Director of Philanthropy

The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization working to ensure a fair, inclusive financial marketplace. CRL is seeking a Director of Philanthropy to lead the fundraising that powers its work, reporting to the President, and to help raise more than $3 million each year for research and advocacy that protects families from predatory lending and helps them build lasting wealth. This is a hybrid role based in the Durham, NC or Washington, DC office. Staff are expected in the office three days per week, with Monday and Wednesday as communal days.

Responsibilities

Own CRL's annual and multi-year revenue goals across grants and individual giving, and build and carry out the plan to reach them through foundation, major individual, and corporate giving and endowment growth; Position the philanthropy program to advance CRL's broader goals, aligning fundraising with research, policy, and advocacy priorities; Manage the fundraising calendar and staff roles, working closely with colleagues across CRL; Find new funders and grow the number of foundations and individual donors who support CRL's work; Lead meetings with current and prospective funders and represent CRL at conferences and other events; Bring CRL Board and Advisory Board members into the work of building support when appropriate; Write, or guide the writing of, proposals, reports, and stewardship communications; Track solicitations, expected gifts, pledges, and income, and provide monthly fundraising updates to executive leadership and the Board; Coordinate grant tracking and reporting with CRL staff, Self-Help's resource development team, and accounting staff; Lead and coach the Philanthropy Manager; Serve as go-to advisor and coach for CRL leaders, Board members, and staff on fundraising; Take on other duties as needed to help CRL meet its goals; Regular travel, including some overnight trips, to meet with funders and attend events

Requirements

A bachelor's degree and at least 5 to 7 years of fundraising experience with foundations, corporations, and/or major individual donors; A proven record of meeting or exceeding annual and multi-year revenue goals, including grants and individual giving; Demonstrated experience strategically positioning philanthropic programs to achieve broader organizational goals; Strong leadership and coaching skills, with the ability to lead, develop, and motivate staff and to work well both as a leader and as part of a team; The ability to start and build strong relationships with potential funders and key stakeholders; Confidence reporting to executive leadership and a Board; Excellent written and oral communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; Experience with fundraising databases and systems; The ability to understand, interpret, and explain program and organizational budgets and financial statements; Familiarity with lending and financial services terms and legal language, or the ability to learn them quickly; The ability to start and juggle multiple projects and work independently; The ability to act quickly on urgent, unplanned opportunities or needs; A strong commitment to CRL's mission of creating economic opportunity for traditionally underserved communities, and to working as part of a diverse organization; A preference for working in organizations that make teamwork and collaboration a priority; The ability to demonstrate Self-Help's Core Values: Mission Before Self, Service With Excellence, Embracing & Promoting Change, Results Not Credit, Diversity as a Strength, Financial Sustainability for Mission Impact

Nice to have

A graduate degree; Experience in marketing, investor relations, community economic development, or financial services

Benefits

Medical, dental & vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents, with 80% to 100% of premiums paid by Self-Help; Employee Assistance Program Access; Vacation accrued at 15 days/year; Sick time accrued at 12 days/year; 11 paid holidays; Paid parental leave of 12-16 weeks, prorated for staff with less than 1 year of service; 401k match of 3% company contribution, plus an additional $1 for $1 on first 6% that the employee contributes; CRL-paid life insurance of $50,000, plus long-term disability and accidental death & dismemberment coverage; Tuition reimbursement; Potential student loan forgiveness as a 501(c)(3) organization employee