Director of Philanthropy

Project Place (Positively Partners)

Job Description

Project Place promotes a community of hope and opportunity for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the skills, education and resources needed to obtain and sustain employment and housing. For over 50 years, Project Place has been a resource for individuals who are experiencing homelessness in Boston. Through innovative programming, including social enterprises, we facilitate the successful transition of individuals to economic self-sufficiency. Comprehensive programming consists of classroom instruction, credential training, case management services, housing and job placement, retention and career services. 

As Director of Philanthropy you will work in partnership with the Executive Director to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that stewards new and existing donors to support the mission and vision of Project Place. As a key representative of Project Place, you will engage a broad spectrum of funders, partners, and supporters as the organization continues to grow and diversify its revenue streams. Through this role, you will lead the near-term direction and management of fundraising efforts across individual givers, foundations, grants, and event-based funding sources. You will serve as a strategic leader, setting a multi-year fundraising strategy to grow the base of support for Project Place, with a keen focus on corporate philanthropy, while also envisioning how the development team is best structured to meet ambitious goals over the next five years. 

The Director of Philanthropy reports to the Executive Director and will work closely with members of the senior team and in partnership with members of the Board of Directors. You will also supervise two team members - the Communications & Event Manager and the Grants & System Manager - and steward their ongoing leadership and support the functions they lead.    

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As Director of Philanthropy, you will be responsible for the following areas of work: 

  • Development Strategy + Execution: Analyze our current approach and implement a development strategy to grow philanthropic support from a broader base of donors.  
  • Major Gift Donor Management:  Grow and manage a portfolio of high net worth donors and prospects, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding their support.
  • Management and Collaboration: Manage and evaluate the development team while working collaboratively with the Executive Director to meet Project Place’s fundraising goals.  
  • Systems and Efficiency:  Ensure that Project Place’s development systems and staff work efficiently and systematically and prioritize systems change in line with Project Place’s development plan and strategic plan. 
  • Connecting with New sources of Philanthropic Support: Strategize and implement plans to increase fundraising from a broader base of support and new funders, including corporate funders and volunteer management.  
  • Board Support and Development: In partnership with the Executive Director, cultivate Board Members as fundraisers in support of Project Place’s mission.

QUALIFICATIONS & MINDSET

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

As Director of Philanthropy, you will be mission-focused and results-oriented; competitive in driving towards success.  You will lead with clear goals in mind and can motivate, train, and inspire the development team and colleagues to meet annual and multi-year fundraising goals. 

  • Senior-level development and management experience gained in high-growth, fast-paced organizations; direct experience with fundraising and grant writing required
  • Demonstrated success raising funds from all donor sources – individuals, foundations, corporations, and community groups – with a solid track record of achievement soliciting support from individual donors
  • Experience managing and implementing all aspects of development work: events, grant writing, appeals, data analysis and management, and direct mail
  • Extensive management experience, including hiring, supervising, and motivating staff 
  • Experience supporting and working with a Board of Directors
  • Strong analytical skills and use of data to drive fundraising, partnership decisions, and forecasting
  • Excellent writing and editing skills with the ability to reflect Project Place’s brand in written communications, emails, and storytelling
  • Self-motivated and demonstrates initiative, patience, and resourcefulness in adapting to change and responding to opportunity in an entrepreneurial environment
  • Excellent problem-solving, operational, and communication skills; comfort with pivots to harness opportunity to advance our work
  • Intellectual depth, maturity, and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, board members, and external partners 
  • Commitment to Project Place’s mission to end homelessness by providing pathways to attain jobs, housing, and hope

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is between $110,000 and $120,000 and is commensurate with experience. Project Place offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Health insurance (vision & dental), and life and long-term disability insurance
  • 401k plan with employer match
  • Paid time off, beginning at 3 weeks per year in the first year of employment
More information about Project Place’s benefits can be found here. 

MAKING THE DECISION TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please submit a resume and a thoughtfully written cover letter through the application portal below. We will review and respond to all applications received. For confidential inquiries or for assistance in completing the application, please contact via email at culrich@positivelypartners.org. 

This position is full-time and will require availability for occasional weekend and evening work. The Project Place team is currently planning for a hybrid return to office model beginning in April, where teams will come back onsite on a rotating schedule 2-3 days per week. 

TIMELINE AND HIRING PROCESS

We will review and respond to all applications received. While subject to change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect two interviews with Positively Partners, an interview with members of the Search Committee (representatives of the Board and staff), and, for finalists, an interview day with Board members and staff, including a robust and holistic reference check process. Expected start date is July 2021.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Project Place is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage candidates of color, women, LGBTQ, low-income, and non-college degree holders to apply. Project Place prohibits the unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic characteristics, disability, status as a special disabled veteran or veteran, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual identity or any other basis prohibited by law.