Description

Job Title: Director of Anniversary Campaign & Major Gifts
Location: Providence (multiple locations), Primarily In-Person
Reports to: Vice President of Grants & Strategic Initiatives
Status: Full-Time, Exempt (primarily in-person)
Compensation: $85,000 – $95,000 DOE, with full benefits including medical/dental insurance, life and long-term disability insurance, paid holidays, accrued vacation/sick/personal time, an Employee Assistance Plan, and a 401(k) plan with employer match.

ABOUT US: 

Sojourner House is a comprehensive victim services agency that provides crisis intervention services, shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing, clinical counseling, immigration advocacy, community-based programs, education prevention programming, a growing housing development program, and other supportive services to individuals and families impacted by abuse.  We have offices in Providence and Woonsocket, and programs that operate statewide. Our goal is to help our clients rebuild their lives, piece by piece, through a variety of services. All of our programs work from the premise that violence is an unacceptable means of solving interpersonal conflict, and we encourage only non-violent methods of working out conflicts. Our mission is to promote healthy relationships by providing culturally sensitive support, advocacy, housing, and education for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking; and to effect systems change.  Our organizational values are rooted in commitment, innovation, trust, and empowerment.  The agency has grown from a small, grassroots organization into a robust statewide agency with over 70 full time employees across multiple locations and an annual budget that is approaching $12 million.  To learn more about our work, please visit www.sojournerri.org. We are also active on social media at @sojournerri.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Anniversary Campaign & Major Gifts will lead the planning and execution of fundraising and community engagement initiatives associated with Sojourner House’s 50th Anniversary in 2026. This pivotal role will drive the vision, strategy, and implementation of a year-long celebration, including an educational conference, speaker series, donor stewardship events, and a signature anniversary gala. The Director will engage key stakeholders, cultivating philanthropic support, and building strong partnerships to honor Sojourner House’s legacy while securing resources for its future.

This position is designed not only to deliver a successful anniversary campaign but also to build a strong donor pipeline and cultivate high-level relationships. Based on performance and organizational needs, this role has the potential to transition into a Major Gifts Officer position after 2026, focused on stewarding and growing Sojourner House’s individual donor base and long-term philanthropic partnerships beyond the anniversary year.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Campaign Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive 50th Anniversary Campaign strategy, including fundraising goals, donor cultivation, sponsorship development, and community engagement objectives.
• Partner with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to define campaign priorities and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Build and lead a cross-functional Anniversary Planning Committee comprised of staff, board members, and community partners.
  Oversee campaign metrics, track progress, and deliver regular updates to executive leadership and the Board.

Event Planning & Execution

• Design and oversee all 50th Anniversary events, including a statewide educational conference, speaker series, signature anniversary gala, community celebrations, and donor appreciation events. Provide support and guidance to chairs/co-chairs of individual planning committees.
• Manage event logistics: venue selection, vendor negotiation, volunteer coordination, marketing collateral, and day-of execution.
• Ensure all events reflect the organization’s values, mission, and brand identity, delivering a positive and inclusive guest experience.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies to secure major gifts, sponsorships, and in-kind support for anniversary initiatives.
• Partner with Development staff and leadership to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects for both anniversary events and long-term organizational support.
• Personally engage with high-level donors and corporate partners, building relationships to support both the anniversary campaign and future giving opportunities.
• Contribute to the creation of donor recognition programs and customized stewardship plans to deepen donor engagement.
• Volunteer & Community Engagement
  Work with the Volunteer Manager and development team to help recruit, train, and inspire volunteers to support anniversary activities, ensuring a positive experience that strengthens long-term engagement.
• Build relationships with local businesses, community leaders, and partner organizations to enhance participation and visibility.

Marketing & Communications

• Partner with the Development and Communications teams to create and implement an integrated marketing and media strategy for all anniversary initiatives.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the campaign, representing Sojourner House at events and at community functions.
• Reporting and Evaluation
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators for anniversary activities, including attendance, fundraising outcomes, and volunteer engagement.
• Prepare monthly updates for leadership and contribute to final reports summarizing the success of the 50th anniversary initiatives.

KEY POSITION OUTCOMES

• Successfully raise funds to meet or exceed anniversary campaign goals.
• Build sustainable donor relationships that support future major gift work.
• Deliver high-quality, well-attended anniversary events that elevate Sojourner House’s visibility and impact.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, or communications preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, event planning, or campaign management, ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated success managing multi-faceted fundraising campaigns and high-profile events (galas, conferences, or multi-event campaigns).
• Experience cultivating and soliciting donors, including corporate partners and major gift prospects.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional project management skills with proven ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking experience.
• Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Bloomerang or similar) and proficiency in MS Office and Google Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or human trafficking programming or demonstrated interest in learning about these issues.
• Prior experience in an anniversary and/or capital campaign setting.

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for Sojourner House’s mission and commitment to social justice.
• Innovative and strategic thinker with a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for campaign events and deadlines.

TO APPLY: 

Please send a resume, cover letter, and list of three professional references to [email protected] with the subject line “Anniversary Campaign”.  No phone calls, please.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged.  

Sojourner House is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To learn more about Sojourner House, please visit our website:  www.sojournerri.org.