Leadership role
Director of Philanthropy
Directs an organization's fundraising, often with an emphasis on major and planned gifts and long-term donor relationships.
Reporting and scope
Usually reports to the Executive Director / CEO, a Chief Philanthropy Officer, VP of Philanthropy or foundation president. Authority covers fundraising or a philanthropy unit.
Core responsibilities
- Manages a portfolio of major and planned gift donors
- Sets fundraising goals and reports to the board or foundation board
- Engages physicians, employees or board members in donor relationships
- Oversees gift agreements, restrictions and donor recognition
- Coordinates grateful patient or donor programs
- Supports capital and endowment campaigns
How it differs
Director of Development is often the same job under a different title. Director of Major Gifts leads one channel. Chief Philanthropy Officer and VP of Philanthropy are executive tiers. Match on scope and reporting line rather than title wording.
By organization size
In small organizations the title may mean the sole fundraiser. In hospital foundations it often names a gift officer leader serving one service line or region.
Filings from the last five years mapped to this role commonly report titles such as: Director of Philanthropy; Philanthropy Director; Sr. Director of Philanthropy; Philanthropy Dir; Director, Philanthropy; Dir. Philanthropy
See what this role pays
Median reported total compensation, nationally: $149,000. Based on 653 IRS Form 990 filings, fiscal years 2021–2025.
This median spans organizations of every budget size and sector, so it will not match a benchmark for one organization.
Benchmark pay for this role