Position Announcement: Senior Vice President, Development and Donor Services 

May 01, 2025

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, the region's largest grantmaker and permanent charitable endowment, is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Senior Vice President, Development and Donor Services. The Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, support, inform, listen to, and collaborate with the people and organizations in Greater New Haven to build an ever more connected, inclusive, equitable and philanthropic community.  

Title: Senior Vice President, Development and Donor Services 
Department: Development and Donor Services  
Reports to: President and CEO 
FLSA Status: Exempt  
Compensation:  $200,000 - $250,000 plus benefits 

POSITION: 
The Senior Vice President, Development and Donor Services at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (CFGNH) is responsible for leading development, donor engagement, and philanthropic services. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Strategy   

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive development and donor engagement strategy aligned with CFGNH’s mission and goals.
  • Lead a team responsible for donor relations, planned giving, and major gifts.
  • Collaborate with the CEO and Board to cultivate high-impact philanthropic partnerships.

Development & Donor Engagement 

  • Oversee donor cultivation, stewardship, and retention strategies, ensuring meaningful engagement with current and prospective donors.
  • Lead efforts to increase endowed funds, current and major gifts, and planned gifts.
  • Guide donor-advised funds, legacy giving, and other philanthropic services.
  • Maintain personal involvement in various aspects of donor development and stewardship.

Team & Organizational Management 

  • Manage and mentor a team of development professionals to achieve fundraising goals.
  • Ensure operational excellence in donor relations, gift administration, and grantmaking processes. \
  • Work cross-functionally with finance, community strategy and knowledge, and MIC teams to align development efforts.
  • Supervise staff of seven.

Community & External Relations 

  • Represent CFGNH in the Greater New Haven community and beyond, fostering relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and institutional funders.
  • Serve as a thought leader in community philanthropy, advocating for equitable and inclusive giving.
  • Engage in public speaking, networking, and outreach to build CFGNH’s visibility and donor base.

Data-Driven Decision Making & Innovation 

  • Use donor analytics and trends to inform development strategy.
  • Implement technology solutions to enhance donor engagement and stewardship.
  • Explore innovative approaches to community-centered philanthropy.

Governance & Compliance 

  • Ensure adherence to legal, ethical, and professional standards in fundraising and donor stewardship.
  • Ensure Development policies and procedures are in compliance with fund agreements, legal, ethical and fiduciary principles.
  • Support the Board and development committees with relevant data, reports, and insights.
  • Stay informed on best practices and emerging trends in community philanthropy. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred  

  • Ten or more years’ experience in development, major donor relations, philanthropic related work; familiarity with charitable gift planning and major gift development 

  • Community Foundation experience or Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation preferred 

  • Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced environment, with high customer service expectations and with diverse populations 

  • Demonstrated leadership and management abilities 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

  • Research and metrics competencies 

  • Interpersonal skills with an ability to interact with a diverse constituency 

  • Strong attention to details and systems of record-keeping 

  • Competency in Raiser’s Edge and proficiency in MS Office – specifically Word, PowerPoint and Excel

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Human_Resources@cfgnh.org (Human underscore Resources) with the subject line “SVP, Development and Donor Services” no later than May 30, 2025. Please also indicate how you found this job posting. No phone calls please. 

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is an equal opportunity employer.