THE OPPORTUNITY
The Philanthropy Advisor plays a critical role in advancing the mission of Global Water Center by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of prospective donors. This individual will be responsible for building meaningful relationships that lead to increased philanthropic support, with a strong emphasis on new donor acquisition and long-term engagement.
SUMMARY
A successful candidate will bring experience in acquiring, managing, and growing a donor portfolio, with a strong emphasis on relationship-based fundraising. This individual will demonstrate success in securing major gifts and contributing to strategic fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Advancement and Engagement Team.
Domestic travel is required, as well as occasional evening and weekend work to appropriately build relationships and engage with the many key audiences of the organization.
The position will be based at the GWC headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, or remote. If remote, periodic meetings in Charleston will be necessary.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Donor Acquisition, Cultivation, and Stewardship
- Identify and cultivate new individual, corporate, and foundation donor prospects through research, outreach, and personalized engagement strategies aligned with organizational priorities
- Manage and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects through consistent, personalized engagement—including meetings, calls, and written communications
- Develop and execute an annual strategic plan for your portfolio that includes donor growth, solicitation strategies, stewardship activities, and timely impact reporting
- Respond to donor needs with timely, personalized updates on fund usage and organizational impact
- Support the planning and execution of house gatherings and small donor events to cultivate relationships and expand the donor base
- Lead the growth of our monthly donor program by identifying and cultivating new monthly donors through personalized outreach and engagement strategies
- Identify and pursue general operating support grant opportunities
- Represent Global Water Center at events where appropriate and initiate new donor interactions (e.g., presentations, meals, coffees) to expand portfolio of supporters
- In collaboration with the Senior Director of Advancement and Engagement, support the development and launch of a planned giving program
Collaboration, Planning, and Reporting
- Collaborate with the Senior Director of Advancement and Engagement to establish annual philanthropic goals, fundraising campaigns, and initiatives
- Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor activity in Salesforce and use data insights to inform strategy and track progress toward fundraising goals
- Engage in regular team and one-on-one meetings to report on fundraising progress and align on organizational priorities
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, or a related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or a related role, with demonstrated success in acquiring new donors and managing a portfolio
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and effectively engage a diverse range of stakeholders
- Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM systems (or willingness to learn)
- Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office and Smartsheet
- Demonstrated discretion, professionalism, and commitment to confidentiality
CORE COMPETENCIES:
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Relationship Building and Influence
- Strategic Communication
- Initiative and Follow-Through
- Emotional Intelligence
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Patience and Cooperation
- Committed to a strong ethic of integrity and building trusting relationships
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  
- Ability to safely lift a minimum of 35 lbs. 
- Ability to sit for extended periods, stand, walk, type, carry, kneel, ascend, descend stairs, and bend
- Ability to work primarily indoors with frequent work outdoors in multiple types of weather / environmental conditions
- Ability to work outside the normal Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm workweek if needed
- Ability to travel as needed
