Vice President of Philanthropy Operations

Feeding America
Chicago, Illinois

Position Description

The VP of Philanthropy Operations manages the philanthropy support functions at Feeding America including philanthropy capacity building in the food bank network, donor records and stewardship, grantmaking, prospect research, and planned giving.

Job Responsibilities

Manages the philanthropy support functions of the department including the campaign resource center, network grants, philanthropy operations, donor outreach, and gift planning and other support functions that may be assigned in the support area. This responsibility includes building a strong team of directors for each functional area and a service-driven support staff.
Provides a coordinating function for the philanthropy leadership team which includes the vice-presidents of each fundraising revenue segment as well as the directors of the support functions. In this coordinating role, the VP of Philanthropy Operations builds the agenda for bi-monthly leadership team meetings as well as communications within and outside of the department on philanthropy issues.
Acts for the CDO in circumstances where the CDO cannot be present. The VP of Philanthropy Operations will represent the CDO on various task forces, working groups and other meetings by agreement with the CDO. In addition, the VP may be asked to join the organizational Executive Leadership Team from time-to-time to support the CDO and programs of the philanthropy department.
Build an effective philanthropy support function that builds organizational confidence in the integrity of philanthropy data.
Create a service ethic among the philanthropy support teams that is recognized by other departments at the national office and by network colleagues.
Reduce the burden of our direct fundraising staff for support functions including gift accounting and stewardship, prospect research, grant reporting, and other technical services.
Lead the department’s interface with finance and technology in developing more robust systems to allow for growth.
May be asked to represent the CDO at various functions and meetings.

Application Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree desirable.
Ten years or more of experience in managing a range of philanthropy functions.
Detailed knowledge of at least one of three technical disciplines: grant administrations, gift recording and stewardship or gift planning.
Experience managing a team of professionals.
Strong organizational, planning and communications skills.
A deep commitment to the mission of Feeding America.