Chief Philanthropy Officer san diego, ca

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary – $200,000 – $225,000 +10% performance incentive
• Medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and AD&D insurance
• PTO: 28 paid days off and 11 paid holidays annually
• 401K, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Onsite childcare
• Casual dress code

LOCATION

This position is located  San Diego, CA 92102. There may be opportunities for a hybrid schedule.

POSITION SUMMARY

With the enthusiastic backing of the leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer will lead and oversee the organizations comprehensive revenue strategy, driving efforts to raise $40+ million annually across all areas of giving, including public and private grants, individual giving, major gifts and campaigns. This highly visible position has a broad scope of responsibility, including strategic leadership for all fundraising, communications, and volunteer engagement functions. To achieve these goals, the CPO will lead and collaborate with a high-performing team of approximately 27 engaged professionals, from entry-level to tenured experts including 6 direct reports. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside the CEO and senior leadership team, serving as a key thought partner in all areas of organizational growth and development. It is also a chance to join one of San Diegos largest and most established human services organizations, working at the forefront of the biggest challenges facing our society today.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Position the organization for long-term growth by assessing current performance and charting a path to meet and exceed our revenue goal of $25 million in public and private grants and $15 million in philanthropic contributions.
• Lead a comprehensive, large-scale fundraising operation, increasing revenue across government sources and private philanthropy, with bold expansion plans.
• Partner closely and courageously with our CEO to advance major initiatives such as the opening of the new Detox Center and drive bold, transformational growth aligned with San Diegos philanthropic potential.
• Collaborate with the Board and leadership team to define fundraising priorities, evaluate emerging opportunities, and ensure strong alignment with organizational goals.
• Stay at the forefront of evolving philanthropic trends and legislation, providing strategic guidance and implementing innovative fundraising practices.
• Champion a culture of philanthropy, accountability, and strategic risk-taking across staff, board members, and volunteers.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Expand and diversify the donor base by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new donors, with a strategic emphasis on securing consistent seven-figure gifts.
• Cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, government entities, and community stakeholders to elevate the Foundations visibility and impact.
• Manage a robust portfolio of approximately 70 major donors and prospects; oversee tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Provide additional support for key donors and prospects assigned to the CEO.
• Ensure clear, compelling donor communications that demonstrate impact and strengthen long-term engagement.
• Engage and support the Board of Directors in achieving fundraising goals and deepening donor relationships.
• Strengthen partnerships with FJVs and community allies to unlock new funding opportunities and fuel program expansion.

Team Management

• Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing development team to deliver on ambitious fundraising targets.
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and expectations to drive strong team results and maintain alignment with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a collaborative, values-driven member of the Foundations leadership team, contributing to a positive and growth-oriented culture.

Operations & Reporting

• Oversee development and management of the annual fundraising budget, ensuring responsible financial planning and resource allocation.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on fundraising performance and emerging industry trends, providing timely updates to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Ensure full compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards in fundraising across all portfolios and activities.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

• Deep commitment to   identity and mission, fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.
• A minimum of 7 years of fundraising experience and a minimum of 5 years in senior management, with a proven record in securing private philanthropic gifts and obtaining and managing government funding.
• Proven revenue driver from sales or philanthropy, with strong networks, transferable skills, and the ability to work effectively with an active and highly engaged Board.
• Strategic fundraiser experienced in building diverse donor pipelines, understanding competitive landscapes, and securing transformational gifts.
• Leadership experience in human services or a mission-driven sector, with the ability to rapidly learn, adapt, and drive organizational growth.
• Strong execution focus—sets clear benchmarks, drives accountability, and consistently delivers ambitious revenue and impact goals.
• Collaborative partner who unites marketing, program, and executive teams around shared goals with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Bold, resilient, and confident communicator who embraces strategic risk and inspires donors and stakeholders with a clear, compelling message.
• Skilled at navigating difficult conversations, strengthening team culture, and elevating professionalism and performance.