Job description
We’re partnering with a prominent organization dedicated to youth health equity throughout Mississippi and Arkansas. They empower young people through comprehensive health education and resources, utilizing evidence-based programming and advocacy to create equitable communities where all youth can make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.
Our client seeks a Senior Director of Philanthropy who will serve as the primary strategist for fundraising across their multistate operations. This position will design and implement comprehensive development initiatives spanning local, regional, national, and international funding sources while establishing the organization as a philanthropic leader in youth health equity.
The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record in multistate fundraising, outstanding relationship-building capabilities across varied stakeholder groups, and dedication to youth-centered, equity-driven work. This role demands someone who can navigate sensitive health topics with professionalism and nuance, especially in conservative environments.
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas; Jackson or Clarksdale, Mississippi; or hybrid arrangement. Consistent travel throughout Arkansas, Mississippi, and additional locations as necessary for donor relations
Core Responsibilities
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Lead high-quality stewardship that builds long-term loyalty and advocacy for the organization’s work
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors across Mississippi, Arkansas, other U.S. states, and international markets
- Develop tailored engagement strategies for donors at different geographic levels whilst maintaining cohesive mission-driven messaging
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
- Set annual fundraising targets and monitor progress toward goals across all geographic markets
- Partner with Executive Director, Managing Director, and Board to embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies supporting work in Mississippi and Arkansas whilst pursuing national and global funding opportunities
- Lead efforts to diversify revenue streams, balancing foundation, government, corporate, and individual donor support from local to international sources
Campaigns & Events
- Coordinate events in multiple states and abroad (as applicable), adapting for audience and context
- Lead capital campaigns and large-scale fundraising efforts that leverage multistate and cross-border support
- Plan and implement annual appeals, digital campaigns, and special initiatives with both local resonance and broad national/international appeal
Cross-State & Cross-Border Coordination
- Share fundraising data and insights across teams to inform organizational priorities and investment decisions
- Collaborate with communications team to produce donor-centered materials that resonate locally, nationally, and internationally
- Align fundraising systems, messaging, and donor engagement strategies across all levels of work, from Mississippi to global partnerships
Foundation & Government Grants
- Collaborate with program staff to ensure proposals and deliverables are compelling and achievable
- Build relationships with local, national, and international program officers, agencies, and grant-making bodies
- Oversee multistate, national, and global grants pipeline, including prospect research, proposal writing, budgeting, and compliance
Board & Leadership Engagement
- Provide fundraising training and resources to board members and senior staff for local, national, and global donor cultivation
- Present regular fundraising reports highlighting opportunities in all markets
- Partner with the Board of Directors to identify and engage prospective donors at all geographic levels
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Proven track record securing major gifts, managing donor portfolios, and leading large-scale campaigns
- 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including demonstrable success in multistate, national, and/or international development work
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Strong grant writing, prospect research, and donor cultivation expertise
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in youth development, health equity, public health, or related mission-driven sectors
- Experience working in or strong familiarity with Arkansas, particularly leveraging local connections for philanthropic work
- Advanced degree or CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification
- Bilingual capabilities or experience working across international contexts
- Demonstrated success navigating politically or culturally sensitive funding environments
Skills & Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication abilities
- Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills
- Proficiency with donor management software (e.g., NEON, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce)
- Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills across cultures and sectors
- Ability to work effectively across diverse teams, states, and countries
Personal Attributes
Adaptable to both established and emerging program contexts
Comfortable travelling throughout Mississippi, Arkansas, the U.S., and internationally for donor engagement
Able to communicate with nuance and professionalism in diverse cultural and political contexts
Mission-driven, equity-focused, and committed to youth voice and youth leadership
Supportive of evidence-based approaches that provide young people with information to make informed decisions about their health
Comfortable discussing comprehensive sexual health education and youth development in professional contexts
Entrepreneurial, resourceful, and globally minded
Base Salary: $82.5k - $90k (Slightly negotiable for the right candidate)
Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible work arrangements with remote work options
Generous paid time off policy
Paid holidays
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
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Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
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Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
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Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
