CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER
WHAT WE DO
Since our founding over 75 years ago, we have focused passionately on our mission of preventing and ending homelessness, one life at a time. As Southern California’s largest homeless services provider, Father Joe’s Villages is a beacon of hope and a steadfast presence in the lives of those facing homelessness in San Diego. With a dedicated team of 500 staff and an annual operating budget of $76.7M, our programs positively impact the lives of over 15,000 individuals annually, including the 2,000 clients we house nightly through our network of shelters and housing programs. Our comprehensive array of services is aligned around our four pillars of care:
- Meeting Basic Needs: housing, meals, and day center services.
- Investing in Children: therapeutic childcare and family services.
- Making Health a Priority: medical care, dental care, and behavioral health care.
- Strengthening Self-Sufficiency: employment, education, vocational training, and spiritual support.
Drawing on our experience and resources, we provide the full continuum of solutions, from triage services for people experiencing homelessness today, to short and long-term shelters and on to permanent and supportive housing. With compassion and commitment, Father Joe’s Villages responds to immediate needs while also providing long-term solutions, rebuilding lives, and restoring dignity.
San Diego is one of the most philanthropic regions in the country, with a strong culture of civic engagement and significant potential for philanthropic leadership. Father Joe’s Villages is uniquely positioned to mobilize that generosity to address one of the region’s most urgent challenges.
LEADERSHIP & CULTURE
Our long history and demonstrated success in tackling some of the most challenging issues facing our community are a testament to our board and executive team’s vision and commitment to innovation. We are honored to be recognized as a leader in this space, enabling us to continually attract a diverse and inclusive workforce comprised of high-performing, mission-driven employees. Under the thoughtful leadership of our CEO, Deacon Jim Vargas, we have dramatically expanded our facilities and services, backed by sound fiscal management and resource stewardship. Joining Father Joe’s Villages in 2015, Deacon Jim has brought a deep HR background, holding prior HR leadership roles at The Copley Press, Inc., and Citicorp/Citibank, as well as through his service as a deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. Deacon Jim is committed to leading through people and culture, building strong teams, and investing in their development. This commitment is expressed through our CREED, the foundation for our work and all our interactions with clients, volunteers, staff members, and the community at large.
- Compassion – concern for others and the desire to assist.
- Respect – an act of giving particular or special regard.
- Empathy – understanding, an awareness of and sensitivity to the feelings of others.
- Empowerment – helping others to help themselves.
- Dignity – counting all people worthy of our esteem.
The Chief Philanthropy Officer will embody and advance these values, helping to cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Salary – $200,000 –$225,000 plus a 10% performance incentive
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and AD&D insurance
- PTO: 28 paid days off and 11 paid holidays annually
- 401K, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Onsite childcare
- Casual dress code
LOCATION
This position is located at our Home Office, 3350 E Street, San Diego, CA 92102. There may be opportunities for a hybrid schedule.
POSITION SUMMARY
With the enthusiastic backing of the leadership team, the Chief Philanthropy Officer will lead and oversee the organization’s comprehensive revenue strategy, currently generating more than $40 million across private philanthropy and public funding streams. This includes approximately $25 million in private philanthropy and more than $18 million in government and institutional funding, with significant opportunity for growth. This highly visible position has a broad scope of responsibility, including strategic leadership for all fundraising, communications, and volunteer engagement functions. To achieve these goals, the CPO will lead and collaborate with a high-performing team of 27 philanthropy professionals across individual giving, corporate partnerships, events, volunteer engagement, grants, planned giving, and philanthropy operations, from entry-level to tenured experts, including 6 direct reports. This is an exciting opportunity to work alongside the CEO and senior leadership team, serving as a key thought partner in all areas of organizational growth and development. It is also a chance to join one of San Diego’s largest and most established human services organizations, working at the forefront of the biggest challenges facing our society today.
This is a pivotal moment of Father Joe’s Villages, as the organization continues expanding housing and programs to meet the needs of the community across the region. The Chief Philanthropy Officer will play a central role in mobilizing philanthropic investment and community partnerships to accelerate this work.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Position the organization for long-term growth by assessing current performance and charting a path to meet and exceed our revenue goal of $25 million in philanthropic contributions and $18 million in public funding.
- Lead a comprehensive, large-scale fundraising operation, increasing revenue across government sources and private philanthropy, with bold expansion plans.
- Guide long-term fundraising strategy, including preparation for future capital or comprehensive campaign initiatives aligned with the organization's growth.
- Partner closely and courageously with our CEO to advance major initiatives such as the opening of the new Detox Center and drive bold, transformational growth aligned with San Diego’s philanthropic potential.
- Collaborate with the Board and leadership team to define fundraising priorities, evaluate emerging opportunities, and ensure strong alignment with organizational goals.
- Stay at the forefront of evolving philanthropic trends and legislation, providing strategic guidance and implementing innovative fundraising practices.
- Champion a culture of philanthropy, accountability, and strategic risk-taking across staff, board members, and volunteers.
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
- Expand and diversify the donor base by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new donors, with a strategic emphasis on securing transformational gifts, including seven-figure gifts and multi-year commitments.
- Cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, government entities, and community stakeholders to elevate the organization’s visibility and impact.
- Manage a robust portfolio of major donors and prospects; oversee tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
- Provide additional support for key donors and prospects assigned to the CEO.
- Ensure clear, compelling donor communications that demonstrate impact and strengthen long-term engagement.
- Engage and support the Board of Directors in achieving fundraising goals and deepening donor relationships.
- Strengthen partnerships with FJVs and community allies to unlock new funding opportunities and fuel program expansion.
Team Management
- Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing development team to deliver on ambitious fundraising targets.
- Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Establish clear goals, performance metrics, and expectations to drive strong team results and maintain alignment with organizational priorities.
- Serve as a collaborative, values-driven member of the leadership team, contributing to a positive and growth-oriented culture.
Operations & Reporting
- Oversee development and management of the annual fundraising budget, ensuring responsible financial planning and resource allocation.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on fundraising performance and emerging trends, providing timely updates to the CEO and Board of Directors.
- Lead a data-informed fundraising operation utilizing modern systems, analytics, and disciplined moves management practices.
- Ensure full compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards in fundraising across all portfolios and activities.
BACKGROUND PROFILE
- Deep commitment to Father Joe’s Villages’ Catholic identity and mission, fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.
- A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience and a minimum of 5 years in senior management, with a proven record in securing private philanthropic gifts and obtaining and managing government funding.
- Proven revenue driver from sales or philanthropy, with strong networks, transferable skills, and the ability to work effectively with an active and highly engaged Board.
- Strategic fundraisers experienced in building diverse donor pipelines, understanding competitive landscapes, and securing transformational gifts.
- Leadership experience in human services or a mission-driven sector, with the ability to rapidly learn, adapt, and drive organizational growth.
- Strong execution focus; establishes clear benchmarks, drives accountability, and consistently delivers ambitious revenue and impact goals.
- Collaborative partner who unites marketing, program, and executive teams around shared goals with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
- Bold, resilient, and confident communicator who embraces strategic risk and inspires donors and stakeholders with a clear, compelling message.
- Skilled at navigating difficult conversations, strengthening team culture, and elevating professionalism and performance.
