Description:
About Us
The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914 as the world’s first community foundation, continues to shape the future of place-based philanthropy more than a century later. With $3.9 billion in assets and a legacy of bold leadership, we are driven by a commitment to improve the lives of everyone who calls Greater Cleveland home, today and for generations to come.
Joining our team means becoming part of a culture that blends history-making impact with forward-looking innovation. Our vision is a vibrant Northeast Ohio where no Clevelander is left behind. Every team member plays a key role in advancing this vision by tackling Cleveland’s most critical issues, championing opportunities for all, and helping unlock the full potential of our region.
Our headquarters in the heart of MidTown places us at the center of a historic neighborhood and growing district, surrounded by partners, community leaders and residents who are reimagining what’s possible for our city. Here, you’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment designed to spark creativity, deepen relationships, and accelerate change.
At the Cleveland Foundation, you can be part of building a stronger future for every Clevelander.
About You
You are a relationship-driven professional who thrives on helping others realize their philanthropic vision. You bring a blend of strategic thinking and empathy to your work, enabling you to guide donors through meaningful giving experiences that align with both their values and the foundation’s mission. You are energized by collaboration, whether it’s working with donors, internal teams, or community partners, and you’re comfortable navigating complex conversations with clarity and care.
You are also highly organized and proactive, with a strong ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. You are tech-savvy, confident in your communication skills, and eager to contribute to a culture of equity, inclusion, and innovation. If you’re passionate about making a lasting impact through philanthropy and enjoy being part of a dynamic, mission-driven team, this role is a great fit for you.
Job Summary
The Associate Philanthropic Advisor plays a key role in cultivating and managing relationships with donors to support their philanthropic goals through strategic advising and engagement. This position contributes to the organization’s mission by securing outright and planned gifts, aligning donor interests with the foundation’s priorities and enhancing donor stewardship. The role collaborates across departments to deliver personalized service and impactful giving experiences. This position reports to one of two Directors on the Philanthropy team.
Key Responsibilities
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Manage and progressively expand a portfolio of donors—including individuals, families, corporations, and nonprofits—supporting increasingly complex philanthropic goals and relationships over time.
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Serve as a trusted primary advisor for assigned donors, taking growing responsibility for relationship management, fund oversight, and delivery of high-quality service aligned with the foundation’s philanthropic model.
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Deepen donor engagement by increasingly aligning donor interests with the foundation’s programmatic priorities in the impact agenda, contributing to long-term, systems-level community impact and immediate impact.
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Design and deliver compelling donor presentations and personalized learning sessions, building expertise in legacy planning, philanthropic strategy, and multi-generational family engagement.
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Collaborate proactively across departments to identify cultivation and co-funding opportunities, contributing to more coordinated donor strategies, stewardship efforts, and engagement experiences.
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Take on expanding responsibility within strategic initiatives and special projects, supporting—and over time leading—discrete workstreams under the guidance of the Director of Donor Impact and Philanthropy and/or the Director of Organizational Impact and Community Philanthropy.
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Model inclusive, donor-centered practices and represent the foundation with growing confidence as a community-focused ambassador for the new Foundation headquarters and in external engagements.
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Any other duties as assigned.
Competencies & Behavioral Expectations
- Judgment
- Communication
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Adaptability
- Problem-Solving
Requirements:
Required Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree and 4–6 years of experience in a service-oriented environment advising high-profile donors or clients.
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Demonstrated success in managing a donor/client portfolio and cultivating lasting relationships.
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Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
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Experience designing and delivering donor stewardship programs and tailored communications.
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Strong collaboration skills across multidisciplinary teams and diverse communities.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and working knowledge of database systems.
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Exceptional writing and presentation skills.
Preferred Qualifications
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Knowledge of fund development, planned giving, investment strategy, and philanthropic advising.
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Familiarity with the Greater Cleveland nonprofit landscape and ability to research donor interests.
Work Environment
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The role is primarily office-based, involving frequent interaction with executives, staff, and external partners.
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The position may require prolonged periods of sitting, as well as occasional lifting of light office supplies and materials.
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Occasional extended hours to meet deadlines or support special events.
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Frequent travel may be required for meetings, events, or conferences.
