[Hiring] Director, Individual Giving @VITAMIN ANGEL ALLIANCE INC

Role Description

Vitamin Angels is building a dedicated individual giving function for the first time. This is a hands-on role with two connected responsibilities: building the foundation for a sustainable individual giving program and raising money through existing donor relationships. The Director of Individual Giving will develop practical systems, donor engagement strategies, and broaden a pipeline of prospects while managing a growing portfolio of individual donors.

In partnership with the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the person in this role will have the opportunity to shape our approach to individual giving. Success will require initiative, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to balance program development with consistent outreach and solicitation. Working closely with the CDO, they will set priorities and build the function over time.

Currently, VA is raising approximately $500,000 across all areas of individual giving with a relatively passive approach to fundraising from existing donors. Given the potential in our existing donor base, we conservatively expect this person will raise at least $1 million in their first year and then set realistic, yet ambitious goals, as the individual giving program gains momentum.

Success will include both fundraising results and progress in building the function: a clear individual giving plan, a qualified donor pipeline, consistent donor engagement and stewardship practices, and gifts secured.

Qualifications

• Seven to ten years of fundraising from individuals, including significant direct experience cultivating and soliciting individual donors.
• Experience helping launch or expand an individual giving or major gifts program including the processes, systems and staffing needed to make it successful.
• Demonstrated success securing gifts and building sustained donor relationships with an emphasis on gifts at the level of $5,000 or above.
• Experience across the full spectrum of the donor experience, from initial identification, to cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Ability to turn broad goals into practical plans and follow through on both program development and fundraising activity.
• Comfort working in an evolving environment where some systems, materials, and processes will need to be created.
• Strong interpersonal, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate funding needs clearly and persuasively.
• Strong organizational skills and sound judgment in prioritizing competing demands.
• Deep experience using a CRM, preferably Salesforce, to manage relationships and track fundraising activity.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with colleagues, leadership, and volunteers.
• Commitment to VA’s mission.
• Availability for travel up to 40% and evening and weekend donor engagements as needed.

Requirements

• Build the individual giving function
• Assess existing donor relationships, giving history, and organizational practices to identify opportunities for individual giving.
• Develop and implement an initial individual giving plan, including priorities, fundraising goals, donor engagement strategies, and a calendar of activities.
• Establish practical processes for prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build a pipeline of prospective donors, partnering with leadership, board members, and colleagues to identify and develop relationships.
• Create portfolio management practices and use Salesforce to track engagement, next steps, and fundraising progress.
• Develop core fundraising materials, including a case for support and donor impact communications, in partnership with colleagues.
• Establish clear roles for leadership and board members in individual giving and support their participation in donor engagement.
• Cultivate donors and raise funds
• Manage a growing portfolio of individual donors and prospects with an emphasis on those with the capacity to give $5,000 or more.
• Develop and carry out personalized donor strategies, moving relationships toward meaningful engagement and financial support.
• As needed, draft and edit requests for funding for individual donors and family foundation such as letters of inquiry, concept papers, proposals, and grant applications.
• Understand when to personally solicit gifts and when to deploy the CDO and CEO in managing high net worth prospects and donors.
• Meet agreed-upon fundraising and engagement goals that reflect the program’s stage of development.
• Coordinate donor meetings, program visits, briefings, and other opportunities to connect individuals with the organization’s work.
• Provide timely acknowledgment, thoughtful stewardship, and clear reporting on the impact of gifts.
• Maintain accurate donor records and revenue forecasts, using results and donor feedback to refine the program.
• Uphold ethical fundraising practices and donor confidentiality.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit package includes Medical, Dental and Vision Care
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Holidays
• Wellness Program
• Paid parental leave
• And more