Philanthropy Director

Lever for Change is looking for a Philanthropy Director to provide a wide range of strategic support to the Lever for Change team and high-profile clients.

The full job description covers all associated skills, previous experience, and any qualifications that applicants are expected to have.

Lever for Change (LFC) connects donors with bold solutions to the world’s biggest problems including issues like racial inequity, gender inequality, lack of access to economic opportunity, and climate change.

Using an inclusive, equitable model and due diligence process, Lever for Change creates customized philanthropic challenges and other tailored funding opportunities for donors.

Top-ranked challenge finalists become members of the Bold Solutions Network a growing global network that helps secure additional funding for these important projects.

Founded in 2019 as a nonprofit affiliate of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Lever for Change has influenced nearly $2.

2 billion in grants to date and provided support to more than 500 organizations. To learn more, visit www.leverforchange.org.

The Philanthropy Director provides a wide range of strategic support to the Lever for Change team and high-profile clients.

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, hard-working professional to join a philanthropic start-up, and help grow the organization’s reputation, reach and impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Develop and implement creative strategy for donor outreach and cultivation to secure new competition sales, donor advisory service sales, and connections to Bold Solutions Network members for funding purposes.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships to leverage opportunities, build awareness and generate contributed and / or earned revenue for Lever for Change.
• Build Lever for Change’s credibility among national and international networks of high-net-worth individuals.
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing donors, prospects, wealth and philanthropic advisors, relevant donor intermediaries, and Bold Solutions Network members.
• Produce high-quality presentations, cultivation / sales materials, and communications for donor prospects and clients.
• Develop and implement creative approaches to donor partner engagement, donor learning opportunities, and marketing of Bold Solutions Network members.
• Work cross functionally to build new services and identify compelling stories to better market Lever for Change to potential clients.
• Ensure accurate tracking of relationship development in the CRM database and produce regular status reports.
• Manage outside vendors and contracts.
• Manage and mentor associates, embodying organizational values of transparency, equity, and fairness.
• Complete other projects as assigned.

Other Duties and Responsibilities :

• Keep abreast of current events, developments and issues in the fields of fundraising and philanthropy.
• Participate in learning and evaluation processes to improve the strategic direction of the organization.
• Write extensively for internal and external purposes.
• Represent Lever for Change on panels and at conferences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

• A bachelor’s degree or related experience required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in fundraising or high-end business development with a focus on high-net-worth individuals, with 5 years setting strategic priorities.

Management experience preferred.

• A compelling record of generating contributed or earned revenue, which could substitute for years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work with high-net-worth clients in a consultative fashion (i.e., excellent listener, able to anticipate and assess client needs, and to be proactive in bringing advice and solutions).
• Comfortable navigating a complex and evolving organization, with an adaptable, collaborative, and strategic approach.
• Brings a creative, learning mindset.
• Energized by interaction with clients.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects under tight deadlines.
• Have intellectual curiosity and passion for an eclectic range of issues.
• A presence that is self-confident and diplomatic with a collegial approach to work.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Experience with Salesforce (or other CRM software).
• Be willing and able to travel regularly, including internationally.
• Use discretion, maintain confidentiality, display cultural sensitivity, and work diplomatically with diverse constituencies.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment :

The work environment is an office setting. Intermittent physical activities will include bending, reaching, sitting, and moving around the office during working hours.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job. We estimate about 30% of the role will involve travel.

This position also requires the ability to speak with clients and other stakeholders outside of regular office hours due to working across different time zones.

Annual salary for this role will start at $145,600.

The position is based in Chicago, Illinois, and Chicago is the preferred location. Remote work in select locations in the U.S. will be considered.

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