Philanthropy Director, Strategic Relationships

This role leads the strategy, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention of high-value philanthropic relationships with the potential to generate significant multi-year investments.
You will manage a strategic portfolio of high-capacity individuals, institutions, and funders while building a strong pipeline of major funding opportunities.
The position combines frontline relationship management with proposal development, donor communications, cross-functional collaboration, and disciplined portfolio management.
You will work across global teams to connect donor priorities with compelling programs, funding opportunities, and measurable impact.
The role also contributes to evolving strategic partnership approaches designed to secure flexible, long-term funding and support sustainable organizational growth.
You will use CRM data, donor intelligence, and moves management practices to forecast opportunities, manage risks, and strengthen relationship strategies.
This is a remote U.S. opportunity requiring frequent domestic and international travel and suited to an experienced fundraising leader comfortable operating across a complex global organization.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in major or large-gift fundraising, with a proven record of securing significant seven- and eight-figure gifts from diverse funders.
• At least 7 years of fundraising management and leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success working with funders in the international development sector.
• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity funders and institutional partners through tailored, donor-centered engagement strategies.
• Strong track record of building relationships that translate into measurable fundraising results.
• Excellent proposal writing, donor communication, presentation, relationship management, and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of strategic fundraising, donor cultivation, portfolio management, and major gift development.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and disciplined recordkeeping, including the ability to use pipeline data and donor intelligence to guide decisions.
• Ability to independently manage a complex portfolio, establish priorities, and move opportunities forward in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate across functions and influence without direct authority within a highly matrixed and globally distributed organization.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, energy, initiative, professionalism, and a collaborative approach.
• Demonstrated change management leadership skills and comfort navigating ambiguity, evolving priorities, and organizational complexity.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage individuals and groups diplomatically and effectively.
• Knowledge of international development and the nonprofit sector, including an understanding of the operating environment in which nonprofit organizations work.
• Ability to work effectively from a home office while maintaining frequent communication with global colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently both nationally and internationally.