Senior Director, Philantrophy

Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association

Senior Director of Philanthropy

About the Tournament of Roses

The Tournament of Roses Association (“Association”) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that produces the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, bringing together communities through celebration, competition, and creativity. With a focus on excellence, collaboration, and service, the Tournament engages hundreds of volunteer Members to plan and execute world-class events that highlight floral artistry, marching bands, and collegiate athletics. Beyond the New Year’s Day festivities, the organization is committed to enriching the community through educational programs, scholarships, and partnerships that reflect its mission and values.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Philanthropy, a newly created position, will report to the Chief Executive Officer and maintain responsibility for the development and implementation of a comprehensive philanthropy program to provide the financial resources necessary to support the organization’s mission.  As the first hire in the philanthropy department, this individual will play a key role in shaping its growth and guiding future team expansion. The new department is expected to grow to include an additional two to four team members, who will report directly to the Senior Director of Philanthropy. The Senior Director of Philanthropy will oversee the organization’s efforts in major gifts, planned giving, events, and philanthropy operations. The Senior Director of Philanthropy will develop and implement strategies that promote long-term sustainable growth and deepen the organization’s relationships with existing and new donors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

·         Build and expand upon an existing comprehensive philanthropy plan for the Association, developed by leadership in partnership with outside counsel. This plan outlines strategies for annual giving, foundation and corporate support, and individual major and planned gifts.

·         Manage an active portfolio of the top 50-75 major gift prospects.

·         Directly solicit major gifts and partner with senior staff and/or Members on solicitations by providing prospect briefings, strategic guidance, and assistance with donor communications.

·         Be a key stakeholder and decision-maker for the Association’s upcoming campaign to support its endowment.

·         Establish and drive performance metrics.

·         Oversee the comprehensive calendar of activities in support of philanthropy.

·         Ensure success in events management, including cultivation activities focused around the Association’s New Year’s Day activities.

·         Work with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Committee and other Member leaders to identify linkage, ability, and interest of major gift prospects for their solicitation in alignment with the organization’s priorities.

·         Support the Chief Executive Officer, other staff and key Members in their major gift work.

·         Ensure proper stewardship practices for the timely and accurate recording and acknowledgement of all gifts.

·         Maintain ongoing and active networking with internal and external constituencies.

·         Assist in evaluating talent for other incoming members of the philanthropy team.

·         Represent the organization in the community as appropriate.

Requirements:

·         Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

·         10-15 years of experience managing donor relationships with proven track record of successfully closing five- to seven-figure gifts.

·         Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and a proven ability to create and foster excellent relationships between donors and an organization.

·         Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully in-person, on the phone, and via email/text with donors, board members, volunteers, and colleagues.

·         Demonstrated working knowledge of all areas of fundraising, with a particular emphasis on major gift acquisition, campaign management, and planned giving.

·         Proven track record in planning and achieving short- and long-term goals and creating a plan outlining activities.

·         Demonstrated ability to think strategically and creatively about engaging donors, and to develop plans of action and follow through.

·         Ability to inspire and motivate volunteers and staff.

·         Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, meet concurrent deadlines, organize time and priorities, and to do so in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

·         Sound judgment and superior problem-solving ability.

·         Integrity and fiscal accountability.

·         Must be willing and available to work evenings and weekends according to event-related scheduling.

·         Ability to travel if needed.

·         Experience working with donor management and data management systems preferred.

·         Passion for the mission of the Association with a strong commitment to its core values.

Salary Range:

$150,000 - $175,000 annually