Summary

The Philanthropy Manager at Make-A-Wish Colorado is a key role responsible for driving the growth and impact of annual and individual giving, with a strong focus on mid-level giving and building the pipeline to major gifts. This position plays a critical role in advancing our mission to grant life-changing wishes to every eligible child in Colorado by building and sustaining meaningful relationships with individual donors at all levels of support.

Description

MAKE-A-WISH COLORADO

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Philanthropy Manager
REPORTS TO: Director of Philanthropy
STATUS: Full-time, exempt
LOCATION: Greenwood Village, Colorado (hybrid work flexibility available)

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Beginning with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we have evolved to be one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and over 200 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Colorado grants over 300 wishes a year.

Position Overview

The Philanthropy Manager is a key role responsible for driving the growth and impact of annual and individual giving, with a strong focus on mid-level giving and building the pipeline to major gifts. This position plays a critical role in advancing our mission to grant life-changing wishes to every eligible child in Colorado by building and sustaining meaningful relationships with individual donors at all levels of support. The Manager will support strategy, execution, and performance for all individual giving programs, manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, and oversee a structured stewardship program to deepen donor engagement and retention. With a primary focus on managing the chapter’s annual giving programs and on cultivating, stewarding and soliciting mid-level donors, this position will also provide event support for the chapter’s annual fundraising event as well as manage and grow a small portfolio of foundation and corporate foundation grants. This role reports directly to the Director of Philanthropy.

Key Responsibilities

Contribute to a comprehensive individual giving program, including cultivation and stewardship of donors at all levels.
Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 100-150 lead mid-level donors primarily giving in the $1,000-$10,000 range, ensuring personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to deepen engagement and maximize philanthropic support.
Implement a robust stewardship program for every gift from $1 to $10,000+ to enhance donor satisfaction, retention, and long-term investment in the organization’s mission. Manage a first-time donor/milestone giving program and monthly giving program.
Partner across the Development team to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors and create a pipeline of donors to mid-level and major giving.
Oversee annual giving campaigns, such as Colorado Gives Day, year-end appeal, World Wish Month and Summer of Wishes, and serve as liaison to the national centralized mail and online giving programs.
Optimize donor data systems and utilize Salesforce capabilities to apply moves management principles, track engagement and forecast giving potential.
Monitor and analyze performance of various annual giving appeals and campaigns, using data to refine strategies and ensure achievement of annual and long-term fundraising targets.
Ensure compliance with national fundraising standards and ethical guidelines, maintaining transparency and donor trust.
Solicit and steward a small portfolio of foundation funders, write and submit grant applications, track grant deadlines, and identify new funding opportunities.
Provide registration and communication support for attendees of the chapter's annual fundraising event, Whiskey, Wine & Wishes.
In partnership with the Director of Philanthropy, support the estate administration and stewardship of the Legacy of Wishes Society and endowment donors.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with 2 or more years in individual giving preferred. (Experience in related fields will be considered).
Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and steward donors across a range of giving levels. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record of developing donor relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to present the Case for Support to donors one-on-one on the phone and in-person and to a larger audience.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to develop and execute new systems and processes that lead to excellent donor experiences and increased efficiency.
Proficiency working in Microsoft Office Suite required and in CRM databases or donor management systems preferred (Salesforce strongly preferred).
Knowledge of basic donor development and fundraising principles and best practices.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
Financial Security: 100% employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance to support your peace of mind.
Performance Incentives: Annual bonus potential based on individual and organizational performance.
Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with up to 5% employer match after one year of service.
Generous Time Off: 10 PTO days, 15 paid holidays, and every other Friday off to support work-life balance.
Sabbatical Program: Earn a paid sabbatical after every 5 years of service to recharge and reflect.
Professional Growth: Access to ongoing learning and development opportunities to support your career advancement.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
This role is primarily in-person but may include hybrid work arrangements, subject to organizational needs.
Occasional evening and weekend work required, along with in-state travel.

Compensation

Salary Range: $55,000–$60,000 annually, plus incentive potential.
This position is eligible for annual performance-based bonuses and is part of our total rewards package, which includes comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Make-A-Wish Colorado is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks and verification of employment eligibility, in compliance with the Colorado Chance to Compete Act and Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. This position will be internally posted per Colorado transparency requirements for promotional opportunities.

Join Our Team of Inspired People Transforming Lives

At Make-A-Wish Colorado, we’re more than just colleagues—we’re a community united by purpose. Every day, we work together to bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses, and that mission inspires everything we do. Our team is made up of passionate, diverse individuals whose unique backgrounds and perspectives strengthen our impact. Guided by shared values and a deep commitment to our mission, we support one another and celebrate the life-changing work we’re privileged to be part of.

Application Process

For consideration, please send your cover letter and resume to Director of Philanthropy Mary Lashmit at mlashmit@colorado.wish.org. Priority will be given to applications submitted prior to December 1.