Director of Philanthropy

Company Description University Hospital Foundation supports University Hospital’s mission of improving the health of the community by raising philanthropic funds for critical programs, equipment, and initiatives. The Foundation works closely with hospital leadership, clinicians, and community partners to identify priority needs and fund innovative solutions that enhance patient care and health outcomes. It fosters strong relationships with donors, corporations, and foundations to build sustainable support for healthcare access and excellence. Team members contribute to meaningful, mission-driven work that directly benefits patients and families across Newark and the surrounding region.

Position Description

The Philanthropy Director plays a key role in growing philanthropic revenue by implementing development strategies, cultivating relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors and partners, and coordinating fundraising events.

In partnership with the Chief Development Officer and Director of Operations, this role leads the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, developing a growth plan and building the team and infrastructure needed to execute it. The role leads donor identification and early-stage cultivation, using data and insights to identify opportunities and transition high-capacity donors to major gift portfolios. The position also cultivates foundation and corporate giving prospects and leads fundraising events.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, results-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities, translate strategy into action, and deliver measurable results. The candidate will have demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising programs in a healthcare setting, including direct experience leading and executing strategy in a capital campaign.

This position serves as a key member of the Foundation’s leadership team, reports to the Chief Development Officer, and works closely with the Director of Operations and Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities

• Implement the organization’s annual fundraising plan with measurable goals and timelines.

• Cultivate and steward individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations, with a focus on donor acquisition, engagement, retention, and revenue growth.

• Grow the Foundation’s emerging grateful patient program by identifying, qualifying, and cultivating prospects to build a pipeline for major gifts.

• Develop funding proposals to match donor interests with University Hospital.

• Execute stewardship activities to retain and upgrade new and existing donors.

• Support annual, major, planned, and recurring giving strategies, including corporate and foundation fundraising beyond event sponsorships.

• Plan and execute fundraising events, such as the annual golf outing and cocktail-style event. 

• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and committees to meet event goals and enhance donor engagement.

• Serve as a member of the Foundation’s leadership team and work closely with CDO and Operations Director on strategic and tactical planning, forecasting, analysis, priority setting, and decision making to best position UHF in its efforts to support sustainable growth, particularly around major gifts.

• Strengthen collaboration between Foundation staff and University Hospital colleagues by promoting information sharing, cooperation, and a strong service orientation across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred. 

• Five (5) or more years of direct experience cultivating and stewarding donors in a healthcare setting and demonstrated success in individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising, donor portfolio management, and revenue growth. 

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience developing and executing capital campaigns within a healthcare institution.

• Experience working effectively with senior executives, governing boards, volunteers, and other key stakeholders.

• Proficiency in CRM systems (knowledge of Salesforce a plus), Microsoft Office Suite, and reporting tools required; experience with campaign management platforms and donor analytics tools preferred.

Core Competencies

Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses donor data, reporting, and analytics to inform strategy, prioritize opportunities, and measure fundraising results.

Relationship Building & Communication: Builds and maintains strong relationships with donors, prospects, corporate partners, foundations, leadership, and cross-functional partners through effective written and verbal communication.

Results Orientation: Translates development strategies into action, prioritizes efforts effectively, and takes initiative to achieve measurable fundraising and revenue goals.

Organization & Accountability: Manages multiple priorities, maintains accurate and timely documentation, meets deadlines, and takes ownership of responsibilities with minimal supervision.

Adaptability & Collaboration: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, adapts to shifting priorities, and works collaboratively across the Foundation and Hospital to advance shared goals.