Job Title: Chief Philanthropy Officer

FSLA Status: Salary; Exempt

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; Occasional Evening & Weekends

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Chittenango, NY

Salary: $85,000 - $105,000 (depending on experience)

About Clear Path for Veterans

Clear Path for Veterans is a Central New York-based national nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans, service members, and their families through programs that promote wellness, community, and purpose. Founded on the belief that veterans thrive when they are connected, valued, and supported, Clear Path has built a strong reputation for impactful programming, trusted partnerships, and meaningful engagement with the veteran community.

As the organization continues to grow its reach and deepen its impact, Clear Path is entering a pivotal stage of organizational development, investing in its development operations to support sustainable growth, operational excellence, and long-term mission success.

To support this next chapter, Clear Path for Veterans seeks a strategic, relationship-centered Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) to lead and evolve the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts while preserving the heart, authenticity, and mission-driven culture that define Clear Path.

Position Summary

The Chief Philanthropy Officer serves as the organization’s senior fundraising leader and strategic partner to the CEO, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive philanthropic revenue strategy that advances Clear Path’s mission and long-term sustainability. This role blends high-level relationship management with strong departmental leadership, ensuring that Clear Path’s philanthropy function operates with clarity, consistency, and excellence.

The CPO will directly manage a focused portfolio of 15–20 high-level donor and partner relationships, while also supporting and helping steward key relationships held by the CEO and executive leadership team. In addition, the CPO will play a central role in board engagement and development, and internal team leadership. This role will also oversee high-level strategic planning of all fundraising initiatives, including signature events, sponsorships, and annual giving efforts, which will be day-to-day managed and executed by the development team. This is a highly collaborative, externally facing role that requires strategic thinking, operational discipline, and a deep appreciation for relationship-driven philanthropy.

Primary Functions

Strategic Leadership & Revenue Planning

Lead the overall revenue strategy and donor engagement approach for the organization.
Oversees all fundraising verticals, including major gifts, annual giving and broad-based appeals, events, sponsorships, marketing coordination, and development operations.
Set and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with Clear Path’s mission, programs, and organizational priorities.
Establish annual goals, KPIs, and performance metrics across all philanthropy functions and team members.
Build systems, processes, and accountability structures that support consistency, efficiency, and scalability.
Partner closely with program leadership to articulate mission impact in compelling ways for donors and partners.
Oversees all fundraising verticals, including major gifts, annual giving, and broad-based appeals, events, sponsorships, marketing coordination, and development operations.

Major Gifts & Executive Relationship Support

Manage a personal portfolio of approximately 10–15 high-level donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
Support the CEO and executive leadership team in managing and stewarding their portfolios of top-tier relationships.
Ensure strong, personalized stewardship practices for major and mid-level donors across the organization.
Serve as a key ambassador for Clear Path with funders, partners, and community leaders.

Board Engagement & Governance Support

Partner with the CEO to support board member engagement in philanthropy and external relations.
Help guide board members in their fundraising and ambassador roles, providing tools, strategy, and support.
Collaborate on board communications, cultivation opportunities, and donor-facing events.

Team Leadership & Department Management

Provide high-level leadership and direction to the philanthropy and development team, which includes:
Marketing Manager
Database and Operations Manager
2 Development Managers
Volunteer Manager
Grants Manager
Set clear expectations, roles, and priorities while fostering collaboration and professional growth.
Ensure the team is effectively executing all fundraising activities, including events, sponsorships, marketing coordination, tracking, and reporting.
Create a team culture grounded in accountability, collaboration, professionalism, and mission alignment.

Events, Sponsorships & Integrated Fundraising

Provide executive oversight of Clear Path’s three signature events and multiple annual smaller events.
Ensure a unified brand, voice, and message across philanthropy and marketing efforts.
Other duties, as assigned.

Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree required (or equivalent experience), master's degree preferred.
5-7 years of professional experience in philanthropy, fundraising, sales, business development, or a related client-centered field strongly preferred.
CFRE or ACFRE preferred.
Significant experience in nonprofit fundraising, development leadership, philanthropy, or sales at a senior level.
Demonstrated success managing major gift portfolios and/or cultivating and soliciting high-level donor relationships.
Experience setting and executing strategic fundraising plans.
Strong leadership and management experience, with the ability to guide and support a growing team.
Experience working with boards and executive leadership in a fundraising context.
Preferred experience working with veteran populations, military-connected communities, or veteran-focused causes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed to Perform Effectively in the Position

Comprehensive knowledge of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Comprehensive knowledge of fundraising event planning.
Good knowledge of philanthropy strategies and trends.
Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and collaboration skills.
Excellent presentation and negotiation skills.
Good judgment and problem-solving skills.
Ability to be articulate, persuasive, diplomatic, and engaging.
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans.
Ability to analyze success metrics for campaigns and events.
Ability to supervise in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
Good computer literacy and proficiency using donor management databases (Salesforce), Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and willingness to learn how to use new software programs as needed.
Deep alignment with Clear Path for Veterans’ mission and values.

Additional Requirements

Valid New York State driver’s license and must have use of a reliable vehicle.
May be required to travel daily as needed to events in and outside of New York State in varying weather conditions.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and some holidays as necessary to accommodate special event attendance.
Must be comfortable with dogs in the workplace.

Job-related Physical Abilities are needed to perform the job satisfactorily.

Must possess speech and hearing sufficient for telephone and in-person communications. Manual dexterity sufficient for regular use of the computer keyboard and other office equipment. Vision sufficient for frequent use of a computer monitor to write and read documents. This position requires the ability to lift up to twenty-five 25 pounds.

All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Expectations

All Clear Path for Veterans employees are required to conduct themselves professionally towards others, including but not limited to; Veterans, volunteers, visitors, and other Clear Path employees.
Ensure that Veterans, volunteers, employees, donors, and visitors have a positive experience.
Supports and promotes the Clear Path mission, core values, and vision.
Adheres to Clear Path for Veterans policies and procedures.
Promotes teamwork amongst coworkers.
Meets or exceeds expected performance standards, including consistently reporting to work on time and being prepared to perform the position’s duties.

New York State Pay Range

$85,000 - $105,000 USD

Clear Path For Veterans

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