Full Job Description
HOW YOU'LL ADVANCE OUR MISSION | POSITION OVERVIEW
The Head of Product Strategy & Donor Value Proposition is a newly created leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing the strategic direction of the Foundation's donor-facing offerings. This leader will ensure our solutions reflect the evolving needs, values, and aspirations of individuals, families, and advisors-strengthening our ability to inspire philanthropy and deliver remarkable impact across our region.
This role will lead the development of a compelling and differentiated donor value proposition, grounded in deep market insight and a strong understanding of community needs. The Head will oversee competitive intelligence to inform strategy, design and manage a thoughtful and forward-looking portfolio of offerings, and guide pricing strategy and financial stewardship across donor product lines. In partnership with colleagues across the organization, this leader will also shape a cohesive technology and experience strategy that enhances engagement, accessibility, and ease of giving.
This is a rare opportunity to build a new function from the ground up within a mission-driven organization at the forefront of philanthropic innovation. The individual will bring the discipline and rigor of product strategy to a rapidly evolving landscape-helping Foundation For The Carolinas strengthen its role as a trusted philanthropic partner, inspire generosity, and deliver remarkable impact throughout our region.
The Foundation seeks a leader who pairs the analytical rigor of financial services with a deep commitment to our philanthropic mission. The ideal candidate is energized by building in ambiguous environments, comfortable operating without the infrastructure of a large corporate product organization, and motivated by the belief that stronger product strategy can help unlock greater generosity and drive remarkable impact in the communities we serve.
YOUR UNIQUE IMPACT | ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Competitive Intelligence & Market Strategy
• Own ongoing competitive analysis of the DAF and philanthropic services landscape - including national sponsors (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, NPT), peer community foundations, and emerging fintech entrants
• Monitor pricing trends, product features, technology capabilities, and donor experience across competitors; translate findings into actionable strategic recommendations
• Identify whitespace opportunities where the Foundation can differentiate and win HNW and UHNW donor relationships
Product Roadmap & Value Proposition
• Define, own, and drive the product roadmap for the Foundation's donor-facing offerings - DAF accounts, investment pools, planned giving vehicles, complex asset acceptance, and donor services
• Develop and articulate a compelling, differentiated value proposition for high net worth and emerging affluent donors, clearly positioning the Foundation against national and regional competitors
• Lead annual and multi-year planning for product development priorities, sequencing initiatives by impact and feasibility
Pricing & P&L Management
• Own the P&L for donor product lines - including fee structures, investment menu economics, and operating cost inputs
• Design and maintain a competitive, sustainable fee framework across DAF account tiers, investment options, and ancillary services
• Analyze margin implications of product decisions and present business cases to senior leadership and the Board
Technology & Donor Experience
• In conjunction with the Chief Technology Officer - lead the Foundation's donor-facing technology strategy - grant-making portals, digital onboarding, account reporting, servicing and mobile experience
• Work with internal teams and external vendors to translate product requirements into delivered capabilities
• Define and track key experience metrics (NPS, digital engagement, onboarding completion rates) and drive continuous improvement
Cross-Functional Leadership & Execution
• Collaborate closely with Development, Finance, Investments, and Communications teams to align product strategy with donor acquisition and retention goals
• Develop and maintain donor segmentation frameworks to tailor offerings and outreach to HNW, UHNW, and institutional donor profiles
• Build relationships with peer community foundations and industry groups (CF Leads, Council on Foundations) to stay current on sector best practices
Requirements
WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR SUCCESS | QUALIFICATION
Required
• 3+ years of progressive experience in financial services product management, investment product strategy, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated P&L ownership experience - has managed fee structures, product economics, and business cases independently
• Deep familiarity with the DAF competitive landscape and/or philanthropic services sector
• Track record of translating strategy into executed product outcomes - not just analytical deliverables
• Strong executive presence and communication skills; comfortable presenting to Boards and major donors
• Experience with HNW or UHNW client segments in a financial or philanthropic context
Strongly Preferred
• Experience at or working closely with a national DAF sponsor (Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, NPT, Vanguard Charitable) or large community foundation
• Background in asset management product management - fund launches, investment menu design, fee structure development
• Familiarity with complex asset acceptance (closely-held stock, real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency)
• Technology product sensibility - experience working with or managing vendor relationships for donor-facing platforms
• Exposure to impact investing, ESG mandates, or mission-aligned investment product design
Salary Description
$180,000+/year depending on experience
