Director of Philanthropy
New York, NY
Full Time
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equity, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Position Overview:
The Director of Philanthropy is a strategic leader driving impactful fundraising and donor engagement for The Asia Foundation. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, this role manages a robust portfolio of individual and corporate donors on the East Coast. Key responsibilities include developing cultivation of new donors, organizing events to profile our work and expertise, donor communications, and organizing transformative impact trips for high-net-worth donors.
Central to this role is the management of the Lotus Circle, a dynamic community of individuals, board members, and organizations committed to empowering women and girls across Asia. The Director oversees the planning and execution of the Lotus Leadership Awards Gala—a premier event generating critical support for the Women’s Empowerment Program—as well as other cultivation events that advance the Foundation’s mission and long-term goals.
Responsibilities:
Donor Engagement and Fundraising:
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies targeting individual, corporate, and foundation donors on the East Coast.
- Cultivate and manage a portfolio of 175 high-value existing and prospective donors.
- Oversee the planning and execution of the Lotus Leadership Awards Gala and Young Lotus Soiree, ensuring their financial and programmatic success:
- Lead efforts to secure sponsorships and donations from individuals and corporations.
- Coordinate with internal teams, including the Women’s Empowerment Program (WEP) and Strategic Communications, to craft impactful programming.
- Manage vendor relationships and external deliverables to ensure a seamless event experience.
- Engage with and support the Lotus Gala Host Committee in achieving fundraising goals.
- Plan and execute cultivation events in New York, including thematic development, speaker preparation, and discussion moderation.
- Organize donor impact trips to Asia for high-net-worth individuals in collaboration with country office colleagues.
- Plan the annual Lotus Advisor Retreat in collaboration with the Women’s Empowerment Program team.
- Support legacy giving initiatives and the President’s Leadership Council, contributing to campaign activities.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Align major donor engagement strategies with the Chief Philanthropy Officer, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, and other senior leadership.
- Work closely with the Director of Women’s Empowerment, Director of Resource Development, and internal stakeholders to align fundraising initiatives with programmatic goals.
Communication and Proposal Development:
- Produce high-quality proposals, reports, and donor communications in coordination with country staff colleagues.
- Manage donor tracking systems to ensure effective identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
Representation and Networking:
- Represent The Asia Foundation at external meetings, conferences, and events as a participant and speaker.
- Attend networking events to identify and cultivate potential donors, expanding the donor pipeline.
- Engage with program staff in Asia and the U.S. to effectively communicate TAF’s mission and impact to donors.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree preferred.
- 8 to 10 years of nonprofit experience and significant experience in major gift fundraising.
- Demonstrated success in leading and executing high-profile events with measurable financial outcomes.
- Goal-oriented with a strong track record of meeting and exceeding targets.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational, writing, and budgeting skills.
- Proven ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with high-level donors.
- Proficiency in database management and fundraising software (Raiser’s Edge preferred).
- Willingness to travel as required.
- Knowledge of individuals and organizations focused on Asia.
- Understanding of principles and practices related to women’s empowerment and gender equality.
- Experience with international development programs and organizations.
Who We Are Looking For?
We are seeking a visionary leader with a proven track record in strategic fundraising and event management to join our team as Director of Philanthropy. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive the success of the Lotus Leadership Awards Gala and other key Lotus Circle events, expanding their reach and impact in advancing The Asia Foundation’s mission. The ideal candidate will excel in cultivating donor relationships, leading transformative events, and shaping the future of the Foundation’s women’s empowerment initiatives through innovative donor engagement and strategic leadership.
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted by visiting our website. To be considered, please upload your cover letter and resume/CV in one document. You can also upload both in separate documents but please note to do so, you will have to sign out of the system and go back into your record for additional documents. The deadline for application is February 2, 2025.
The Asia Foundation offers excellent salaries commensurate with experience. We are an equal-opportunity employer. Women and people of color are encouraged to apply.
*Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship
*No relocation assistance will be provided for this position
The salary range for this position is $112,812 to $141,015
No phone calls, please.
