Sr Director, Philanthropy

Inova Health System; Fairfax (VA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Inova Health System is seeking a Senior Director of Philanthropy to lead key development initiatives supporting their philanthropic mission. This role involves managing a team of fundraising professionals, driving effective gift solicitation, and establishing comprehensive fundraising strategies to enhance donor engagement.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in major gift solicitation and a proven track record in healthcare philanthropy. A flexible hybrid work schedule is available, requiring multiple on-site days per week.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in soliciting major gifts and leading development activities.
• 5 years of managerial experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field or 4 years of experience in lieu.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of fundraising professionals.
• Execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Maintain a portfolio of high-value donors for cultivation and gift closure.
• Strategically direct donor engagement activities for relationship management.
• Oversee compliance with policies and regulatory standards.

Skills

Major gifts solicitation

Team leadership

Fundraising strategies

Donor engagement

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The Senior Director of Philanthropy provides strategic and operational leadership for key development initiatives in support of Inova Health System's philanthropic mission and organizational priorities. This role is responsible for leading a team of gift officers/development professionals focused on major gifts, driving a high-performance culture, and ensuring the successful execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies. The Senior Director partners closely with executive leadership, clinical stakeholders, and community partners to advance philanthropic growth, strengthen donor engagement, and expand the Foundation's impact. This role is accountable for both individual fundraising performance and the development, coaching, and success of the team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Leads, coaches, and develops a team of fundraising professionals, establishing clear performance expectations and fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with Inova Health System and Foundation priorities, driving sustainable philanthropic growth.
• Maintains a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts.
• Provides strategic direction for donor engagement activities, ensuring effective identification, cultivation, stewardship, and long-term relationship management.
• Partners with executive leadership, physicians, and key stakeholders to align philanthropic initiatives with organizational priorities and funding needs.
• Oversees departmental operations to ensure compliance with organizational policies, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
• Leads the development and management of annual budgets, monitoring financial performance and ensuring achievement of revenue and expense targets.
• Collaborates with Foundation leadership to advance fundraising goals and strengthen community engagement.
• Establishes and monitors key performance metrics, driving accountability and continuous improvement in fundraising outcomes and team effectiveness.

Minimum Requirements:

• 10 years of experience in soliciting major gifts and leading development-related activities
• 5 years of managerial experience
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field (or 4 years of experience in lieu of degree)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Fund Raising Executive Certification (CFRE)
• Demonstrated success in healthcare philanthropy, including experience developing and leading grateful patient fundraising strategies, engaging clinical partners, and cultivating meaningful donor relationships that drive philanthropic growth
• Experience leading transformational change within a philanthropy or fundraising organization
• Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive major gift strategies that drive sustainable philanthropic growth and long-term donor engagement

*Flexible hybrid work schedule available; candidates must be able to work on-site multiple days per week.