtual, and telephone meetings with donors and prospects to strengthen relationships and advance philanthropic commitments.

• Prepare compelling proposals, gift agreements, stewardship reports, and other donor communications.

• Partner with the President & CEO, Vice President of Individual Giving, Board members, affiliate leadership, physicians, researchers, and volunteers on major gift strategies and solicitations.

• Identify planned giving opportunities and collaborate with leadership to cultivate and secure legacy commitments.

• Meet or exceed annual revenue, solicitation, stewardship, and activity goals established by the Development Department.

• Maintain a disciplined donor pipeline that supports sustainable, long-term fundraising growth.

Regional Relationship Development (20%)

• Represent the Epilepsy Foundation throughout the Midwest region.

• Develop strong partnerships with affiliate organizations to identify, cultivate, and steward major gift prospects.

• Build relationships with healthcare providers, grateful families, community leaders, volunteer leadership, and philanthropic advisors.

• Participate in regional fundraising events, educational programs, donor cultivation opportunities, and community engagement activities.

• Serve as an ambassador for the Foundation, increasing visibility and philanthropic support throughout the assigned region.

Strategy, Collaboration & Operations (20%)

• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, proposals, and moves management activity within Salesforce.

• Participate in regular portfolio reviews and fundraising strategy meetings.

• Collaborate with Institutional Giving, Marketing & Communications, Research, Programs, Finance, and affiliate partners to deliver an exceptional donor experience.

• Maintain a thorough understanding of Foundation priorities, strategic initiatives, campaigns, and funding opportunities.

• Utilize donor data, pipeline information, and performance metrics to guide fundraising strategy and maximize donor engagement.

Expected Deliverables

• Meet or exceed annual major gift revenue and fundraising activity goals.

• Secure major gifts of $25,000 or more from qualified donors and prospects.

• Maintain and strategically manage a portfolio of approximately 75100 qualified major gift prospects.

• Conduct consistent donor discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

• Expand the qualified major donor pipeline throughout the Midwest region.

• Strengthen donor retention and stewardship efforts.

• Identify and refer appropriate planned giving opportunities.

• Develop strong partnerships with affiliates and Foundation leadership to advance fundraising opportunities.

• Maintain accurate and timely donor and moves management information within Salesforce.

Education Requirements

• Bachelors degree required.
• CFRE certification preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of five years of successful major gift fundraising experience.

• Demonstrated success securing individual gifts of $25,000 or greater.

• Experience managing a strategic major gift portfolio utilizing moves management best practices.

• Experience utilizing Salesforce or a comparable CRM platform.

• Experience working within a national nonprofit organization or affiliate network preferred.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to develop trusted relationships with high-net-worth individuals and families.

• Strong consultative fundraising, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship skills.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

• Strong organizational, project management, and time management abilities.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across a geographically dispersed organization.

• Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, accountability, and discretion.

• Strong commitment to confidentiality and professionalism.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and donor database/CRM systems.

• Knowledge of planned giving principles preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment & Travel

• This is a full-time, remote position supporting the Midwest region.
• Approximately 50% travel is required throughout the assigned territory for donor visits, affiliate engagement, conferences, Foundation meetings, national events, and other fundraising activities.
• Evening and occasional weekend work may be required to support donor cultivation, events, and organizational priorities.