Summary
Description
This is a development position that requires a fundraising veteran capable of managing a major gifts portfolio and implementing a program of prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. In addition to expertise in philanthropy, the ideal candidate should possess skills and experience related to education or youth and family programming, including the ability to effectively communicate the value and impact of YouthPower365’s initiatives. Demonstrated knowledge and genuine passion for working with children and families is essential, as it enables the Director to articulate the significance of educational programs and their transformative effect on the community. Some planned giving, annual fund, endowment, and capital campaign responsibilities will also be required of this position. Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, this individual is responsible for donor acquisition, budget management, gift and data management, benefits management, and donor relations.
The Director of Philanthropy position is designed for a proven fundraiser, or professional with substantial transferrable experience, with excellent communication skills, planned giving experience (or aptitude), and a track record for establishing long-term relationships between donors and institutions that result in five and six figure gifts. This dynamic fundraiser is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individuals and organizations to secure significant gifts. The Director of Philanthropy works collaboratively and strategically with the Vice President of Philanthropy, the VVF President, VVF Development Committee and other staff to cultivate and solicit donors for the VVF. Of critical importance is the ability to work cooperatively and in support of the VVF mission.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and manage a portfolio of existing and prospective mid-level to major gift donors at discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship donor stages.
- Serve as primary development point person for YouthPower365 and YouthPower365 donors
- Responsible for overseeing annual giving specific YP365 and Community Initiatives, including individual giving, community sponsorship, and major gift initiatives.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding all areas of the VVF mission and be able to effectively communicate the impact of the VVF to prospective and current donors in a way that inspires philanthropy.
- Responsible for the execution and revenue goals for the Star Dancing Gala.
- Consistently meet or exceed annual and campaign related fundraising goals.
- Attend events at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, Vilar Performing Arts Center, Mountain Games, Birds of Prey, and serve as a spokesperson for the organization as needed to steward existing donors, cultivate new donors, volunteers, etc.
- Work closely with the VP of Philanthropy to strategically identify and transition annual support donors to major gift donor portfolios for major gift donor discovery, cultivation, and solicitation.
- Report and document all contacts in Raisers Edge and adjust plans as needed.
- Update functional budgets for revenue and expense items on a monthly basis.
- Together with the Vice President of Philanthropy, promote the Planned Giving and Endowment Programs.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Proven success in identifying and soliciting funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations from a variety of sources and in developing relationships with donors.
- Proven track record of working with high net-worth individuals and C-Suite executives as part of special events and annual support activities.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to write clear and persuasive proposals.
- Excellent time management skills and a high degree of organization, careful attention to detail, ability to multitask and to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- High energy and passion for Vail Valley Foundation’s mission is essential.
- Ability to work on selected holidays, weekdays, nights and weekend evenings as required.
- Computer literacy and knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT is highly desirable.
- Well-disciplined, self-motivated, and goal-driven; able to work with a high degree of independence as well as leading a team.
- Ability to appropriately handle confidential matters and information.
- Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software; Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Ability to participate in cross-departmental projects, using tact and diplomacy.
- Ability to effectively identify, analyze and solve problems.
- Sophisticated knowledge of successful fundraising principles and practices, major gift solicitation, and ethical professional standards.
- Ability to apply sound judgment and conduct oneself professionally and with integrity.
- Knowledge of prospect research techniques and an ability to successfully utilize those techniques.
- Ability to manage and cultivate long-term donor relationships with patience, understanding and tenacity over an extended period of time (e.g., 6-24 months) culminating in a major gift commitment.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 3-5 years of proven fundraising experience and/or relevant experience in sales, marketing, or other related fields.
- Meaningful experience with donor/client stewardship and cultivation, donor/client solicitation/sales, and donor/client moves management, and fulfillment of donor stewardship programs.
- The ideal candidate should also possess experience with volunteer management to assist in events.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
- Must be able to successfully pass a background check.
Benefits
BENEFITS & COMPENSATION
This is a salaried, full time year-round position eligible for all VVF employment benefits.
The hiring range for this position is $85,000 – $100,000 annually.
Our employees are a critical part of who we are and employee wellness is an important priority for our organization. As a result, we offer an array of employee benefits, including but not limited to:
- Affordable HDHP employee and family health insurance plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account with company match
- 401k retirement plans with company match
- Basic life insurance
- Short and long term disability plans
- Paid time off: 4+ weeks accrual on year 1
- Volunteer paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Added Perks!
- Free employee ski pass
- Tickets to shows at the Vilar and The Amp
- Discounts at The Amp and Vilar concessions
- Tuition reimbursement
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume and references.
Accepting resumes through January 20th, 2026.
