Careers

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Philanthropy is a strategic, revenue-driving leader responsible for expanding Empowering Epilepsy’s donor base by securing new donors and increasing overall philanthropic impact. This role is designed for a highly connected, proactive relationship builder who thrives on outreach, networking, and closing meaningful gifts.

 

This individual will actively engage new high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporate leaders, and institutional partners across Northeast Ohio and beyond. The primary focus is building new relationships and new revenue streams, not maintaining an existing donor base. Success in this role requires a strong presence in philanthropic and business communities, with the ability to open doors, build trust quickly, and convert new connections into long-term donor partnerships.

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The ideal candidate brings a “sales mindset” to fundraising, combining disciplined outreach, persistent follow-up, and a deep understanding of modern giving vehicles such as donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, and corporate philanthropy programs.

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Salary Range: $65K – $120K (+Bonus structure)
Compensation is commensurate with experience.

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SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic New Donor Development & Outreach

• Proactively identify, engage, and close new high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and institutional donors

• Build and maintain a strong pipeline focused on new donor acquisition through consistent outreach and networking

• Execute high-volume, multi-channel outreach strategies, including call campaigns, email, and LinkedIn prospecting

• Leverage personal and professional networks to generate new introductions and new philanthropic opportunities

• Maintain a disciplined cadence of outreach and meetings to consistently bring in new donor relationshipsMajor

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Gifts & New Relationship Management

• Build and manage a portfolio centered on new mid-level and major donors, with a focus on securing five- and six-figure gifts

• Lead all stages of the donor cycle, with a strong emphasis on prospecting, qualifying, and closing new donors

• Navigate complex giving structures, including donor-advised funds, family foundations, and charitable trusts

• Partner with executive leadership and board members to open doors and close new, high-impact gifts

 

Corporate & Institutional New Business Development

• Develop new relationships with medium and large organizations to unlock corporate giving and sponsorships

• Identify and pursue new opportunities within corporate social responsibility programs and employee giving initiatives

• Create tailored proposals designed to secure new corporate partners and funding streams

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Campaigns, Events & Growth Initiatives

• Ensure campaigns and events serve as strong platforms for new donor acquisition and new revenue growth

• Identify and recruit new sponsors, partners, and supporters to expand reach and impact

• Contribute to strategies that drive consistent growth in donors, revenue, and engagement year over year

 

Performance & Pipeline Management

• Maintain a disciplined, metrics-driven approach to outreach, pipeline growth, and performance

• Track activity and results to ensure a steady flow of new prospects, new meetings, and new donor conversions

• Continuously refine outreach strategies to improve effectiveness and increase new donor acquisition

 

Collaboration & Culture

• Work closely with leadership and board members to support new donor introductions and outreach efforts

• Contribute to a high-energy, mission-driven culture focused on growth, accountability, and impact

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, business development, sales, or a related field.

• Proven success in securing new major gifts or closing high-value deals or partnerships.

• Strong existing network within Northeast Ohio’s business, philanthropic, or high-net-worth communities.

• Demonstrated success with proactive outreach, including call campaigns and LinkedIn engagement.

• Experience working with donor-advised funds, family foundations, and charitable giving strategies.

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and influencing skills.

• Highly self-motivated, goal-oriented, and comfortable in a performance-driven environment.

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, in-person, based in the Beachwood office.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with willingness to travel for meetings and events.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor engagement and events.

• Passion for the mission of Empowering Epilepsy and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact.