The Senior Director of Philanthropy provides strategic and operational leadership for key development initiatives in support of Inova Health System’s philanthropic mission and organizational priorities. This role is responsible for leading a team of gift officers/development professionals focused on major gifts, driving a high-performance culture, and ensuring the successful execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies. The Senior Director partners closely with executive leadership, clinical stakeholders, and community partners to advance philanthropic growth, strengthen donor engagement, and expand the Foundation’s impact. This role is accountable for both individual fundraising performance and the development, coaching, and success of the team.
Job Responsibilities:
- Leads, coaches, and develops a team of fundraising professionals, establishing clear performance expectations and fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Develops and executes comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with Inova Health System and Foundation priorities, driving sustainable philanthropic growth.
- Maintains a portfolio of high-value donors and prospects, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts.
- Provides strategic direction for donor engagement activities, ensuring effective identification, cultivation, stewardship, and long-term relationship management.
- Partners with executive leadership, physicians, and key stakeholders to align philanthropic initiatives with organizational priorities and funding needs.
- Oversees departmental operations to ensure compliance with organizational policies, regulatory standards, and industry best practices.
- Leads the development and management of annual budgets, monitoring financial performance and ensuring achievement of revenue and expense targets.
- Collaborates with Foundation leadership to advance fundraising goals and strengthen community engagement.
- Establishes and monitors key performance metrics, driving accountability and continuous improvement in fundraising outcomes and team effectiveness.
Minimum Requirements:
- 10 years of experience in soliciting major gifts and leading development-related activities
- 5 years of managerial experience
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (or 4 years of experience in lieu of degree)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Fund Raising Executive Certification (CFRE)
- Demonstrated success in healthcare philanthropy, including experience developing and leading grateful patient fundraising strategies, engaging clinical partners, and cultivating meaningful donor relationships that drive philanthropic growth
- Experience leading transformational change within a philanthropy or fundraising organization
- Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive major gift strategies that drive sustainable philanthropic growth and long-term donor engagement
*Flexible hybrid work schedule available; candidates must be able to work on-site multiple days per week.
