About Affordable Homes & Communities:
For nearly 50 years, Affordable Homes & Communities (AHC) has been building quality homes where families thrive. Our holistic approach to affordable housing combines innovative development strategies, genuine partnerships, quality homes, and resident services to create welcoming communities across the mid-Atlantic region. Our award-winning, nationally certified Resident Services program provides services where people live and build long-term and trusting relationships with families and individuals. Our programs reach more than 3,800 residents annually, including 300+ youth in grades K-12.
Today, we are one of the largest affordable nonprofit housing developers in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We have over 1,200 volunteers and 100 nonprofit and community partners who have helped us serve over 15,000 individuals and families. Guided by our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, we aim to double the number of homes provided, expand Resident Services to 100% of our communities, and impact 30,000 lives across the region.
About the Vice President of Fundraising Position
AHC seeks a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Fundraising (VPF) to lead and expand its fundraising efforts. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a seasoned, driven, and creative fundraising professional to make a significant impact. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the VPF will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, the Board of Directors, staff, and external stakeholders to foster philanthropic growth across the region.
The VPF will lead the implementation and optimization of a comprehensive and diverse fundraising strategy including gifts and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations, and government funding entities. The VPF will oversee a dedicated fundraising team, which includes three full-time staff and two consultants specializing in grants and government funding. This full-time position requires a mix of onsite work at AHC's Arlington, VA headquarters (3 days per week) and remote work (2 days per week), with the expectation of attending in-person meetings with donors and stakeholders, as well as occasional travel for regional engagement.
AHC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parking, metro accessibility, and other perks, ensuring that the VPF is well-supported in its efforts to elevate AHC's philanthropic impact.
Core Roles and Responsibilities Philanthropic Strategy and Leadership (25%):
- Culture of Philanthropy: Embed and promote a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization, engaging all staff and Board members in fundraising activities and facilitating their participation.
- Fundraising Planning: Develop and execute an annual comprehensive fundraising plan including robust strategies for the annual fund, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation giving, planned giving, etc.
- Analysis and Reporting: Monitor and analyze fundraising data, develop reports for leadership, and make data-driven decisions to optimize strategies and ensure the achievement of fundraising goals.
- Campaign Preparation: Facilitate planning and preparation for a future campaign to support the full implementation of the Strategic Plan and engage key donors who will be instrumental in its success.
Leadership and Community Engagement (25%):
- Board Collaboration: Work closely with the Board of Directors to involve them in fundraising initiatives, leveraging their networks, and providing them with the tools and training needed to support their efforts.
- Public Speaking: Serve as a public representative for AHC, speaking at events, engaging with the community, and enhancing the organization’s visibility and reputation in the philanthropic sector.
- Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and other nonprofit organizations to advance AHC’s mission and strategic goals.
- Regional Expansion: Implement the regional expansion of fundraising initiatives including making in-roads with localized connectors and approaching potential donors and funders for support.
Direct Fundraising (25%):
- Portfolio Management: Personally manage a portfolio of ~50 top donors and funders, focusing on cultivating relationships and soliciting major, multiyear, and sustained gifts.
- Engagement Strategy: Develop and implement targeted engagement and stewardship plans for major donors, ensuring personalized and consistent communication that strengthens long-term relationships.
- Recognition Programs: Oversee donor recognition programs to acknowledge and honor the contributions of AHC’s supporters, enhancing donor loyalty and satisfaction.
- Grants Management: Oversee grants reporting and work with Finance to ensure all requirements are met.
Team Optimization and Support (25%):
- Team Management: Lead and mentor the fundraising team, provide strategy support for their efforts, foster a proactive fundraising culture, and ensure their alignment with AHC’s fundraising objectives.
- Capacity Building: Oversee the professional development of team members, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and effectiveness in fundraising efforts.
Candidate Characteristics & Qualifications
- Proven Expertise: 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a strong track record in securing major gifts and leading successful annual and campaign efforts.
- Fundraising Smarts: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans, strategize the growth of donor types, and effectively engage in moves management for top prospects.
- Team Building: Effective, enthusiastic, and positive leader with exceptional team optimization abilities.
- Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and effectively represent AHC’s mission.
- Mission-Driven: Deep commitment to AHC’s values and mission, with a passion for making a positive impact in our region and supporting our ambitious plan for growth.
- Collaborative & Adaptable: A flexible team player who works well with others and can navigate changing priorities effectively.
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification is a plus.