Philanthropy Advisor

ABOUT GLOBAL WATER CENTER 

At Global Water Center (GWC), we believe everyone deserves access to safely managed water. Without sustainable water systems, this goal remains out of reach. That is why GWC focuses on capacity development, technical assistance, and collaboration—equipping leaders to create sustainable solutions at the scale needed to end the global water crisis.  

Global Water Center’s work environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and highly collaborative. Candidates should be comfortable working in an early-stage environment, balancing the need for flexibility, structure, and procedure. 
See more at www.globalwatercenter.org  

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Philanthropy Advisor plays a critical role in advancing the mission of Global Water Center by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of prospective donors. This individual will be responsible for building meaningful relationships that lead to increased philanthropic support, with a strong emphasis on new donor acquisition and long-term engagement. 

SUMMARY 

A successful candidate will bring experience in acquiring, managing, and growing a donor portfolio, with a strong emphasis on relationship-based fundraising. This individual will demonstrate success in securing major gifts and contributing to strategic fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Advancement and Engagement Team. 

Domestic travel is , as well as occasional evening and weekend work to appropriately build relationships and engage with the many key audiences of the organization. 

The position will be based at the GWC headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, or remote. If remote, periodic meetings in Charleston will be necessary. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Donor Acquisition, Cultivation, and Stewardship 

• Identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, and foundation donor prospects through research, outreach, and personalized engagement strategies aligned with organizational priorities 

• Manage and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects through consistent, personalized engagement—including meetings, calls,
  and written communications 

• Develop and execute an annual strategic plan for your portfolio that includes donor growth, solicitation strategies, stewardship activities, and timely impact reporting 

• Respond to donor needs with timely, personalized updates on fund usage and organizational impact 

• Support the planning and execution of house gatherings and small donor events to cultivate relationships and expand the donor base 

• Lead the growth of our monthly donor program by identifying and cultivating new monthly donors through personalized outreach and engagement strategies 

• Identify and pursue general operating support grant opportunities 

• Represent Global Water Center at events where appropriate
  and initiate new donor interactions (e.g., presentations, meals, coffees) to expand portfolio of supporters 

• In collaboration with the Senior Director of Advancement and Engagement, support the development and launch of a planned giving program 

Collaboration, Planning, and Reporting 

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Advancement and Engagement to establish annual philanthropic goals, fundraising campaigns, and initiatives 

• Maintain accurate
  and timely records of all donor activity in Salesforce and use data insights to inform strategy and track progress toward fundraising goals 

• Engage in regular team and one-on-one meetings to report on fundraising progress and align on organizational priorities 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, or a related field 

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related role, with demonstrated success in acquiring new donors and managing a portfolio 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and effectively engage a diverse range of stakeholders 

• Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM systems (or willingness to learn) 

• Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment 

• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and Smartsheet 

• Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality 

CORE COMPETENCIES: 

• Adaptability and Flexibility 

• Relationship Building and Influence 

• Strategic Communication 

• Initiative and Follow-Through 

• Emotional Intelligence 

• Collaborative Teamwork 

• Patience and Cooperation  

• Committed to a strong ethic of integrity and building trusting relationships 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:    

• Ability to safely lift a minimum of 35 lbs.   

• Ability to sit for extended periods, stand, walk, type, carry, kneel, ascend, descend stairs, and bend  

• Ability to work primarily indoors with frequent work outdoors in multiple types of weather / environmental conditions 

• Ability to work outside the normal Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm workweek if needed  

• Ability to travel as needed 

WHY JOIN US:  

• Make a tangible impact on the lives of 2.2 billion living without access to safely managed water  

• Collaborate with a passionate and competent team of professionals  

• Opportunity to shape and influence our company's core strategy and future direction 

• Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and PTO (Paid Time Off) 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the person in this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.  

HOW TO APPLY?  

Interested applicants should complete the application found on the GWC website: https://globalwatercenter.org/careers.