Position Summary

Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Vice President of Philanthropy serves as the strategic leader of Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay's philanthropic efforts, advancing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens the organization's long-term sustainability and mission impact. This role cultivates authentic, lasting relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, volunteers, and community leaders while positioning Junior Achievement as one of the region's most trusted philanthropic partners.

The Vice President of Philanthropy leads and develops a high-performing Philanthropy Team responsible for major gifts, annual giving, donor stewardship, volunteer engagement, and fundraising events. By establishing clear strategy, strong relationship management practices, performance measurement, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, this leader creates the systems and environment that enable philanthropy to flourish across the organization.

Working in close partnership with the President & CEO, the Vice President of Philanthropy personally manages a portfolio of major donors and strategic partners while helping cultivate transformational philanthropic investments that advance Junior Achievement's mission. This leader also fosters an organization-wide culture of philanthropy by engaging staff, board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders as ambassadors for the organization, ensuring philanthropy is viewed not simply as fundraising, but as the process of building meaningful partnerships that create lasting opportunities for young people throughout the Tampa Bay community.

Success in this role is measured by the strength of the Philanthropy Team, growth in long-term philanthropic investment, increased engagement of board members and volunteers, effective relationship management and operational systems, and the organization's continued reputation as a trusted community partner committed to preparing young people for success.

Essential Functions

Strategic Philanthropic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for Junior Achievement's philanthropic strategy and annual philanthropy plan
• Partner with the CEO to strengthen the organization's long-term philanthropic capacity and advance an organization-wide culture of philanthropy
• Ensure philanthropic priorities align with the organization's strategic plan, long-term sustainability goals, and community impact objectives
• Serve as a strategic advisor on philanthropic trends, opportunities, and investment strategies that advance JA's mission

Philanthropic Partnership Development

• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors, principal gift prospects, and strategic philanthropic partners
• Develop and execute strategies for prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term engagement
• Partner with the CEO to cultivate transformational philanthropic relationships and principal gift opportunities
• Build authentic partnerships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community leaders that inspire sustained philanthropic investment and mission impact

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Philanthropic Relationship Managers, Special Events professionals, and philanthropy support staff
• Establish clear priorities, accountability, and professional development expectations
• Foster a collaborative culture built on trust, continuous learning, innovation, and excellence
• Conduct regular coaching, performance evaluations, and succession planning

Culture of Philanthropy & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Champion an organization-wide culture where philanthropy is embraced as a shared responsibility
• Equip staff, volunteers, and Board members to serve as confident ambassadors for Junior Achievement's mission and philanthropic priorities
• Foster cross-functional collaboration that strengthens donor engagement, stewardship, and organizational effectiveness
• Promote a culture of gratitude, transparency, and shared accountability throughout the donor experience

Philanthropic Engagement Events

• Provide strategic leadership for philanthropic events that cultivate relationships, inspire generosity, and strengthen community engagement
• Ensure events deliver exceptional experiences while supporting long-term philanthropic goals
• Evaluate event effectiveness and continuously improve engagement, stewardship, and return on investment

Philanthropy Operations

• Lead the operational excellence of the Philanthropy Team
• Ensure accurate gift processing, donor records, prospect management, and revenue forecasting
• Ensure Philanthropic Relationship Managers consistently maintain donor records, stewardship activities, and next steps within the CRM
• Develop dashboards, performance metrics, and reporting processes that support informed decision-making and organizational learning
• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate reconciliation, reporting, and forecasting
• Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards, organizational policies, and applicable regulations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Philanthropy, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience
• 8 - 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit development, or relationship management
• Demonstrated success securing major philanthropic investments from individuals and corporations
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills
• Experience managing donor portfolios and utilizing CRM systems to strengthen relationship management
• Strong organizational, strategic planning, and project management skills

Desired Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership, Philanthropy, or a related field
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification
• Experience within education, youth development, workforce development, or another mission-driven nonprofit organization

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000 annually, with the exact salary depending on relevant experience, demonstrated executive-level impact, and alignment with the scope and responsibilities of the role. JA Tampa Bay offers medical, dental, and group life insurance. The organization also offers a 401(k) plan.

Pay Range

$120,000-$140,000 USD