Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley · 1 day ago
Senior Director of Development – Philadelphia
Bala-Cynwyd, PA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expMake-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley is seeking a Senior Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts across the Philadelphia region. This role is responsible for developing and executing fundraising strategies, engaging donors and volunteers, and managing key fundraising positions to support the chapter's mission.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Lead the strategy, development, and launch of a new inaugural signature fundraising event in Philadelphia in celebration of the chapter’s 40th anniversary, establishing it as a cornerstone of the chapter’s long-term fundraising strategy
Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies for the Philadelphia region aligned with chapter-wide goals and priorities
Collaborate with the Vice President of Development to establish annual fundraising goals across revenue streams and ensure accountability for results
Recruit, engage, and steward high-level volunteer leaders and honoree(s) to support fundraising committees, drive corporate sponsorships, and advance individual giving
Launch and oversee vendor campaigns within the event and committee structure
Drive additional fundraising opportunities, including external events, stewardship and cultivation experiences, giving programs, point-of-sale initiatives, and employee fundraising efforts
Provide strategic oversight for all Philadelphia-based fundraising initiatives, including signature and third-party events, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and community fundraising
Oversee all aspects of event planning and execution, including budgeting, sponsorship strategy, volunteer leadership, implementation, and post-event evaluation
Partner closely with the Marketing & Communications team to ensure exceptional execution aligned with the chapter’s brand, mission, and donor experience standards
Cultivate, steward, and solicit a portfolio of high-level individual donors, corporate partners, and community leaders
Identify, qualify, and cultivate prospective donors for individual and corporate gifts
Lead one-on-one donor engagement by clearly communicating the chapter’s vision, actively listening, and identifying meaningful engagement opportunities
Manage all stages of the gift cycle, including cultivation, solicitation, closure, and ongoing stewardship
Mobilize volunteers and supporters to deepen engagement and connection to the mission
Directly manage, coach, and mentor two Philadelphia focused fundraising roles – Senior Director of Development Operations and Development Associate of Philadelphia - responsible for a combined fundraising budget of approximately $2M, ensuring alignment with chapter-wide priorities and performance expectations
Set clear goals, success metrics, and accountability structures that drive strong fundraising results, operational excellence, and continuous professional growth
Develop and support individualized professional development plans, building bench strength and supporting succession planning within the development team
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture that encourages innovation, cross-functional partnership, and shared ownership of outcomes
Work closely with Marketing & Communications and Mission Delivery teams to ensure alignment, consistency, and impact
Leverage data, reporting, and donor insights to inform strategy and decision-making
Maintain fluency and oversight across Make-A-Wish fundraising systems, including Salesforce and event management platforms, ensuring accurate portfolio management and data-informed decision-making
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in a related field
8+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including leadership responsibility
Knowledge of the Philadelphia corporate and philanthropic landscape
Proven success managing teams and leading complex fundraising initiatives
Strong background in event fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and donor engagement
Demonstrated ability to build and steward meaningful donor relationships
Strategic thinker with strong execution, communication, and relationship-building skills
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events
Ability and transportation to travel within the assigned territory (Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley)
Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand or move for extended periods during events
Passion for the Make-A-Wish mission and commitment to advancing outcomes for children and families
Preferred
Experience launching new fundraising events or initiatives
Experience working with boards and senior level volunteers
Company
Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley
Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Jennifer Davis
President & Chief Executive Officer
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