Position:  Director of Advancement
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Supervises: Grants Coordinator, Marketing & Fund Development Manager, Partnership Manager
Type: Full-Time
Salary Range: $80,000-$95,000
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Summary:  Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey seeks an experienced and strategic Director of Advancement to lead comprehensive fundraising efforts for our $3 million organization. This newly created position will have the unique opportunity to design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy diversifying revenue streams, strengthening donor relationships, and ensuring sustainable funding for programs serving girls and young women in our region.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of hands-on development experience, a proven track record of securing five and six-figure gifts, success in cultivating EITC and unrestricted grants, and strong knowledge of the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey philanthropic landscape. This role is perfect for a collaborative leader who thrives in building donor relationships, engaging board members in fundraising, and creating systems that support long-term organizational growth.

To Apply, please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references in PDF format to: Natasha Johnson, CEO njohnson@girlsincpa-nj.org – The subject line of the email should include your full name and “Girls Inc. Director of Advancement”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with initial interviews expected to begin on August 28, 2025. We aim to fill the position by September 30, 2025.

Organization Description: Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Our comprehensive approach to whole girl development equips girls to navigate gender, economic, and social barriers and grow up healthy, educated, and independent. Girls Inc. responds to the changing needs of girls through research-based programs and public education efforts that empower girls to understand, value, and assert their rights. The Girls Inc. national network serves over 140,000 girls through 78 affiliates. Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey (Girls Inc.) is the local affiliate serving 2,000 girls in the Greater Philadelphia region.

Responsibilities

Development Strategy & Implementation

• Aim to increase annual fundraising revenue by 15-20% within the first two years through diversified funding sources.
• Design and execute a comprehensive development plan targeting foundation grants, major individual donors, corporate partnerships, and community fundraising.
• Personally manage a portfolio of 40-60 major donor prospects and current supporters, conducting face-to-face visits and stewarding relationships.
• Lead efforts to diversify funding sources with particular focus on foundation, corporate, and individual donor cultivation.
• Collaborate with CEO and Board Chair on high-level donor cultivation and board engagement strategies.

Foundation & Grant Relations

• Research, identify, and pursue foundation opportunities aligned with Girls Inc.’s mission with a target goal of securing 3-5 new foundation relationships annually.
• Supervise Grants Coordinator to ensure timely proposal submissions, compliance with reporting requirements, and relationship management with existing funders.
• Develop and maintain grants calendar with clear deadlines, reporting schedules, and cultivation activities.

Board Development & Engagement

• Work closely with board members to expand their fundraising capacity and personal networks.
• Conduct individual meetings with each board member to discuss their personal giving and prospect identification.
• Provide board members with tools, training, and support for donor engagement activities.
• Participate in Fund Development committee of the board.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Implement a comprehensive donor stewardship program including personalized communications, impact reporting, and recognition activities.
• Oversee donor database management using CRM system (experience with Bloomerang, Network for Good, or similar platforms preferred).
• Create and manage processes to track donor engagement and cultivation activities.
• Develop an annual giving program to grow the base of individual supporters.

Events & Community Engagement

• Support Marketing & Fund Development Manager in planning and executing annual fundraising events, including signature fundraiser and online auction.
• Serve as organizational ambassador at community events, networking functions, and donor meetings throughout Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey.
• Recruit and coordinate event volunteers and committee members.
• Represent Girls Inc. at relevant conferences and professional development opportunities.

Marketing & Communications Support

• Collaborate with marketing team to ensure development messaging aligns with overall organizational communications.
• Provide input on donor-focused content for newsletters, social media, and website.
• Develop case statements and supporting materials for major gift solicitations.

Leadership & Management

• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment, inspiring staff, and board members alike to embrace a shared vision of philanthropy while balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution.
• Supervise development team of three staff members, providing coaching, goal-setting, and performance management.
• Prepare monthly reports for CEO and quarterly reports for Board of Directors on fundraising progress and pipeline status.
• Collaborate with finance team on gift processing, budget management, and financial reporting.
• Foster culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in communications, nonprofit management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive fundraising experience in nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success securing gifts of $10,000+.
• Experience managing major donor portfolios and conducting face-to-face solicitations.
• Strong knowledge of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey philanthropic community and funding landscape.
• Proven ability to work effectively with volunteer boards and engage board members in fundraising activities.
• Experience with donor database management and CRM systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and presentation abilities.
• Track record of meeting or exceeding annual fundraising goals.
• Team leadership experience with ability to supervise and mentor staff.
• Commitment to Girls Inc.’s mission of empowering girls and young women to be strong, smart, and bold.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in organizations with similar budget size ($1-5 million) serving youth, education, or social services.
• CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) designation, preferred.
• Experience working with diverse communities and understanding of equity and inclusion principles.
• Background in event planning and volunteer management.
• Familiarity with foundation funding landscape for youth development and education programs.
• Experience with planned giving or legacy programs.

To Apply, please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references in PDF format to: Natasha Johnson, CEO njohnson@girlsincpa-nj.org – The subject line of the email should include your full name and “Girls Inc. Director of Advancement”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with initial interviews expected to begin on August 28, 2025. We aim to fill the position by September 30, 2025.

Compensation: $80,000-$95,000, commensurate with experience. We offer full-time employees comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plan, Paid Time Off, professional development opportunities. Hybrid work arrangement available.

If you’re passionate about empowering girls and young women and have the fundraising expertise to drive sustainable growth, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today to join our mission-driven team.