01/09/25
Since 1987, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) has strengthened communities through philanthropy and leadership. We channel generosity where it is needed, bringing together resources and passion to tackle our region’s most pressing issues and create lasting change. We serve a four-county area where Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts meet – 2,200 square miles of natural beauty and small-town charm that is home to nearly 230,000 people.
With a mission of building stronger, more equitable communities, BTCF seeks to center equity in our roles as grantmaker, community partner, philanthropic advisor, and employer. We are committed to creating a best-in-class workplace that fosters employee satisfaction, support, and growth. Our culture is deeply focused on donor stewardship, development, and serving as a strategic partner in achieving donors' philanthropic goals. To support donors, and internal staff on implementing objectives of our Advancement Plan, we have created a new role, Philanthropic Advisor, reporting to the Director of Philanthropic Services/Chief Philanthropy Officer.
Philanthropic Advisor - Hybrid
The Philanthropic Advisor supports the overall department strategy and goals as determined by the Chief Philanthropy Officer and leads the Foundation’s efforts to deepen and strengthen engagement among current foundation donors and fund holders.
The Philanthropic Advisor’s primary focus is to strengthen relationships with existing donors, as evidenced by increased donor support of foundation priorities, new gifts into existing funds, increased estate plans that include the foundation, and increased donor satisfaction.
Essential Job Functions
to include but not limited to:
- Manage portfolio of 50-75 donors, to include donor advised fund holders, legacy fund holders, prospective donors, and other fundholders (eg scholarships, designated, etc).
- Deepen donor engagement through proactive outreach, development of customized giving strategies and plans.
- Ensure that all donors are actively stewarded through regular contacts and grantee reports.
- Engage donors to support foundation strategic priorities and unrestricted funds.
- Utilize the meaningful conversations model to achieve donor engagement and foundation goals; support and enhance the meaningful conversations model for all relationship management staff.
- Support own donor portfolio and provide support to other relationship managers by maintaining knowledge of best practices in philanthropy and charitable giving strategies and vehicles.
- Lead donor engagement and support for Arts Build Community (ABC) strategic initiative by developing and managing events, appeals, and other donor outreach strategies.
- Lead PS department donor communications strategies as primary liaison with Communications Dept for donor outreach emails, print publications, and all other communications and marketing tools; includes quarterly statement emails, monthly news, development of donor profiles, year-end advertising campaign, etc.
- Work with Communications Dept on website and donor portal – ensure donor materials are kept current; support development of website and portal enhancements.
- Support PS Director and all other senior staff in donor and prospect outreach with research and strategy development as needed.
- Support annual scholarship donor stewardship program, primarily the development of a Scholarship Yearbook; other scholarship donor engagement as appropriate.
- Lead development of annual Donor Impact Reports; review all materials for accuracy, develop outreach strategies.
- Support annual refresh for donor acknowledgment letters; identify and keep current on best practices for donor acknowledgment.
- Lead development of all donor engagement events, as determined in collaboration with PS Director and President.
- Serve as key liaison for PS Dept with Operations and Finance to communicate donor needs internally.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 6-8 years of major gifts/donor relations experience in a nonprofit setting
- Proven experience as a skilled relationship-builder with high customer service standards and the ability to develop and execute individualized giving strategies to meet donors’ interests and achieve goals
- Experience in developing and managing prospect pipelines that engage staff and volunteers in donor cultivation activities, resulting in achievement of measurable goals.
Skills and Attributes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Ability to maintain a high level of donor confidentiality
Compensation and Benefits:
Starting annual salary range is $80,000-85,000, commensurate with experience.
We offer competitive benefits, including:
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
- Generous paid vacation and sick time
- Health, dental, and life insurance
How to Apply:
Help us get to know you by including a cover letter that shares why you want to work at BTCF and how your experience has prepared you for this role. Your resume should include the highlights of your experience, education, and skills relevant to this role.
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.