[Hiring] Vice President, Donor Relations @Covenant House International

Role Description

The Vice President, Donor Relations is a highly strategic, entrepreneurial fundraising leader responsible for securing transformational philanthropy from individuals and families capable of making commitments of $1 million or more. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Vice President will manage a select portfolio of existing Covenant House donors and prospects who have demonstrated both affinity for the mission and the capacity to make principal gifts ($1 million+).

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects capable of making commitments of $1 million or more.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, focusing on upgrading existing Covenant House supporters into major and principal giving relationships.
• Personally secure significant philanthropic commitments in support of Covenant House's programs, strategic initiatives, capital needs, and other organizational priorities.
• Lead complex gift discussions involving multi-year commitments, blended gifts, planned gifts, and other sophisticated philanthropic vehicles.
• Create highly customized donor engagement and solicitation strategies based on donor interests, motivations, and philanthropic objectives.
• Develop compelling funding opportunities and cases for support that inspire transformational investments.
• Meet and exceed annual goals for donor visits, proposals submitted, dollars raised, and principal gift commitments secured.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in major gifts and principal gifts fundraising.
• Deep understanding of the interests, motivations, and giving behaviors of high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth philanthropists.
• Proven ability to secure multiple seven-figure commitments from individuals, families, family offices, donor-advised funds, and related philanthropic entities.
• Strong knowledge of sophisticated charitable giving vehicles, including multi-year commitments, planned gifts, endowment gifts, blended gifts, and DAF giving.
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills with an ability to establish credibility and trust quickly.
• Outstanding solicitation, negotiation, and closing skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and prospect development capabilities.
• Ability to navigate complex donor ecosystems involving family members, advisors, family office executives, attorneys, and wealth managers.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to develop compelling donor proposals and complex gift strategies.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams and organizational levels.
• Self-directed work style with a demonstrated ability to operate independently, prioritize effectively, and consistently deliver results with minimal supervision.
• Passion for Covenant House's mission and a commitment to mission-centered philanthropy.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive fundraising experience, with substantial experience focused on major and principal gift fundraising.
• Demonstrated track record of personally securing multiple gifts and commitments of $1 million or greater.
• Experience managing a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects through all stages of the donor cycle.
• Strong experience developing and executing complex donor strategies that result in transformational philanthropic commitments.
• Experience working effectively with senior executives, board members, volunteers, and other fundraising leaders.
• Experience collaborating across fundraising disciplines, including corporate partnerships, foundation relations, and major gifts programs.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and consistently achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively as required.

Travel Requirements

• Travel nationally up to 30% for in-person meetings with partners and CHI team meetings as needed.