Description
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF)
Charleston, West Virginia (in person)
The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF), the largest community foundation in Central Appalachia, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) to lead and grow its comprehensive philanthropy and donor engagement efforts.
This senior leadership role is ideal for a seasoned development professional who brings vision, relationship-building excellence, and a deep commitment to community impact.
About TGKVF
Established in 1962, TGKVF manages more than $380 million in assets and distributes over $16 million annually to strengthen communities across Boone, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam Counties. The Foundation partners with donors, nonprofits, and civic leaders to advance health, education, community economic development, arts and culture, and basic needs.
Position Overview
Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer will provide strategic direction and oversight for donor relations, major gifts, planned giving, stewardship, and philanthropic strategy. The CPO will play a central role in advancing TGKVF’s mission, strengthening donor partnerships, and positioning the Foundation for long-term growth and impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and implement a comprehensive philanthropy strategy aligned with TGKVF’s mission and strategic priorities
- Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with donors, fundholders, and community partners
- Oversee major gifts, donor-advised funds, planned giving, and stewardship strategies
- Partner with the President & CEO, Board, and staff to advance fundraising goals and donor engagement
- Lead, mentor, and support philanthropy staff; foster a collaborative, high-performance culture
- Represent TGKVF within the philanthropic, nonprofit, and civic communities
Qualifications
- Minimum of 8–10 years of senior-level nonprofit fundraising or philanthropic leadership experience
- Demonstrated success in major gifts, donor relations, and relationship-based fundraising
- Strategic thinker with strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Experience working with boards, volunteers, and high-net-worth donors
- Commitment to equity, community-centered philanthropy, and place-based impact
Compensation
- Salary: $125,000 minimum, commensurate with experience
- Competitive benefits package
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role.
Requirements
POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) will provide strategic leadership and execution for
all philanthropic engagement and resource development efforts of The Greater
Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF). The CPO will design and lead a comprehensive
fundraising program—including major gifts, planned giving, capital campaign strategy,
corporate and foundation relations, and donor stewardship—to significantly grow
TGKVF’s assets and community impact. This role will work closely with the CEO, board
of trustees, and staff to cultivate relationships with donors, wealth managers,
professional advisors, and partners who share TGKVF’s mission of strengthening
communities across Central Appalachia.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with TGKVF’s
strategic plan and $100M growth goal. - Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and board, providing regular updates on
fundraising progress, opportunities, and risks. - Build and oversee a high-performing philanthropy team (staff and consultants),
fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
Major Gifts & Donor Engagement
- Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, personally
cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and planned gifts. - Partner with the Donor Relations Officer to strengthen relationships with current
fundholders, ensuring meaningful stewardship and long-term loyalty. - Lead strategies to expand donor-advised funds, endowed gifts, legacy giving,
and new individually managed funds.
Professional Advisor & Wealth Manager Engagement
- Build and sustain strong relationships with wealth managers, estate attorneys,
accountants, and other financial advisors to position TGKVF as the partner of
choice for clients’ charitable giving. - Provide resources, education, and tools to professional advisors that highlight the
benefits of partnering with TGKVF on donor-advised funds, legacy giving, and
complex philanthropic vehicles. - Convene and steward a professional advisor network to strengthen TGKVF’s
reach and reputation in the philanthropic and financial communities.
Campaign Planning & Execution
- Design and manage a comprehensive capital campaign to grow TGKVF’s assets
by $100M over five years. - Coordinate campaign leadership, volunteer committees, and external consultants
to ensure milestones are met. - Oversee prospect research, campaign materials, and reporting systems.
Partnerships & External Relations
- Represent TGKVF in the philanthropic, corporate, and civic communities, building
partnerships that expand the Foundation’s donor base and visibility. - Collaborate with program staff to align fundraising messages with community
impact and grantmaking priorities. - Develop strategies to engage diverse donors, including next-generation
philanthropists and underrepresented communities. - Management & Operations
Supervise and mentor the Donor Relations Officer and other development team
members.
Establish metrics, dashboards, and reporting systems to monitor fundraising
performance.
Oversee philanthropy communications in collaboration with marketing
staff/consultants (e.g., annual report, donor newsletters, social media
campaigns).
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS:
- Experience in campaign planning and execution, preferably within a community
foundation, higher education, or complex nonprofit setting. - Strong knowledge of donor engagement strategies, planned giving vehicles, and
philanthropic trends. - Established relationships with wealth managers and/or experience building
partnerships with professional advisors strongly preferred. - Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and
influence donors, volunteers, and partners. - Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills.
CORE CHARACTERISTICS
- Mission-driven with a deep passion for improving the quality of life in West
Virginia and Central Appalachia. - Relationship-oriented, able to connect authentically with diverse stakeholders.
Innovative and entrepreneurial, with a growth mindset and ability to thrive in an
evolving environment. - Collaborative leader who inspires trust and motivates others to achieve ambitious
goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to
perform essential functions.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:
The Chief Philanthropy Officer reports to the President and CEO.
REVIEW PROCESS:
The President and CEO will conduct semi-annual and annual reviews.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, with
proven success securing major and planned gifts. - Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
COMPENSATION:
Salary begins at $125,000, commensurate with experience, with a competitive
benefits package.
Send resumes and cover letters to web@tgkvf.org
