Who we are
The Jeannette Rankin Foundation, a national leader in making higher education accessible, is significantly expanding its impact in Georgia. The organization was founded in 1976 with a bequest from Jeannette Rankin, elected as the first U.S. Congresswoman and the first woman to serve in federal office. The Rankin Foundation awards unrestricted education grants to women 35 and older (25 and older in Georgia and Montana) who demonstrate financial need and are working to achieve their first associate or bachelor’s degree.
The Rankin Foundation is the nation’s largest provider of education grants and educational support for this distinct population. Rankin Scholar Grants empower women to earn degrees, gain higher paying jobs, achieve economic security, create the precedent for college attendance in their families and become leaders in their communities. Nearly half of Rankin Scholars are the first in their families to attend college, going on to become nurses, social workers, teachers and more.
Guided by the spirit of Jeannette Rankin, a social and racial justice advocate, we embrace diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do and how we do it. It is the policy of the Rankin Foundation to make financial awards to people who self-identify as women without regard to race, creed, religion, color, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, or physical and cognitive disability.
What we believe
- We believe education can mean the difference between minimum wage and a living salary, between a life of struggle and a promising future.
- We believe it takes more than books and tuition to succeed in college. Our unrestricted, non-tuition grants are dedicated to women, nonbinary and Two-Spirit students pursuing a technical or vocational education, first associate’s degree or first bachelor’s degree.
The leader we are looking for The Director of Impact Philanthropy is a strategic partner to the CEO, President, and VP of Strategic Growth & Partnerships to expand the Rankin Foundation’s brand, partnerships and donor base with an emphasis on Georgia. As the Director of Impact Philanthropy, you work collaboratively across the organization to build our fundraising initiatives and drive the growth of our financial resources. Your role is essential in building upon our current success and ensuring the stability and growth of our program.
You are passionate about supporting women to overcome barriers, gain higher education and thrive. You wake up in the morning eager to raise money and awareness for our mission and Rankin Scholars. You are known for your ability to think strategically and holistically yet also able to drive tactics and projects to fruition and close donors. You are passionate about identifying sustainable ways that bring people and funding opportunities together to meet unified goals. You have confidence in your skills and knowledge, and the humility to reflect, listen to understand and be changed. You demonstrate diplomacy and strategy in developing and maintaining relationships, have strong and effective interpersonal, communication, and management skills and actively engage with donors from all walks of life. You have an impeccable eye for detail, are self-directed yet flexible and excel in a deadline-driven, entrepreneurial environment while demonstrating compassion and kindness in all you do with a “no task is too small” attitude.
You will:
- Manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors focusing on engagement, solicitation and stewardship to secure significant gifts and create long-term relationships.
- Conduct donor research, qualify new prospects and cultivate relationships that lead to major contributions.
- Develop new donor relationships by identifying and engaging individuals, foundations and organizations aligned with Rankin Foundation’s mission.
- Design personalized engagement plans for donors to build meaningful relationships and inspire deeper investment.
- Produce reports documenting fundraising success and progress toward Rankin Foundation’s goals.
- In collaboration with the VP, develop and execute a comprehensive major gifts strategy to meet and exceed revenue goals.
- Collaborate with leadership to align fundraising initiatives with organizational priorities and vision.
- Establish new streams of donor networks, focusing on untapped opportunities for high impact giving.
- Represent the Rankin Foundation at key events, conferences and networking opportunities to expand our brand and donor base.
- In collaboration with the VP and CEO or President develop presentations in Georgia and lead small fundraising events to increase community awareness, engagement and donations.
- Ensure timely acknowledgement, recognition and stewardship of donors in Georgia.
- Provide regular updates to donors on the impact of their contributions through compelling stories, proposals, presentations and reports.
- Responsible for documenting donor interactions, moves management and database integrity within Rankin Foundation’s CRM software, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records.
Skills, competencies and qualifications of the ideal candidate:
- Minimum 3 years demonstrated experience in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors ($10,000+) and prospects to meet fundraising goals. Preference given to fundraising experience in Georgia.
- Experience working with board members, volunteers and high net-worth individuals.
- Strategic thinker.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills including engaging and effective presentation and public speaking skills.
- Working knowledge of best, promising and emerging practices and innovations in the philanthropic field regionally and nationally. Grant writing experience is beneficial.
- Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information effectively and confidentially.
- An appreciation of, and enthusiasm for, a community presence as an integral part of your role.
- Knowledge of the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, ethics, motivations for giving and volunteering, research and cultivation practices, standard fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, special events, telephone solicitation and direct mail.
- Ability to travel nationally three to four times per year and travel within the state of Georgia as needed.
- Known for your ability to address setbacks, troubleshoot issues and seamlessly direct multiple priorities at the same time.
- Impeccable eye for detail and love for accuracy.
- Ability to build authentic relationships.
- Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to advancing equity and social justice.
- Understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of issues contributing to poverty.
- CRM and Wealth Engine experience and proficiency in Word and Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets.
- CFRE Certification and/or member of AFP a plus.
Compensation and Benefits
Jeannette Rankin Foundation offers full-time employees a competitive salary and generous benefits package. The salary range for this position is $80,000 – 95,000 a year, depending on education and relevant experience. This position is remote. Travel will be required within Georgia and occasionally other parts of the country. All work-related travel expenses incurred are covered by the Rankin Foundation.
Benefits include:
- Health insurance, Dental Insurance and Vision insurance with the monthly copay paid for by the Rankin Foundation
- $25,000 of life insurance.
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- 401K - Company will match up to 8%
- Generous Paid Time Off package
Paid support for continuing education and/or national conferences.
- 80 hours of Universal Time
- 96 hours for Regular Paid Time Off
- 12 paid holidays
To Apply
Position open until filled. Resumes will be reviewed as received. Preference given to applications received by April 21, 2025. Please email a resume and cover letter outlining your experience in major gift fundraising, particularly in Georgia, why the Rankin Foundation's mission resonates with you, and how you heard about the position to: Cynthia Winter cynthia@rankinfoundation[dot]org
Learn More: rankinfoundatioin.org
