VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT POSITION DESCRIPTION
About Foundation for Louisiana
Foundation for Louisiana (FFL) is a social justice philanthropic intermediary founded in 2005 as the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation to invest in the immediate recovery of Louisiana’s communities after Hurricane Katrina. While FFL was established in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, our founders recognized the need to address the longstanding inequities that have shaped life outcomes for the most marginalized of Louisianans. FFL’s work grew in response to these needs, and today, FFL focuses on racial justice, climate justice, criminal justice reform, economic opportunity, LGBTQ organizing, and support for Louisiana's vibrant arts and culture via a three-pronged strategy:
- Invest: FFL makes grants and loans to support organizations and movements throughout Louisiana in our key program areas. We attract and invest resources to support on-the-ground projects, many of which can’t access traditional philanthropy. Through fiscal sponsorship, the Foundation for Louisiana also supports innovative ideas responding to unmet needs throughout Louisiana.
- Build: We build power to effect change in Louisiana communities. Our TOGETHER initiative convenes community leaders and provides training in organizing, policy change, leadership, public speaking, and facilitation to tackle climate change issues, police accountability, health disparities, housing access, and more.
- Transform: We fortify movements to shift systems and shape regional and national narratives. We reimagine how our communities are governed and funded to redefine how residents can thrive in them.
Since its inception, FFL has invested $60 million in more than 260 equity-centered nonprofit organizations working across the state toward building a more just Louisiana. As a social justice philanthropic intermediary, FFL’s work unapologetically advances racial justice while moving Louisiana forward. The foundation engages communities in program co-design and grant-making processes to expand opportunities and move communities towards a more just future.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Foundation for Louisiana is seeking a strategic, experienced, and equity-driven Vice President of Development (VPD) to lead our resource development strategy and team. Reporting to the President and CEO and serving as a member of the executive leadership team, the VPD will provide vision and execution for fundraising efforts across institutional giving, individual and collective giving, donor engagement, and communications. The VPD will also help shape organizational strategy and represent FFL with key stakeholders including major donors, foundations, and community partners. This role is ideal for a skilled relationship-builder and confident closer who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The following list of duties and responsibilities is representative and may be subject to evolution and change over time. FFL is committed to an inclusive workplace for all staff, including those with a disability, and is open to discussing disability-related accommodations to essential job functions for qualified applicants.
Leadership and Strategy (30%)
- Lead the design and implementation of multi-year fundraising and communications strategies that align with FFL’s mission and growth goals.
- Manage and mentor the Development team; facilitate a collaborative and accountable team culture.
- Participate in executive leadership team meetings; provide input on strategic planning, financial forecasting, and organizational policy.
- Engage the Board of Directors and support their development involvement.
Major Donor and Funder Relations (35%)
- Build and manage a personal portfolio of top-level individual and institutional funders.
- Lead donor strategy and communications, ensuring alignment with FFL’s equity values.
- Represent FFL at high-level meetings and public events to cultivate and steward donor relationships.
Cross-Team Integration (20%)
- Collaborate with Program, Finance, and Operations teams to ensure timely and effective proposal development, grant reporting, and donor stewardship.
- Champion knowledge-sharing practices and systems that enhance coordination and impact across departments.
Fundraising Systems and Infrastructure (15%)
- Oversee Salesforce donor database, reporting systems, and campaign metrics.
- Develop tools and procedures to improve Development operations, including prospect research, donor tracking, and gift processing.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
The Vice President of Development should possess the following qualifications, skills, and personal attributes:
- Fundraising Leadership: Proven success in building and leading fundraising teams; track record of securing major gifts and institutional support.
- Relationship Management: Exceptional skills in cultivating and stewarding high-level funders.
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to design and execute long-range plans with measurable impact.
- Equity and Inclusion: Deep commitment to racial, economic, and gender justice; ability to lead with an anti-oppression lens.
- Project and People Management: Experience supervising diverse teams and managing cross-functional projects.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communicator with ability to synthesize complex ideas for diverse audiences.
WHO ARE YOU?
You are an experienced fundraising executive who brings humility, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in community leadership. You are energized by growing philanthropic partnerships and closing transformational gifts. You see fundraising as a tool for justice and storytelling as a way to build power. You love Louisiana, and you believe in the brilliance of its people. You’re excited by both strategy and hands-on collaboration, and you want to help build a more just and joyful future alongside a bold, values-driven team.
COMPENSATION
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 – $135,000, commensurate with experience. Foundation for Louisiana offers a generous benefits and PTO package, including:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums
- Up to $50,000 employer-paid life insurance
- 401(k) retirement employer match
- 17 holidays and an extended end-of-year break
- Home office stipend
This is a full-time, exempt position. Candidates must be based in Louisiana or willing to relocate. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
TO APPLY
Please send your cover letter and resume as a single pdf to Charmel Gaulden, CEO and President, via email: jo**@********************na.org. Review of applications will begin on July 8, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by July, 8, 2025.
The interview process entails:
- Round 1 – Panel Interview
- Round 2 – Exercise (Paid)
- Round 3 – Final Interview w/ CEO & President
We encourage applications from people with disabilities and are available to discuss reasonable accommodations for any applicant who may need them. To inquire about accommodations, please email jo**@********************na.org or call FFL at (225) 236-7016. Please refrain from making phone calls for any reason other than to request application accommodations.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT POLICY
Foundation for Louisiana aspires towards freedom for all Louisianans and aims to create a fully inclusive and affirming workplace for all people. We welcome and encourage applications from people who have been involved with the criminal legal system. FFL is committed to providing staff with resources to work from home effectively. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of the position.
Foundation for Louisiana follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, criminal legal background, and marital status.
This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, outside vendors, members and customers, service clients, use of contractors and consultants, grant partners, board members, and dealings with the general public.