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Philanthropy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dir- Philanthropy

Ellsworth, ME · On-site

$39.51 - $61.04/hr

The Director of Philanthropy serves as the senior fundraising leader for Northern Light Mercy Hospital, responsible for setting and executing a comprehensive philanthropy strategy that advances ...

The Director of Philanthropy will develop and execute sophisticated cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that secure transformational investments from individuals, family foundations ...

We have an opportunity for a Director, Philanthropy in the Philanthropy Office located at our Portland, Oregon facility. Join a team of professionals committed to improving children's lives.We are ...

Serving as a senior member of the philanthropy leadership team, the AVP of Philanthropy (VP) will contribute to strategy, execution, and management of all philanthropic initiatives across the UMass ...

Director, Philanthropy

Portland, OR · On-site

$89K - $133K/yr

We have an opportunity for a Director, Philanthropy in the Philanthropy Office located at our Portland, Oregon facility. Join a team of professionals committed to improving children's lives. We are ...

Integrate philanthropy into broader family governance, education, wealth stewardship, and legacy planning engagements.Grantmaking Strategy and ImpactHelp clients develop clear, values-aligned ...

Serving as a senior member of the philanthropy leadership team, the AVP of Philanthropy (VP) will contribute to strategy, execution, and management of all philanthropic initiatives across the UMass ...

The Director of Philanthropy advances Goodwill's mission by managing a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, cultivating strategic donor relationships, and securing philanthropic support for ...

Sr Director, Philanthropy

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$130K - $211K/yr

The Senior Director of Philanthropy provides strategic and operational leadership for key development initiatives in support of Inova Health System's philanthropic mission and organizational ...

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Philanthropy information

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$30.5K

$174.5K

$253K

How much do philanthropy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for philanthropy in the United States is $174,532.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $253,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Philanthropy vs Fundraising?

AspectPhilanthropyFundraising
Primary FocusStrategic giving, donor relations, and long-term impactEvent planning, donation solicitation, and immediate revenue generation
Required CredentialsOften a background in nonprofit management, social sciences, or related fieldsSkills in sales, communication, and sometimes certifications like CAP (Certified Fund Raising Executive)
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, foundations, or corporate social responsibility departmentsNonprofits, charities, and fundraising agencies

Philanthropy involves developing long-term strategies for charitable giving and building relationships with donors, often requiring a broader understanding of social impact. Fundraising focuses on soliciting donations through campaigns and events to meet immediate financial goals. While both roles aim to support nonprofit missions, philanthropy emphasizes strategic planning and relationship management, whereas fundraising centers on active solicitation and revenue generation.

What is a career in philanthropy?

A career in philanthropy involves working to promote social causes through fundraising, grantmaking, program management, or advocacy for nonprofit organizations or foundations. Professionals in this field often require strong communication, organizational skills, and knowledge of social issues, with roles ranging from development officers to program directors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in philanthropy, and why are they important?

To thrive in philanthropy, you typically need a background in nonprofit management, fundraising, or social sciences, along with strong analytical and project management skills. Familiarity with donor management systems, grant databases, and certification in fundraising (such as CFRE) are often valuable. Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies are vital for effectively managing resources, building partnerships, and maximizing the impact of philanthropic initiatives.

What do you do as a philanthropist?

A philanthropist is someone who actively donates time, money, or resources to support charitable causes and improve society. They often work with nonprofit organizations, develop funding strategies, and advocate for social change. Successful philanthropists may also evaluate the impact of their contributions and collaborate with other donors or stakeholders.

What jobs can you get with a philanthropy degree?

A philanthropy degree can lead to roles such as development officer, grant writer, nonprofit program manager, fundraising coordinator, or donor relations specialist. These positions often require strong communication, fundraising skills, and knowledge of nonprofit management tools. Many roles are based in nonprofit organizations, foundations, or charitable institutions.

What is philanthropy?

Philanthropy is the act of promoting the welfare of others, typically through the donation of money, resources, or time to charitable causes. It involves individuals, organizations, or foundations working to address social issues and improve communities. Philanthropy can range from small acts of kindness to large-scale initiatives that fund education, healthcare, the arts, and more. The goal is to create positive, lasting change and support the common good.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Philanthropy?

The qualifications and skills you need to start a career in philanthropy depend on the type of position you want to pursue. Some universities offer a master’s degree in philanthropy or nonprofit management. For management level positions, you may also pursue a degree in business administration or management. A technical writing degree could help you become a grant writer, while a marketing degree could aid you in starting a fundraising career. Some organizations require a bachelor's degree but do not specify the subject of the degree. Organizations such as Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy offer training programs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in philanthropy roles?

Professionals in philanthropy often navigate the challenge of balancing donor expectations with the mission and needs of the organizations they support. They may also face difficulties in demonstrating the measurable impact of funded initiatives, which is crucial for securing ongoing support. Additionally, working in philanthropy typically involves collaboration with diverse stakeholders, requiring strong communication and relationship-building skills. Adapting to evolving community needs and shifting funding priorities can also present unique challenges in this field.

What are the different types of philanthropy jobs?

Philanthropy jobs encompass roles such as grant officers, development directors, program managers, fundraising specialists, and foundation officers. These positions often require skills in relationship building, strategic planning, and knowledge of nonprofit management or fundraising tools. They can be found in nonprofit organizations, foundations, corporate social responsibility departments, and charitable agencies.
What cities are hiring for Philanthropy jobs? Cities with the most Philanthropy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Philanthropy jobs? The most popular types of Philanthropy jobs are:
What states have the most Philanthropy jobs? States with the most job openings for Philanthropy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Philanthropy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $174,532 per year, or $83.9 per hour.

Dir- Philanthropy

Northern Light Health

Ellsworth, ME • On-site

$39.51 - $61.04/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


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6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

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Job description

The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.
Northern Light Health
Department: Foundation
Position is located: Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital
Work Type: Full Time
Hours Per Week: 40.00
Work Schedule: No Hours Assigned
Exempt: Yes
Summary:
The Director of Philanthropy serves as the senior fundraising leader for Northern Light Mercy Hospital, responsible for setting and executing a comprehensive philanthropy strategy that advances hospital and system-wide priorities. This role provides visible, strategic leadership and represents Mercy Hospital across the community with donors, volunteers, and key stakeholders.
The Director leads a high-performing, donor-centric philanthropy program and works closely with hospital executive leadership, clinicians, Northern Light Health Foundation colleagues, and volunteers to secure major and principal philanthropic investments. This position requires a proven track record of principal and major donor fundraising success, strong leadership skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships at the highest levels.
Responsibilities:
  • Serve as the senior philanthropy leader for Mercy Hospital, aligning philanthropic strategy with hospital and Northern Light Health priorities.
  • Lead a culture of philanthropy engaging executive leaders, physicians, clinicians, and volunteers in donor strategy and relationship building.
  • Manage, coach, and mentor philanthropy team members to achieve ambitious fundraising goals and support professional growth and accountability.
  • Develop and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans, establishing clear goals, metrics, and strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Manage a portfolio of principal and major donors with responsibility for securing transformational and leadership-level gifts.
  • Partner closely with hospital executive leadership to advance short- and long-term philanthropy strategies, including major gifts, principal gifts, and grateful patient fundraising.
  • Collaborate with prospect research, prospect management, and donor relations teams to ensure disciplined portfolio management, effective moves management, and personalized stewardship.
  • Represent Mercy Hospital externally with donors, community leaders, civic partners, and volunteers serving as a senior ambassador for the organization's mission and philanthropic priorities.
  • Manage an active portfolio of approximately 125-150 donors and prospective donors and advance them strategically toward solicitation and stewardship.
  • Achieve measurable, outcome-driven fundraising results based on mutually agreed-upon goals and performance metrics.

Other Information:
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive fundraising experience, including a proven record of successfully securing major and principal gifts.
  • Demonstrated success leading or contributing to high-performing fundraising programs, initiatives, or campaigns.
  • Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and close significant philanthropic investments from individual donors.
  • Strong leadership and management experience, with the ability to build, lead, and inspire teams toward shared goals.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills, with demonstrated success engaging senior executives, physicians, clinicians, volunteers, and community leaders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent Mercy Hospital effectively and professionally in a wide range of settings.
  • Strategic and results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive measurable outcomes.

Competencies and Skills
  • Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
  • Acts Strategically: Creates effective plans that anticipate future consequences and opportunities and is able to connect the day to day operations to longer-term objectives, shifts in the industry, and system goals.
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Applies Business Acumen:Demonstrates knowledge of current and future trends that impact organizational success. Applies proven practices and business theories to get results that meet financial as well as other business goals. Recognizes opportunities for new services and products and acts accordingly, taking measured risks into consideration. Possesses a thorough knowledge of their field and independently carries out their work in accordance with professional standards of the profession.
  • Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
  • Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
  • Fosters Innovation: Employs and encourages the use of meaningful creativity in solving challenges. Proactively identifies opportunities and uses new approaches to enhance processes, systems and services. When appropriate, suggests or initiates new strategies, products, services, and markets.
  • Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
  • Spreadsheet application with the ability to use calculations, formulas, graphing tools, pivot tables, and a macro programming.
  • Word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, database experience and other computer related skills.
  • Email application with the ability to manage email as well as calendars, managing tasks and contacts, note taking, journaling, and web browsing.
  • Presentation software with the ability to create presentations with the ability to incorporate animation, audio, video, time delays, as well as designing themes and variants with animations and effects.
  • MS Teams
  • Word process application with the ability to create and edit documents, format, use tables, apply footnoting, create table of contents and mail merge techniques.
  • Public Speaking
  • Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
  • Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
  • Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
  • Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees' strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.
  • Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
  • Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
  • Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
  • Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .

Education
  • Required Bachelor's Degree

Required Experience
  • 5 year/years of Leadership Experience
  • 10 year/years of Relevant Work Experience

Working Conditions
As an integrated health delivery system serving Maine, Northern Light Health is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state. Our care team-in hospitals, primary and specialty care practices, long-term and home healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and ground and air medical transport and emergency care-are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients, communities, and employees.
Questions? Contact Talent Acquisition:
phone: 207-973-7100
email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org
Brewer, Maine, Corporate Office, Cianchette, Foundation, Finance, Human Resources, Legal Services

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