Director of Philanthropy

Position Summary: The Director of Philanthropy is a senior leadership position responsible for cultivating philanthropic relationships, expanding charitable investments, and advancing TOP's mission through strategic gift planning and donor engagement. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director serves as a trusted philanthropic advisor to donors, prospective donors, professional advisors, and partner organizations. This individual helps philanthropists translate their values into meaningful charitable impact by developing customized giving strategies and guiding donors through a variety of planned and legacy giving opportunities. The Director also partners closely with Jewish communal organizations throughout the region to strengthen their legacy programs, increase endowment support, and foster a culture of long-term philanthropy. Success in this role requires exceptional relationship-building skills, comfort in initiating conversations, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a passion for helping donors create enduring legacies.

Philanthropic Leadership: Develop and execute TOP's strategic initiatives. Obtain new donor prospects and manage a portfolio of current donors through all stages of cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term relationship management. Serve as a trusted advisor to individuals and families seeking to achieve their charitable and legacy planning goals. Present charitable giving strategies utilizing Donor Advised Funds, Endowment Funds, Agency Fund and other planned giving vehicles.

Relationship Development: Foster relationships with donors and families. Build and strengthen relationships with attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, trust officers, and wealth management professionals to generate philanthropic referrals. Collaborate with professional and volunteer leadership of partner organizations throughout TOP's service area to identify philanthropic opportunities and increase long-term investments. Represent TOP within the Jewish community and at professional, educational, and community events.

Legacy & Community Partnerships: Develop educational seminars, donor appreciation events, and professional advisor programs that promote charitable planning. Support the Legacy Program Coordinator in advancing participating organizations within the Life & Legacy Program™.Assist partner organizations in strengthening their legacy giving efforts through coaching, education, and strategic planning.

Marketing & Communications: Partner with the TOP team to develop compelling marketing, educational, and stewardship materials that communicate TOP's mission and impact. Stay current on charitable planning trends, tax law developments, and best practices in philanthropy and planned giving. Co-present at educational sessions. Update resources and training materials as needed.

Organizational Leadership: Collaborate with accounting and administrative staff to ensure planned gifts are documented and administered accurately. Participate as an engaged member of TOP's leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and growth. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate is an accomplished relationship-builder who combines strategic thinking with exceptional interpersonal skills and a genuine passion for philanthropy.

Required Qualifications: Bachelor's degree. Three to seven years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, planned giving, nonprofit leadership, financial services, wealth management, estate planning, legal practice, and/or a related profession. Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work effectively across teams and communities. Self-motivated, resourceful, and committed to exceptional donor service. Knowledge of Jewish traditions, values, and the organized Jewish community, or the ability to develop a deep understanding of Jewish philanthropy and communal life. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor relationship management systems. Ability to successfully complete required background screenings. Willingness to travel throughout Central and Southwest Florida.

Preferred: Advanced degree or professional certification in nonprofit management, business, law, finance, sales or a related field preferred. Experience with charitable gift planned giving, endowments, donor advised funds, foundations, charitable trusts or the ability to develop expertise in these areas. Demonstrated success securing, cultivating, managing, and stewarding high-value client or donor relationships. Experience working with volunteer leadership, boards, and professional advisors. Preferred location is in TOP’s offices in Tampa, Florida. Regular travel throughout Central and Southwest Florida is expected.

Compensation & Benefits: TOP offers a competitive compensation package and a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.