Director of Philanthropy

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

A New Era of Philanthropic Partnership

Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. stands at an extraordinary inflection point. After nearly a century of transforming lives through the wisdom of the Edgar Cayce readings, we are entering a bold new chapter—one that reimagines philanthropy not as transactional fundraising, but as sacred partnership.

We seek a visionary Director of Philanthropy who understands that fundraising, at its essence, is ministry. Someone who recognizes that donors are not sources of funding, but partners in purpose. Someone who sees their role not as extracting gifts, but as facilitating the spiritual fulfillment of those called to advance this work.

This is not a traditional development position. This is a transformational leadership opportunity to build something enduring.

Who We Are

Founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931, A.R.E. is an $8M–$10M nonprofit headquartered in Virginia Beach, with Edgar Cayce Centers in 37 countries and members across more than 70. Our mission is to create opportunities for profound personal change in body, mind, and spirit—through holistic health, dreams, intuition, meditation, ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, and the timeless wisdom of the Cayce material. Affiliated entities include Atlantic University, the Cayce/Reilly School of Massage, and the A.R.E. Health Center & Spa.

The Opportunity

Under the leadership of a new CEO committed to stability, engagement, and long-term vision, A.R.E. is building its philanthropy infrastructure from the ground up. The Director of Philanthropy will be the founding architect of a donor-centered culture that creates the conditions for philanthropy to flourish naturally.

You will have extraordinary autonomy, executive support, and cutting-edge resources—including engagement fundraising technology and partnership with leading nonprofit consultants. The role carries significant responsibility for advancing A.R.E.'s mission into its second century, with potential capital campaign opportunities on the horizon.

Core Philosophy: Partnership, Not Persuasion

Sustained fundraising success comes from creating the conditions that allow philanthropy to flower naturally—not from extracting gifts through pressure. The Director will embody this conviction:

•Donor as Hero, Fundraiser as Guide. Donors are not means to organizational ends. They are individuals advancing their own "hero story" through transformative giving. You are the trusted guide who helps them discover meaning and spiritual fulfillment.

•Partnership Over Gift-Getting. Long-term relationships outweigh short-term wins. You will have organizational commitment to invest 6–9 months (or longer) in authentic engagement before solicitation.

•Listening Before Asking. Through surveys, conversations, and genuine curiosity, you will discover the "animating passions" of A.R.E.'s community and align them with organizational priorities.

•Ministry, Not Manipulation. A.R.E.'s work is spiritual in nature. You will approach this role with pastoral sensibility—not the transactional mindset of someone making "the ask."

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

•Serve on the executive leadership team; help shape organizational strategy and long-range planning.

•Develop and execute a comprehensive, data-informed philanthropic strategy aligned with mission and values.

•Lead the transformation from transactional fundraising to relationship-based partnership; establish metrics, benchmarks, and accountability systems.

•Prepare for and potentially lead future capital campaign initiatives in partnership with the CEO and Board.

Team Building & Management

•Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a growing philanthropy team (building to 4 positions, including Associate Philanthropy

Officer, Legacy Giving Officer, and Stewardship Officer).

•Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development; create a collaborative, mission-driven culture.

•Partner with a nonprofit consultant to ensure best practices and strategic guidance.

Donor Engagement & Portfolio Management

•Personally manage a portfolio of 50–75 major gift and legacy prospects.

•Design engagement strategies using supporter connection surveys and data analytics.

•Conduct meaningful qualification, cultivation, and stewardship through visits, calls, and correspondence.

•Match donor passions with organizational needs; create opportunities for donors to experience A.R.E.'s mission firsthand.

Program Development

•Design and oversee annual giving, mid-level, major gifts, and planned/legacy giving programs.

•Develop and manage the Edgar Cayce Legacy Society and donor recognition programs.

•Establish gift acceptance policies for complex assets; stay current on tax law and planned giving vehicles.

•Continuously improve donor retention, currently at 41%.

Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Systems

•Partner with Marketing on aligned, respectful donor communications; collaborate with program leaders to identify fundable priorities.

•Work with Finance on gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting.

•Leverage the Aptify CRM and engagement fundraising technology to track cultivation and optimize donor experiences.

•Train and equip staff, Board, and volunteers in their roles supporting philanthropic partnerships.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

•Bachelor's degree required (business, communications, nonprofit management, or related); Master's preferred.

•Minimum 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with a demonstrable track record.

•Proven success in donor-centered, relationship-based philanthropy (not transactional fundraising).

•Deep expertise in major gifts and planned/legacy giving; experience leading high-performing teams.

•Demonstrated success across annual giving, capital campaigns, foundation/corporate relations, stewardship, and database management.

•Background in nonprofit leadership with executive-level responsibilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

•Donor-Centered Philosophy. Deep commitment to ethical, relationship-based philanthropy. Ability to resist pressure for short-term results in favor of sustainable growth. A pastoral approach—absorbing chaos, projecting calm, giving hope.

•Relationship & Emotional Intelligence. Exceptional interpersonal skills; deep listening; high EQ, maturity, and self-awareness; natural curiosity about what matters most to others.

•Strategic Thinking & Leadership. Visionary yet pragmatic; experience leading change and building programs from the ground up; strong analytical skills; entrepreneurial mindset.

•Communication & Influence. Outstanding written and verbal communication; ability to craft compelling, emotionally resonant cases for support; persuasive without being manipulative.

•Technical Competency. Proficiency with donor databases (Aptify strongly preferred); openness to marketing automation; advanced Microsoft Office skills; data-driven mindset.

•Mission Alignment. Knowledge of and appreciation for Edgar Cayce's philosophy and the principles in the readings (kindness, active patience, service orientation). Understanding that A.R.E.'s work is spiritual in nature—akin to ministry.

Personal Qualities

Uncompromising integrity. Humility balanced with confidence. Resilience and grace under rejection. A solution-oriented attitude, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a good sense of humor.

Working Conditions

Flexible schedule including occasional evenings/weekends; travel approximately 20–30%. Ability to navigate uneven ground and stairs in historical buildings, lift up to 25 lbs., and sustain extended computer work. Valid driver's license required.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary $125,000–$150,000 commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits including health insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, professional development, and access to A.R.E. programs and services.

To Apply

Please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your fundraising philosophy and why you're drawn to A.R.E.'s mission, (2) a resume highlighting relevant experience, and (3) three professional references (only if advancing in process).

Submit to: [email protected]

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Equal Employment Opportunity

Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. evaluates all applicants without regard to sex, race, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, color, veteran status, non-disqualifying disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Closing Thought

If you are called to help others discover their purpose through philanthropy—and to build a new model of fundraising rooted in partnership, dignity, and spiritual fulfillment—we invite you to explore this opportunity.