Description
Care for pets. Find them homes. Save lives. That’s the mission at Nevada Humane Society.
We’re a high-save organization helping nearly 34,000 animals in our community each year and caring for approximately 10,000 across both of our campuses. through sheltering, adoptions and community-centered programs and services that help find pets loving homes and keep them there. We are seeking a Philanthropy Director to join our team at our Reno Campus. In this role, you’ll provide daily care, support positive outcomes, and help match pets with the families who will love them for life.
At NHS, lifesaving work is powered by dedicated professionals. We support our team with competitive pay, meaningful benefits, and a workplace rooted in compassion, teamwork, and purpose.
Candidates wishing to be considered should provide work samples demonstrating your fundraising experience, such as donor solicitations, stewardship communications, cultivation materials, annual giving appeals, or donor event materials.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Director of Philanthropy
Department: Philanthropy
Supervises: Philanthropy Officer & Philanthropy Coordinators
Reports To: Chief Philanthropy Officer
FLSA/Work Hours Status: Full-Time 40+ hours per week
Base Pay Range: Starting at $90,000
DOL Status: Exempt
WHAT YOU’LL DO
As the Director of Philanthropy, you play a vital role in advancing Nevada Humane Society’s mission to care for pets, find them loving homes, and save lives. Your leadership helps drive our values forward by guiding your team with compassion and purpose. In this role, you also partner with authorized personnel to make thoughtful employment decisions that align with our organizational goals—ensuring we remain compliant with policies, procedures, and employment laws while fostering a positive, mission-aligned workplace.
Position-Specific Responsibilities
Oversee hiring processes, including drafting job descriptions, interviewing, and candidate selection.
Manage employee performance through evaluations, coaching, and development planning.
Effectively resolve employee relations issues and ensure compliance with employment laws and organizational policies.
Strong leadership skills with a track record of fostering positive team environments and employee engagement.
Lead the development and implementation of the annual giving program and strategy with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, including plans for individual, recurring, major, and foundation donors.
Create solicitation and year-round engagement strategies to identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with existing and prospective donors.
Establish and manage fundraising processes regarding acknowledgment, recognition, ongoing communications, and continued cultivation of donors.
Assist with creating a comprehensive stewardship program that appropriately and consistently promotes interaction with and recognition of donors at all levels.
Work with the Chief Philanthropy Officer & other team members on the creation and execution of various donor events.
Develop and implement a strategy to engage donors in existing Nevada Humane Society events.
Prepares various lists to invite donors to special events, including stewardship events, site tours, and fundraising events.
Actively respond to donor inquiries, calls, and emails while keeping the Chief Philanthropy Officer appraised of any issues.
Develop donor materials for the annual giving program, events, and other needs as they arise.
Stay current and knowledgeable on gift regulations and donor fund management best practices.
Interacts with co-workers and volunteers efficiently and courteously to ensure a cooperative team environment amongst all departments.
Attend and participate in departmental and shelter meetings. Attend educational conferences/seminars as recommended/approved.
Address and/or report any safety hazards or unsafe use of NHS equipment.
Perform other duties as requested by direct management, and/or the CEO.
Requirements
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement annual giving, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention strategies.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with individual, recurring, major, and foundation donors.
Ability to create compelling donor appeals, acknowledgments, stewardship communications, and fundraising materials.
Experience coordinating donor cultivation, recognition, and fundraising events.
Ability to independently manage multiple fundraising initiatives, priorities, and deadlines.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with donors and community partners.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with careful attention to tone, accuracy, and detail.
Ability to maintain accurate donor records and handle confidential information appropriately.
Working knowledge of fundraising regulations, ethical practices, and donor Fill codes of privacy.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising or philanthropy experience.
Demonstrated success developing annual giving, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and engagement strategies with measurable results.
Experience creating donor communications, fundraising appeals, stewardship materials, and donor-focused events.
Strong commitment to Nevada Humane Society’s mission, vision, and community presence.
