Director of Philanthropy

Sharon Towers is pleased to announce its search for a full-time Director of Philanthropy as part of an exciting vision of growth for Charlotte’s premiere retirement living community. Sharon Towers seeks an energetic and visionary Director of Philanthropy to leverage growing philanthropic engagement following the completion of a successful $6 million capital campaign (with an initial goal of $5 million), grow an established annual giving program, and expand major and planned gifts.

For over 50 years, Sharon Towers has been a leading not-for-profit retirement living community on a wooded, 28-acre campus in the heart of beautiful SouthPark, one of Charlotte’s most prestigious, upscale neighborhoods. Sharon Towers is a Life Plan Community offering independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care. Sharon Towers is home to approximately 380 residents and has been recognized nationally as among the best in North Carolina.

The Position | Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy will work with the Sharon Towers Leadership Staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers to engage residents, families, and the community in the case for philanthropy at Sharon Towers and leverage the significant support that fueled the successful capital campaign.

The ideal candidate will thrive on working independently as a member of a committed leadership team with limited administrative support. The Director of Philanthropy will lead the board, leadership, and staff in leveraging major gift relationships that were established during the campaign and expand residents’ understanding for the need and impact of ongoing philanthropy.

The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of five years of experience in philanthropy with a focus on individual major gifts, and a track record of building and managing relationships with people of influence and supporting their needs. Experience with planned giving is preferred and a general understanding of it is required. Experience with databases is essential, as are exemplary written and communication skills. The successful candidate will be a self-managing, self-starter with a high level of self-confidence, strong presentation skills, and an eagerness to establish personal relationships with residents and major supporters of Sharon Towers.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with the Sharon Towers Leadership Team, Board of Directors, volunteers, and residents to engage the community in philanthropic support of Sharon Towers’ annual and major gift programs.
• Plan and execute effective donor cultivation, recognition, and stewardship of all gifts, including planned, major, and annual.
• Plan and implement the Annual Residents’ Assistance Endowment Fund Campaign including solicitation of gifts from residents and the community at large.
• Manage and grow the Sharon Towers Planned Giving Program, including preparing an annual plan, educating Sharon Towers’ constituencies about available planned gift options for residents, identifying and cultivating planned gift prospects, and planning and carrying out stewardship activities for existing planned gift donors.
• Oversee the donor management program, including timely acknowledgements, management of the database, and planning of recognition events.
• Plan and execute a comprehensive stewardship program including but not limited to production of the annual report and other publications as deemed necessary and planning and execution of stewardship events, including but not limited to the legacy event for planned giving.
• Participate in activities of the community’s foundation for reserves management as directed by the President & CEO, to include attendance at the foundation’s annual meeting.
• Serve as staff to the Board Fundraising & Community Outreach Committee. Work with members to appropriately engage them in the fundraising program at Sharon Towers, especially related to leveraging relationships to build relationships.
• Ensure maintenance of all campaign gift and pledge records and reports, as well as gift acknowledgements to ensure fulfillment of all campaign pledges.
• Ensure that all materials are organized and maintained thoroughly and accurately.
• Perform the above and any other duties necessary for effective and efficient implementation of the philanthropy program.

Essential Skills, Requirements and Preferred Qualifications

• A proven track record in major gift relationship-building and solicitations is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain major donor and executive-level relationships is a must.
• A minimum of five years of experience in a similar role with an emphasis on individual fundraising and donor relations is required.
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required, and professional certifications are preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently with limited administrative support.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Superior written communication and proposal development skills.
• An affinity for senior programs and a commitment to enriching the quality of life for older adults.

Apply Here

Sharon Towers has retained Capital Development Services to conduct a national search for this position.  Candidates must provide a cover letter, resume, and list of three references.  All materials will be kept confidential.  Additional inquiries may be directed to Jen Tozier at searchservices@capdev.com.