Vice President of Development & External Engagement-This position will lead the HCCF team, in partnership with the President, in external communications and fundraising efforts of the foundation. This includes securing annual and endowment gifts, funding centered around community leadership initiatives and foundation priorities and working alongside CICF to secure products such as donor advised funds and planned gifts.
Established in 1991, Hamilton County Community Foundation was created to address the unique needs of Hamilton County residents. Originally formed from the assets of Carmel-Clay Community Foundation and Hamilton County Parks Foundation, the foundation provides opportunities for individuals to create a lasting impact in their community.
In 1997, the foundation partnered with The Indianapolis Foundation to form Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF), enhancing regional grant-making efforts while maintaining a strong focus on Hamilton County’s specific needs.
As part of CICF, we are committed to creating a more equitable Central Indiana, supporting impactful philanthropy, awarding grants to effective nonprofit organizations, and fostering community leadership. Our core values include belonging, authentic relationships, inclusivity, leadership, effectiveness, and sustainability.
What We’re Looking For:
This executive level position represents HCCF to the broad community, prospective and current donors, board members, and other constituencies. This position will lead the HCCF team, in partnership with the President, in external communications and fundraising efforts of the foundation. This includes securing annual and endowment gifts, funding centered around community leadership initiatives and foundation priorities and working alongside CICF to secure products such as donor advised funds and planned gifts. This position will represent the Foundation and its values and brand experience.
Key Responsibilities:
The following functions have been determined by the Foundation to be essential to the successful performance of this position:
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As a key member of our organization, you will collaborate closely with the president and HCCF Board of Director's, contributing to strategic decision-making, and executing initiatives to support the president’s vision and objectives. In collaboration with the Community Leadership team, the CICF Philanthropy and New Business team, and the CICF Marketing and Communications team, the VP of Development & External Engagement develops and implements strategies and coordinates the direction and planning necessary for the successful development of philanthropic funds for the Foundation.
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Develop and execute plans to carry out the Development objectives of the Foundation including: attracting major charitable gifts and grants; maximizing benefits to donors; providing leadership to address prevailing community needs and issues; providing donor development and services in coordination with the HCCF Donor Engagement Officer; and maintaining knowledge of new techniques for securing donations.
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A critical responsibility of this position is to identify, cultivate, and ask individuals, corporations, and foundations to make financial contributions to the foundations through annual and endowment gifts, funding centered around community leadership initiatives and foundation priorities and working alongside CICF to secure products such as donor advised funds, donor directed funds, and planned gifts.
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Create and implement donor development strategies, including: cultivating knowledge of potential sources of donations; identifying prospective donors; recommending strategic fundraising approaches; maintaining donor relationships; works with the CICF Philanthropy and New Business team by assisting in providing estate planning services; and cultivating relationships with professional advisors.
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Lead partnership development alongside the Community Leadership team to develop strategy for securing the time, talent, and treasure of individuals, corporations, and foundations throughout Hamilton County.
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Develop, in coordination with the President, annual goals to include Visits, asks, and closures. Estimated goals are as follows, but will vary annually based on the priorities of the Foundation:
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Annual Giving: $150,000+ raised year over year
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Endowment Giving: During GIFT initiatives, fundraising commensurate with matching goals
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Foundation Projects: major gift acquisition to exceed $1M annually
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Minimum of 15-20 face-to-face moves management visits per month
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Develop and manage a portfolio of donors and provide a high-level customer service to individuals and organizations in Hamilton County working closely with the HCCF President, HCCF Board of Directors, as well as the CICF Philanthropy and New Business teams.
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Serve as the marketing and communications lead for HCCF by working alongside the CICF Marketing team and managing the strategy for the following: communication positioning; convening appropriate internal/external meetings; providing marketing and communication leadership and acting as a liaison for collaborations with other CICF entities and professional advisors, as appropriate.
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Direct outcomes and results of development initiatives for HCCF. This includes: formal evaluation; statistical tracking; data collection and analysis; engagement; direct measurement of results; and develops and implements community, donor, and staff awareness opportunities highlighting the purpose, work, and outcomes of these initiatives.
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Co-supervise the HCCF Donor Engagement Officer in partnership with the Senior Director of Donor Engagement.
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All other duties as assigned.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
The following are the qualifications and minimum requirements necessary for a person to perform this job:
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Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, requiring advanced organizational and management skills, strategic thinking, capacity to see the larger picture and the detailed steps needed to achieve it.
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A commitment to servant leadership.
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Minimum of a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) that is relevant to leadership in the not-for-profit field or relevant experience.
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Minimum of ten (10) years experience in the not-for-profit or public sector is required; experience in charitable giving, planned giving, customer service, project management, and/or task group management is preferred.
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Ability to function effectively under stressful conditions and work occasional nights and weekends.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to write clearly and persuasively with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
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Ability to effectively interact and communicate with others in a professional and appropriate manner, including the ability to discuss multiple concepts with others.
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Ability to work effectively as part of a team and work independently with little supervision.
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Excellent organizational and workload prioritizing skills.
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Excellent conceptual and analytical skills; ability to analyze data and information.
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Working knowledge of general office equipment, including computer-based word processing and spreadsheet packages, proficiency with MS Office products preferred. Experience working on the Internet and with integrated database software is also preferred.
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Ability to organize, facilitate, and manage projects and meetings in an efficient and effective manner.
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Ability to travel between multiple office locations and attend off premise events, such as community events and meetings. Possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle.
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Working Conditions: Flexible hybrid office environment (in office three days a week). Home base–English Foundation Building in downtown Indianapolis, plus additional space and expectation of presence in Hamilton County Community Foundation’s Fishers office.
What You Get:
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$150,000 salary plus generous benefits, including:
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Employer-provided health, dental, vision
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7% percent employer discretionary 403b contribution
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Potential for an annual bonus based on organizational and individual performance
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10.5 paid holidays, including MLK Day and Juneteenth
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20 PTO Days
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Flexible, hybrid work arrangement - Work from home on Mondays and Fridays
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Homebase–Newly renovated office space conveniently located downtown, just steps from Mass Ave.
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An opportunity to do meaningful, results-driven work with a passionate, diverse team, supporting organizations that are committed to building and maintaining a strong, equitable and supportive culture for our team of changemakers.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:
Central Indiana Community Foundation, The Indianapolis Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana are equal opportunity employers that seek to recruit persons of diverse backgrounds and to support their retention and advancement. We are committed to fostering a workplace culture where employees and applicants are to be provided a full and fair opportunity for employment, career advancement and access to programs without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, disability (physical or mental), sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or parental status.
Our mission is to mobilize people, ideas and investments to make Central Indiana a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential—no matter place, race or identity.