Strategic Philanthropy Director: Major Gifts & Impact

Unity School Of Christianity; Unity Village (MO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Unity School Of Christianity in Unity Village, MO, seeks a Director of Strategic Philanthropy to lead major, principal, planned gifts and campaigns. This role sits on the Leadership Council and partners closely with the CEO to grow donor relationships and advance Unity’s mission with modern fundraising practices.

The ideal candidate will manage a high-capacity portfolio, drive strategic giving, and collaborate with Marketing on donor communications and digital fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit fundraising or related field is required.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 6–8 years of philanthropy, advancement, development, or nonprofit fundraising experience with team leadership.
• Experience partnering with a CEO, governing board, executive team, and volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Capital or comprehensive campaign leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Fluency with modern fundraising technology and tools (CRM, analytics) is expected.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year philanthropy strategy aligned with Unity’s mission, strategic plan, and financial priorities.
• Establish annual and long-range fundraising goals, portfolio expectations, and reporting for major gifts, foundations, endowment, and campaigns.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on philanthropy, donor engagement, funding opportunities, and trends.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy across Unity through donor engagement, stewardship, and mission-based relationships.
• Represent Philanthropy on Unity's Leadership Council and collaborate across departments to drive fundraising results and modernization.

Skills

Donor engagement

Portfolio management

Strategic fundraising

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit fundraising, non-profit management, business, communications, marketing, public administration, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Experience with CEO/Board collaboration

Job description

Unity School Of Christianity in Unity Village, MO, seeks a Director of Strategic Philanthropy to lead major, principal, planned gifts and campaigns. This role sits on the Leadership Council and partners closely with the CEO to grow donor relationships and advance Unity’s mission with modern fundraising practices.

The ideal candidate will manage a high-capacity portfolio, drive strategic giving, and collaborate with Marketing on donor communications and digital fundraising efforts.