Head of Philanthropy - Remote

The National Anti-Vivisection Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in Chicago in 1929. NAVS promotes greater compassion, respect, and justice for animals through educational and advocacy programs based on respected ethical, scientific, and legal theory. Supported by extensive documentation of the cruelty and waste of vivisection, NAVS works to increase public awareness about animal experimentation, promote positive solutions that advance humane science, support the development of alternatives to the use of animals and, in cooperation with like-minded individuals and groups, effect changes which help to end the unnecessary suffering of animals in science.
The Director of Philanthropy will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS) and its partner organization, the International Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER), by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding significant philanthropic investments from individuals. This position is responsible for building strong, personalized relationships with donors and aligning their philanthropic interests with the organization's strategic priorities. Through disciplined moves management and proactive pipeline development, the Director of Philanthropy will grow a robust base of major donors and secure philanthropic investments that accelerate the organization's mission.

Identify, research, and qualify new prospects using donor data and analytics, prospecting tools, and strategic direct outreach.
Actively build and engage a dynamic pipeline of qualified major gift prospects to ensure sustained revenue growth.
Develop compelling, audience-specific strategies that position the organization's programs, initiatives, and impact within a broader vision for advancing non-animal methods and human-relevant science.
Exceed annual revenue goals and key performance metrics related to major gift fundraising.

Build and sustain meaningful donor relationships through personalized outreach, including correspondence, calls, meetings, visits, and events.
Conduct regular one-on-one donor meetings (in-person and virtual) to deepen engagement and uncover philanthropic interests.
Solicit and close major gifts independently and in partnership with senior leadership and the board.
Ensure timely, strategic stewardship of major donors and planned givers through personalized communications, educational and volunteer opportunities, sanctuary visits, advocacy engagement, impact reporting, and recognition.
Translate complex programmatic, scientific, and policy developments into clear, compelling donor communications that increase understanding of and engagement with humane science.
Work closely with program teams to distill data, research advancements, and advocacy outcomes into meaningful donor updates and impact reports.
Leverage donor communications as an opportunity to deepen awareness of NAVS' mission, priorities, and leadership in advancing alternatives to animal testing.
Collaborate with the NAVS Woman's Board to expand the prospect universe and engage their support of donor cultivation events and annual board appeal.
Develop written proposals and custom communications from NAVS leadership that articulate strategy, need, and impact while offering a custom, high-touch experience to key prospects.
Collaborate with program staff and scientific leadership to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities and emerging initiatives.
Collaborate with the Director of Communications to ensure consistency and strength in major donor messaging.
Work with the Development Specialist to ensure accurate CRM tracking, donor recognition, and stewardship execution.
Support senior leadership and board members in donor engagement by preparing briefing materials and follow-up communications.
Data Management & Reporting
Maintain detailed and accurate donor and prospect records, research profiles, engagement plans, and activity reports within the CRM.
Track and report progress toward revenue goals, portfolio performance, and pipeline development.
Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and donor confidentiality requirements.

Minimum of 5 years' experience in nonprofit fundraising, including direct responsibility for managing major gifts and/or individual giving programs.
Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to inspire philanthropic investment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including funding proposal development and donor correspondence.
Ability to communicate complex scientific and ethical concepts clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences.
Experience using CRM databases to track and report on fundraising performance and donor activity.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly for donor meetings, cultivation events, and organizational activities (approximately two-plus trips per month).
Self-starter able to multitask and thrive in a lean environment with no dedicated support staff.

Upholds the highest standards of integrity and ethical fundraising practices.
Ability to work effectively and professionally with senior leadership, board members, scientific advisors, and program leads.
Highly collaborative team member who thrives in a mission-driven, nonprofit environment.
Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work both independently and within a team.
Limited travel expected to be less than 20%.

This is a remote or hybrid position, open to candidates anywhere in the contiguous U.Chicago-area candidates selected for this role are expected to maintain a hybrid schedule, working on-site three days per week when not traveling for donor meetings. POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITMENT
Under this agreement, candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.