JOB TITLE: Director of Philanthropy

REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer

STATUS: Full-time, exempt

LOCATION: Greenwood Village, Colorado (hybrid work flexibility available)

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Beginning with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we have evolved to be one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and over 200 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Colorado grants over 300 wishes a year.

Position Overview

The Director of Philanthropy is a key role responsible for driving the growth and impact of individual giving at all levels, with a strong focus on major gifts, planned giving, and endowment development. This position plays a critical role in advancing our mission to grant life-changing wishes to every eligible child in Colorado by building and sustaining meaningful relationships with donors. The Director will lead strategy, execution, and performance for individual giving programs, manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, and oversee a structured stewardship approach to deepen donor engagement and retention. This role supervises the Philanthropy Manager and reports directly to the Chief Development Officer.

Key Responsibilities

• Advance and lead a comprehensive individual giving strategy, including major gifts, planned giving, and endowment growth, aligned with organizational priorities and revenue goals.
• Manage a dynamic portfolio of approximately 120 high-capacity donors, ensuring personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to deepen engagement and maximize philanthropic support.
• Partner with leadership and board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective major donors, leveraging organizational relationships and networks.
• Oversee and optimize donor data systems, applying moves management principles to track engagement, forecast giving potential, and inform strategy.
• Ensure compliance with national fundraising standards and ethical guidelines, maintaining transparency and donor trust.
• Lead a robust stewardship program that enhances donor satisfaction, retention, and long-term investment in the organization’s mission.
• Monitor and analyze individual giving performance, using data to refine strategies and ensure achievement of annual and long-term fundraising targets.
• Supervise and mentor the Philanthropy Manager, providing strategic direction, professional development, and performance oversight.
• Lead and grow planned giving and endowment initiatives, including donor education, marketing, and relationship management, to grow legacy giving and long-term financial sustainability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts of $25,000+, with a strong track record of cultivating and closing high-impact philanthropic partnerships.
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, inspire, and steward donors across a range of giving levels.
• Strategic and results-driven mindset, with the ability to develop and execute multi-year fundraising plans and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including direct experience managing major gifts and planned giving programs; supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in donor management systems (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office Suite, with a strong understanding of moves management and data-informed fundraising strategies.
• Knowledge of endowment fundraising and planned giving vehicles, including donor education, marketing, and legacy stewardship.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
• Financial Security: 100% employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance to support your peace of mind.
• Performance Incentives: Annual bonus potential based on individual and organizational performance.
• Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan with up to 5% employer match after one year of service.
• Generous Time Off: 10 PTO days, 15 paid holidays, and every other Friday off to support work-life balance.
• Sabbatical Program: Earn a paid sabbatical after every 5 years of service to recharge and reflect.
• Professional Growth: Access to ongoing learning and development opportunities to support your career advancement.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.
This role is primarily in-person but may include hybrid work arrangements, subject to organizational needs.
Occasional evening and weekend work required, along with in-state travel.

Compensation

Salary Range: $85,000–$90,000 annually, plus incentive potential.
This position is eligible for annual performance-based bonuses and is part of our total rewards package, which includes comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

Make-A-Wish Colorado is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks and verification of employment eligibility, in compliance with the Colorado Chance to Compete Act and Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. This position will be internally posted per Colorado transparency requirements for promotional opportunities.

Join Our Team of Inspired People Transforming Lives

At Make-A-Wish Colorado, we’re more than just colleagues—we’re a community united by purpose. Every day, we work together to bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses, and that mission inspires everything we do. Our team is made up of passionate, diverse individuals whose unique backgrounds and perspectives strengthen our impact. Guided by shared values and a deep commitment to our mission, we support one another and celebrate the life-changing work we’re privileged to be part of.

Application Process

For consideration, please send your cover letter and resume to Lauren Beede at lbeede@colorado.wish.org.
Please have applications submitted no later than August 25^th.

Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Beginning with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, we have evolved to be one of the world’s leading children’s charities, serving children in every community in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and over 200 volunteers, Make-A-Wish Colorado grants over 300 wishes a year.

Areas of Responsibility

– Prepare and conduct wish family discovery visits, monthly

– Cultivate Wish Volunteer relationships

– Develop and maintain partnerships within the community to support wishes.

– Prepare wish-related information for volunteers, wish families, health care professionals, and community partners.

– Monitor progress of each wish and ensure timely execution.

– Adhere to all national and local performance standards and guidelines.

– Maintain accurate wish database records and electronic files.

– Supervise and support volunteers involved in the wish.

– Communicate with health care professionals, volunteers and family members to ensure each wish proceeds in the best interest of the child.

– Coordinate all specific aspects involved with the wish, including but not limited to transportation, accommodations, services, assisting chapters, medical equipment, liability forms, and itineraries.

– Communicate and coordinate specific wish details successfully with other Make-A-Wish Chapters/Affiliates when necessary

– Establish and manage wish budgets in collaboration with program leadership.

– Ensure proper reconciliation of cash and in-kind donations related to each wish.

– Administer and follow all procedures required for completion of a wish.

– Stay up to date on National and Colorado policies, guidelines, and resources. Participate in staff meetings and contribute as a team member.

Qualifications

– Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

– Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

– Ability to motivate and support a diverse constituency in a team-oriented environment.

– Excellent communication and customer service skills.

– Flexible and adaptable to change. Passion for the mission of Make-A-Wish.

– Fluent in Spanish

Working Conditions

– Position is based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

– Must have the ability and willingness to travel across Colorado and work some nights/weekends.

– Physical Requirements: This role may require lifting materials up to 25 pounds and extended periods of sitting or standing.

Equal Opportunity & Accommodations

We respect and ensure equal opportunity regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities.

Employment Conditions

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks and verification of employment eligibility, in compliance with the Colorado Chance to Compete Act.

Benefits

Rewards & Benefits

- 100% employer-paid Medical, Vision, and Dental for employees.

- 100% employer-paid Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.

- Annual incentive potential.

- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with up to 5% employer match after one year.

- 10 PTO days, 15 paid holidays, and every other Friday off.

- Professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

We are more than a great place to work - our work is life-changing. We are an inclusive and diverse group of people who, through a mosaic of backgrounds, thoughts and experiences are united in purposeful work. We are fueled and guided by our values - values that are represented in the inspired people we work with and the transformational work we do every day. For immediate consideration, please send a cover letter and resume to Jeanne Olson, jolson@colorado.wish.org.

Make-A-Wish Colorado provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, physical disability, mental disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner status, gender (including sex stereotyping), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer related and HIV/AIDS related) or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. In addition, Make-A-Wish Colorado complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which Make-A-Wish Colorado has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Additionally, Make-A-Wish Colorado provides equal opportunities to all organization volunteers without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity/expression, age, sexual orientation and disability. Finally, Make-A-Wish Colorado serves children facing critical illnesses without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation and disability.