Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO)

Location of Position: Hilo, HI

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)           
Status:   Exempt

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) at HOPE Services Hawaii is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for building and executing comprehensive fundraising, communications, and external relations strategies to advance the organization's mission of ending homelessness across Hawaii. This role is crucial in securing the financial support required for innovative, community-driven programs, including street outreach, psychiatric street medicine, emergency sheltering, case management, affordable housing, and property management. The CPO is a key member of the executive team, serving as a principal advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors on all advancement-related initiatives.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, this position partners directly with the CEO and Board of Directors to cultivate high-level relationships and steward gifts from foundations, corporations, major individual donors, and planned giving portfolios.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraiser with a successful track record of personally securing $1 million+ annually, demonstrated leadership in building comprehensive fundraising programs, and an unwavering commitment to social justice and housing equity.

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a multi-year advancement plan to raise $1 million or more annually, supporting HOPE Services Hawaii’s comprehensive programs that span the entire continuum of care for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Board of Directors, contributing to strategic planning and organizational growth.
• Leverage data-driven insights to establish fundraising priorities, set ambitious goals, and assess overall effectiveness.

Board & CEO Partnership

• Support and guide the CEO in high-level donor engagement and fundraising activities.
• Provide fundraising training and tools to Board members; engage the Board in identifying and soliciting prospects.
• Attend and support Board committee meetings related to development and finance.

Fundraising and Resource Development:

• Lead the design and execution of comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, capital campaigns, and foundation grants.
• Build and sustain relationships with high-net-worth individuals and prospects, corporate partners, foundations, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors to secure significant, multi-year investments in the organization's mission.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects (individuals and institutions) capable of giving five to six-figure donations.
• Oversee donor recognition programs and engagement strategies that foster long-term, meaningful donor relationships.
• Lead donor events, campaigns, and site visits to deepen relationships and connect donors to our mission.

Foundation & Corporate Relations

• Oversee the development and submission of high-impact foundation and corporate grant proposals and reports in partnership with program and finance staff.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with corporate partners, philanthropic foundations, and community investors.

External Relations and Community Engagement:

• Serve as a passionate and credible ambassador for HOPE Services Hawaii, building and maintaining strong relationships with community leaders, government officials, and other strategic partners.
• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications plans to elevate the organization's profile and influence.
• Represent the organization at local, state, and national conferences, meetings, and public forums.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing advancement team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Provide mentorship and supervision to development staff and consultants.
• Set clear goals and performance expectations for staff, providing regular coaching and professional development opportunities to support their growth.
• Manage the advancement department's budget to ensure efficient resource utilization and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Develop systems and tools to track donor interactions, revenue pipelines, and campaign progress using CRM tools.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and ethical standards related to fundraising and donor privacy.

Data and Impact Measurement:

• Utilize data analytics to evaluate fundraising performance, identify trends, and refine strategies for continuous improvement.
• Oversee the management of donor data and CRM systems, ensuring accuracy and effective use of information for donor cultivation and retention.

Work Environment:

• This position may require travel across the island of Hawaii and occasional inter-island travel.
• Flexible work arrangements are offered; some evenings/weekends are expected for donor events.

Physical Demands:

The position requires adaptability, the ability to work under pressure, strong communication skills, the ability to resolve conflict, and fostering team collaboration. The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, and use their hands to reach. Occasionally lift, bend, stoop, push, and pull up to 20 pounds.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or CFRE certification.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of raising $1 million+ in gifts annually from a combination of major donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and building lasting donor relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to influence, inspire, and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of homelessness, affordable housing, and supportive services is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Hawaii’s philanthropic landscape and community networks is a strong asset.
• Proficiency in donor management systems and digital fundraising platforms.
• Commitment to housing justice and the mission of HOPE Services Hawaii.
• Experience working within Hawaii’s nonprofit landscape or Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of planned giving, endowment management, and gift policies.
• Must possess a valid Hawaii driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

We are a diverse team that includes individuals who have experienced housing insecurity, homelessness, and the justice system. We encourage those with lived experience to apply.