Chief Philanthropy Officer

Description

Position Summary:

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) ensures a strong culture of philanthropy across Focus: HOPE and leads all fundraising, donor engagement, and marketing/PR efforts. This strategic leadership position requires hands-on involvement in securing major and planned gifts while managing a comprehensive development operation. The CPO also partners closely with the CEO, board, and fund development committees to align philanthropic strategy with organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Collaborate with CEO and board on mission, vision, and fundraising strategy.
• Evaluate internal and external trends impacting philanthropy.
• Recommend and implement policy changes for fund development.

Major Gifts & Planned Giving

• Manage and grow a major donor portfolio ($10K+ contributions).
• Design and implement strategies for cultivating and stewarding donors.
• Launch and manage a planned giving program.

Fundraising Operations & Oversight

• Oversee all fundraising programs: major gifts, grants, events, direct mail, etc.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and legal fundraising standards.
• Hire, manage, and evaluate development staff and consultants.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Strategically engage the board and committees in fundraising activities.
• Support CEO in donor engagement efforts.
• Evaluate board fundraising performance and provide development training.

Marketing & Communications

• Ensure consistent branding and messaging.
• Increase visibility through events, publications, media, and social media.

Team Structure:

Supervises:

• Director of Individual Giving
• Corporate Philanthropy Officer
• Grants Manager
• Marketing Manager

Primary Relationships:

• CEO, Board, Program & Finance Teams, Donors, Community Stakeholders.

Requirements

Performance Expectations:

• Secure significant individual contributions (5–7 figures).
• Expand donor base and increase annual fundraising totals.
• Build meaningful relationships with Detroit’s philanthropic community.
• Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.
•  Strong, sincere commitment to diversity and civil and human rights. 

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree (minimum); CFRE preferred.
• Experience: 7+ years of progressive fundraising leadership.
• Skills: Major/planned gifts, donor engagement, strategic planning, public speaking, marketing, and team management.
• Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office systems,  CRM systems and donor databases.
• Location Knowledge: Familiarity with Detroit’s philanthropic and corporate landscape is essential.

 
What can we offer you for all your hard work?

Benefits:

• Paid Vacation Time
• Paid Sick Time
• 13 Paid  Holidays Per Year
• 401K Match
• Medical /Dental/ Vision
• Life and AD&D (Employer Paid)
• Voluntary Life and AD &D
• AFLAC   (Voluntary)
• Short Term Disability (Voluntary)
• Long Term Disability (Employer Paid)
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
• FSA Plan (Flex Spending Account)
• Paid Parental Leave

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Focus: HOPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.