[Hiring] Senior Philanthropy Officer @Evidence Action

Role Description

Evidence Action is seeking a Senior Philanthropy Officer to lead major and principal gift fundraising in the San Francisco Bay Area, securing gifts of $100,000 and above. This new position reports to the Associate Director of Philanthropy and joins a small, high-performing Growth team that has significantly increased new major donor acquisition over the past two years. Specifically, the Senior Philanthropy Officer will:

• Build Evidence Action’s presence and donor pipeline in the Bay Area and tech community.
• Lead acquisition of new major and principal donors, identifying, cultivating, and closing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals and families.
• Build a network of philanthropic advisors, wealth managers, donor networks, and other connectors who can introduce Evidence Action to new prospects.
• Partner closely with the CEO, who is based in the Bay Area, and other executive leaders on cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Represent Evidence Action at donor meetings, events, and gatherings across the Bay Area, including on short notice.
• Test new approaches to donor engagement, such as small donor gatherings, collaborative pledges, and peer-to-peer giving, and help shape Evidence Action’s strategy for Bay Area and tech philanthropy.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of major and principal donors.
• Manage a portfolio of existing major donors, developing individualized strategies to retain donors and grow their giving over time, including upgrades to transformational gifts, and building toward a portfolio of 50–75 donors.
• Solicit and steward gifts made directly and through donor-advised funds and family foundations.
• Bring program staff into donor conversations where their expertise can deepen relationships.
• Write proposals, impact reports, and briefing materials that tell Evidence Action’s story clearly to sophisticated, results-oriented donors.
• Use data and AI to drive results.
• Partner with Evidence Action’s prospect research team to identify and prioritize high-capacity prospects using wealth screening tools (e.g., iWave) and AI-powered research.
• Set and track pipeline, acquisition, and revenue goals using Salesforce KPIs and activity dashboards.
• Adopt and experiment with AI-powered tools and emerging technologies to work more efficiently and effectively.
• Maintain complete and accurate records of donor activity and moves management in Salesforce.

Qualifications

• An experienced major gifts fundraiser with 8+ years of experience in fundraising, business development, or a related field, including at least 3 years managing donor relationships directly.
• A proactive relationship builder who grows new pipelines through networking, introductions, and prospecting.
• A trusted partner to high-net-worth donors, engaging confidently with founders, executives, and philanthropists.
• An independent, entrepreneurial self-starter who thrives on a small, collaborative team in a growing organization.
• A strong, versatile communicator who can translate complex global health programs into a compelling case for giving.
• A data-driven fundraiser who uses data to make decisions, set priorities, and measure progress.
• A values-driven team member committed to global health and evidence-based, cost-effective giving.

Requirements

• Experience closing six-figure gifts or a strong track record of upgrading donors and asking for transformational gifts.
• Demonstrated success acquiring new donors is a must.
• Private sector experience in sales or business development with C-suite clients is valued.
• Comfortable working with KPIs, dashboards, and goals.
• Curiosity about AI tools and eagerness to put them to work.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including international health care, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement plans with a matching component, and generous and flexible leave options.
• Other employee perks on a reimbursement basis.

Location

This position is remote with a strong preference for the San Francisco Bay Area, though the role is open to those based anywhere across the West Coast. Travel within and to the Bay Area can range between 25-40%. Travel (beyond the SF Bay Area) is expected up to 10% of the time for relevant donor meetings, conferences, and team gatherings.

Salary

The expected pay range for this full-time role is $130,000 - $150,000 per year. Pay and benefits will be commensurate with the role specifications, local statutory requirements, and the cost of labor in the markets where we operate.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.