Director of Advancement & Philanthropic Engagement

About Resources for Resilience
Stress is universal. Knowing what to do about it isn't.

Stress affects how we think, feel, connect, and function. Yet many people lack the knowledge and practical tools needed to navigate stress in healthy and effective ways.

Resources for Resilience turns the science of stress – and the science of resilience – into practical tools people can understand, use, and share.

Through training, consultation, and community partnerships grounded in neuroscience and trauma-informed practices, we help individuals, organizations, and communities understand how stress affects the brain and body and learn practical strategies that promote resilience, wellbeing, and connection.

Our work focuses on three core areas: 

• Disaster Preparedness and Relief
• Workplace Wellbeing and Burnout Prevention
• Youth, Family, and Caregiver Programs

Across all three areas, we equip people with accessible, science-based tools that help people of all ages respond to challenges, support one another, and build resilience in everyday life.

When people understand what's happening in their brains and bodies under stress, and have practical ways to respond, they are better equipped to navigate difficult moments, function effectively, and support the people around them.

That's what Resources for Resilience makes possible.

Every day, Resources for Resilience helps people better understand stress, strengthen resilience, and build healthier communities. Over the years, we have developed strong relationships with nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and community partners. As our impact continues to grow, we are seeking a dynamic advancement professional to help expand the community of philanthropists, foundations, and partners who make this work possible.

The Opportunity
The Director of Advancement & Philanthropic Engagement will lead the organization's efforts to deepen philanthropic engagement and grow charitable investment in Resources for Resilience.

Building on an established foundation of community partnerships and organizational credibility, this individual will focus on strengthening relationships with individual donors, foundations, family philanthropies, corporate partners, and other supporters who share our commitment to creating healthier, more resilient communities.

This is an opportunity for a relationship-centered fundraiser who enjoys connecting people with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. The successful candidate will personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, helping supporters understand and engage with the mission while building long-term philanthropic partnerships that advance the organization's strategic goals.

We are seeking a professional who is both strategic and hands-on, someone who can develop a vision for philanthropic growth while also doing the day-to-day work of building relationships, conducting donor visits, making asks, and creating lasting connections with supporters.

The ideal candidate understands that sustainable fundraising is built through authentic relationships and a strong pipeline of engaged prospects and is excited to lead both the immediate and long-term advancement efforts that will help Resources for Resilience grow its impact.

What Success Looks Like
In the first several years, this leader will:

• Grow annual philanthropic revenue and individual giving.
• Develop and manage a robust pipeline of prospective and current donors.
• Increase engagement among individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community leaders.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships that result in meaningful and sustained support.
• Expand the organization's visibility within philanthropic communities.
• Strengthen fundraising systems, processes, and strategies that support long-term growth.
• Partner with the Executive Director, Board, and staff to foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Success in this role will be measured both by philanthropic revenue growth and by the development of a strong donor pipeline that supports the organization's long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities
Advancement Strategy & Philanthropic Growth

• Develop and implement an annual advancement plan with clear goals, strategies, and performance metrics.
• Build and maintain a healthy donor pipeline, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that support both short-term fundraising goals and long-term donor engagement.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and revenue targets.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to identify philanthropic opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build a diversified funding strategy that includes individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other philanthropic investments.
• Track fundraising performance and provide regular reports and recommendations to leadership.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Develop and manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospective supporters.
• Identify and engage individuals with both the capacity and interest to support the mission.
• Build authentic, long-term relationships through outreach, meetings, events, and personalized engagement.
• Lead donor cultivation and solicitation efforts, including major gift conversations.
• Create meaningful opportunities for donors to experience and understand the impact of Resources for Resilience.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for many donors and prospects, guiding them from initial engagement through long-term philanthropic partnership.
• Ensure timely and thoughtful stewardship that reflects gratitude and demonstrates impact.

Foundation & Strategic Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and strengthen relationships with foundations, family philanthropies, corporate funders, and other strategic partners.
• Lead foundation outreach, proposal development, and grant reporting efforts.
• Develop partnerships that increase both visibility and philanthropic investment in the organization.
• Serve as an ambassador for Resources for Resilience within philanthropic and community networks.

Board Engagement & Organizational Collaboration

• Partner with the Executive Director to support Board fundraising and engagement efforts.
• Help Board members become effective ambassadors and advocates for the mission.
• Collaborate with staff to gather stories, outcomes, and impact data that inspire donor investment.
• Foster a shared culture of philanthropy and engagement throughout the organization.

Communications & Stewardship

• Work with staff to translate organizational impact into compelling donor-centered communications.
• Support annual giving campaigns, donor reports, stewardship activities, and fundraising communications.
• Help supporters understand the importance of resilience-building and the role philanthropy plays in expanding access to this work.
• Ensure donors and funders feel connected to the outcomes made possible through their support.

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Five or more years of successful fundraising, advancement, business development, philanthropy, or relationship-management experience.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donor relationships that result in meaningful revenue growth.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation, and listening skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams.
• Passion for the mission and values of Resources for Resilience.

Especially Valued

• Demonstrated success securing major gifts and philanthropic investments from individuals, foundations, corporations, or family philanthropies.
• Experience building or significantly growing an advancement or fundraising program.
• An established network of relationships within philanthropic, foundation, business, civic, or community leadership circles, with the ability to leverage and expand those relationships in support of mission-driven work.
• Familiarity with regional and national philanthropic landscapes and an understanding of how to engage prospective donors and funders.
• Experience representing an organization externally and serving as a trusted ambassador.
• Experience partnering with nonprofit leadership and boards to advance fundraising goals.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed, educational, healthcare, mental health, public health, or community-based organizations.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range
Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Resources for Resilience offers a flexible work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to help expand a mission that is making a meaningful difference in communities every day.

Additional Information
This position may be performed remotely from within the United States. Candidates should be able to travel periodically to North Carolina to support team collaboration, donor engagement, organizational events, and other organizational priorities as needed.

To Apply
Please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Resources for Resilience is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our work and advance our mission.