Director of Philanthropy

Reports to: Vice President for Advancement

Location:

• the Western continental U.S (remote); or
• Northern Colorado/Fort Collins, CO (hybrid); or
• Other locations within the U.S. (remote) may be available depending on the candidate

FLSA status: Exempt, regular, full-time

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Salary range: Typical starting range for a new employee in this role is $85,000 - $90,000/year

Organization Description

Established in 1963, the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) is a 501(c) non-profit organization. In collaboration with academic partner Colorado State University, ISE delivers the Semester at Sea® (SAS) program, one of the longest-operating higher education study abroad programs. Semester at Sea® provides its students with a global comparative education through classroom and experiential learning in the field. The Semester at Sea® floating campus, the MV World Odyssey, carries around 550 students plus faculty, staff, and others. The duration of the semester voyage is typically 105 days, including visits to 8- 10 countries. ISE conducts two-semester voyages annually. See semesteratsea.org for more information.

Organization Mission

Journeys of discovery that spark bold solutions to global challenges.

Position Description

The Director of Philanthropy (DoP) is a key leader within our organization, driving the development of a comprehensive and innovative major gifts program and team. Grounded in best practices and informed by collective experience, the DoP focuses on cultivating face-to-face, relationship-driven fundraising to secure significant philanthropic support primarily from individuals, foundations, and some corporations. These efforts help achieve fundraising goals and create sustainable revenue streams for Semester at Sea.

Reporting to the VP of Advancement, the DoP oversees critical major gift functions, including strengthening our discovery efforts, enhancing analysis and reporting, building the planned giving program, supporting future campaigns, improving strategic communications, and bolstering stewardship initiatives. The DoP collaborates with the Senior Leadership Team, Board of Trustees, and organization-wide staff to shape and deliver a clear philanthropy vision and establish multi-year fundraising goals, fostering a culture of philanthropy.

The DoP currently supervises two staff members, Associate Directors of Philanthropy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for advancing Semester at Sea's fundraising efforts and must be able to perform the following duties with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Semester at Sea’s priorities.
• Set and manage annual fundraising goals, budgets, and revenue projections.
• Lead a high-performing fundraising team, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
• Maintain a donor-centered approach while balancing organizational priorities.
• Utilize data systems to track progress, analyze metrics, and provide actionable insights.
• Deliver analytical reports to the VP, Senior Leadership, President, and Board.
• Partner with leadership, including the President and Board, to drive fundraising success.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, maintaining a personal portfolio.
• Lead solicitation efforts to secure significant gifts.
• Collaborate with marketing and program staff to align fundraising strategies and enhance brand awareness.
• Monitor fundraising trends and advise leadership on strategic responses.
• Engage the Board to expand advancement efforts and leverage their networks and resources.
• Support the Board of Trustees' Advancement Committee.
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards and fundraising regulations.
• Commit to teamwork and cross-organizational collaboration.
• Travel frequently to build and maintain donor relationships.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Success in this role requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining focus and efficiency.
• Exhibit strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with exceptional project management capabilities.
• Demonstrate a passion for building and sustaining meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, and team members.
• Adapt to the evolving needs of a small team, showing flexibility and a proactive approach to taking on additional responsibilities as needed to support team success and organizational goals.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience (one year of experience may substitute for each year of education).
• 5-7 years of relevant fundraising experience.
• Proven success in securing significant charitable contributions from diverse sources.
• Ability to represent SAS effectively to various stakeholders, including board members, staff, alumni, donors, and parents.
• Prior Semester at Sea experience or familiarity with the SAS program is a plus.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated experience building and sustaining strong relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Deep understanding of philanthropy and a proactive, innovative approach to fundraising.
• Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, balancing multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Experience managing change, mentoring staff, and fostering high performance.
• Proficiency in CRM and fundraising software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and budgeting skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with integrity.
• Strong work ethic, adaptability, and willingness to travel or work evenings and weekends for events and donor meetings.

Working Conditions

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position. Days of work and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand
• This position requires work performed in an office environment
• Travel domestically and internationally may be required. Travel may include time spent on a moving ship in the ocean, with little to no internet access at times

Physical Requirements of the Job

• Requires sitting, bending at neck, waist, legs, and arms; twisting body; and changing positions at will. Occasional standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, and reaching
• Requires repetitive motions with hands and fingers such as keyboarding, use of telephones, cell phones, etc.
• Requires close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
• Work requires close attention to detail and accuracy and varies in nature with periodic interruptions
• Computer and phone work at a desk for majority of the day