Introduction
The Philanthropy Officer is an innovative development professional responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and securing annual and major gifts to Bishop Feehan High School, with a special emphasis on growing endowed funds and scholarships. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement and serving as an integral member of the Advancement team, the Philanthropy Officer will increase the team’s capacity for frontline fundraising and serve as an ambassador for Bishop Feehan.
The primary objective of the Philanthropy Officer is to develop long-term relationships with alumni, donors, and prospects with the purpose of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts. The role will also oversee the stewardship of the President’s Leadership Society, ensuring that Feehan’s most loyal and generous benefactors are recognized and engaged in meaningful ways.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Annual & Major Giving
Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift donors and prospects.
- Cultivate, solicit, and close major and leadership gifts, with particular focus on growing endowed funds and scholarships.
- Develop individualized strategies for all donors in portfolio, ensuring appropriate integration with annual appeal and pledge efforts.
- Take personal responsibility for securing an annual commitment from every assigned prospect.
- Reach out to major gift prospects regularly, averaging one “touch” per month.
- Conduct 1–2 donor/prospect visits per week.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of all contacts and solicitations in Raiser’s Edge.
- Attend Bishop Feehan events and travel as needed to strengthen donor relationships.
- Stay current on best practices and trends in philanthropy, particularly in major gift fundraising and endowed fund growth.
Programs & Projects
Donor Stewardship
- Design and lead a comprehensive donor stewardship program to ensure Feehan donors feel recognized, appreciated, and engaged.
- Take the lead on stewarding members of the President’s Leadership Society, developing creative initiatives, communications, and events to deepen relationships with top donors.
- Partner with the Vice President of Advancement and Assistant Director of Annual Giving to integrate stewardship efforts across all donor levels.
Planned Giving
- Partner with the Vice President of Advancement to create and implement a forward-facing planned giving marketing plan (print, digital, and messaging).
- Build and grow the pool of planned giving prospects, targeting alumni, loyal givers, and specific age ranges.
- Refine documentation and recognition of current planned giving donors.
- Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to promote planned giving as part of Feehan’s long-term philanthropic vision.
Additional Projects/Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Vice President for Advancement on special assignments and strategic initiatives as needed.
- Provide leadership in the prospect research and assignment process, ensuring identified prospects are actively managed and cultivation strategies are implemented.
- Partner with Advancement colleagues to plan and execute regional alumni networking events (goal of four annually), including prospect identification, guest list development, pre-event research, and post-event follow-up.
- Contribute creative ideas and strategic input to strengthen alumni engagement and major gift pipeline development.
ADVANCEMENT TEAM MEMBER
Support other Advancement or school-wide efforts as assigned by the Vice President of Advancement or the President, including event staffing responsibilities and occasional evening or weekend duties.
Interested applicants should send a resume and references to Vice President of Advancement Jessica K. Symonds, CFRE, via email at [email protected].
