Leadership role
Chief Philanthropy Officer
The senior fundraising executive, typically in a hospital or health system foundation, accountable for all charitable giving.
Reporting and scope
Reports to the health system or organization's CEO, and often also serves as president of the related foundation, reporting to its board. Authority covers all fundraising and donor relations.
Core responsibilities
- Sets fundraising strategy and goals for the foundation or organization
- Leads major, principal and planned giving teams
- Runs capital campaigns for facilities and programs
- Works with physicians and clinical leaders on grateful patient giving
- Manages the foundation board and its committees
- Oversees donor stewardship and restricted fund reporting
How it differs
The Chief Development Officer does the same work, and the difference is mostly naming (health care prefers Chief Philanthropy Officer). The VP of Philanthropy and Director of Philanthropy lead fundraising at a lower level.
By organization size
In a community hospital the role may lead a small foundation staff. In large health systems it runs large teams and campaigns and may sit on the executive team.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Chief Philanthropy Officer; Chief Philanthropic Officer; Chief Philanthropy; Ministry Chief Philanthropy Officer; SVP & Chief Philanthropy Officer; SVP, Chief Philanthropy Officer