Director of Philanthropic Organizing

TITLE: Director of Philanthropic Organizing

DEPARTMENT: External Affairs

REPORTS TO: Vice President of External Affairs

STATUS: Exempt 

SALARY RANGE: $99,500.00 - $114,500.00

LOCATION: Remote 

POSITION TERMS: This is a contract position funded through grants and currently offered for a two-year period.

ABFE is a 501(c)(3), membership-based philanthropic organization that advocates for responsive and transformative investments in Black communities. Partnering with foundations, nonprofits and individuals, ABFE provides its members with professional development and technical assistance resources that further the philanthropic sector’s connection and responsiveness to issues of equality, diversity and inclusion. Established in 1971 as the Association of Black Foundation Executives, the all-volunteer organization was credited with many of philanthropy’s early gains in diversity. It since has evolved into a fully staffed, influential network. In 2013, the organization shed its descriptor and adopted the simpler ABFE (ab-fee) to better reflect its broadening membership.

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Director of Philanthropic Organizing is a senior leadership role within External Affairs, responsible for leading ABFE’s national funding organizing strategy in service of Black philanthropic power and movement-building. Reporting directly to the Vice President of External Affairs, this role provides strategic direction, integration, and design across ABFE’s core funder networks and communities of practice, including the Black Communities Funders Network (BCFN), Corporate Community of Practice (CCoP), Umoja Circle, and the Connecting Leaders Fellowship (CLFP). 

The Director ensures that ABFE’s network strategy is coherent, values-aligned, and operationalized using ABFE’s Responsive Philanthropy in Black Communities (RPBC) framework and READI strategies. This role works cross-functionally with senior leadership, READI, and Membership as well as with external partners, collaborators, and consultants. 

Strategic & Network Leadership 

• Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of ABFE’s national funder organizing work across multiple funder networks and fellowships. 

• Provide strategic oversight and direction for the Black Communities Funders Network, Corporate Community of Practice, Umoja Circle, and Connecting Leaders Fellowship. 

• Apply RPBC and READI tools to network design, facilitation, curriculum development, and outcomes measurement. 

• Identify emerging opportunities for new funder organizing networks and communities of practice aligned with ABFE’s movement campaign goals. 

Partnership & Field Building 

• Build and steward high-impact partnerships with philanthropic institutions, donors, movement organizations, and aligned intermediaries. 

• Collaborate with the Director of Membership to identify, engage, and solicit priority constituencies for ABFE membership growth. 

• Represent ABFE in national philanthropic and movement spaces as a thought partner and field leader. 

Program Design & Facilitation 

• Serve as a lead facilitator for select networks and convenings, modeling strong racial equity, reparative philanthropy, and adult learning practices. 

• Oversee the design and management of network curricula, learning journeys, convenings, and peer-learning experiences. 

• Ensure network programming reflects ABFE values, movement accountability, and measurable outcomes. 

Management & Administration 

• Supervise the two Manager of Networks and Partnerships positions and provide indirect leadership to additional External Affairs staff as appropriate. 

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and professional development to direct reports. 

• Oversee budgets, forecasting, and financial tracking for networks and partnership initiatives. 

• Manage consultants, vendors, and partners that support network and partnership goals. 

• Develop and implement systems to measure, assess, and communicate network performance, learning outcomes, and impact. 

Year 1 Success  

• Develop and execute a clear, time-bound workplan that sustains the momentum of the Black Communities Funders Network (BCFN) while deepening regional engagement and alignment with ABFE’s broader funding organizing strategy. 

• Advance the Corporate Community of Practice by supporting ongoing initiatives and completing the Black Corporate Leaders Landscape Scan, positioning ABFE to strengthen corporate engagement and partnership strategy. 

• Begin drafting leadership lessons and insights from Black Foundation CEOs as we develop an Umoja Circle Playbook.  

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Connecting Leaders Fellowship Program (CLFP), identifying indicators of success, gaps, and opportunities, and produce a set of recommendations to inform increased impact, curriculum refinement, and enhanced coaching support for 2027 implementation. 

• Lead in funder organizing efforts at Harambee, including designing sessions to support BCFN and the CCoP pre-conference.  

• 5+ years of relevant experience in a related field 

• An understanding of and commitment to ABFE's mission and a demonstrated commitment to racial justice and equity 

• Possess a deep understanding of the philanthropic landscape (national, regional, and local) and can creatively leverage diverse voices and perspectives that move help to build capacity. 

• Ability to travel to conduct and attend workshops, events/conferences, speaking engagements and in-person staff meetings, as needed. 

• Demonstrated experience in developing and supporting philanthropic capacity building, training, and organizing models in the social sector. 

• Strong facilitation experience with experience understanding and teaching racial equity concepts and practices.  

• Solid working knowledge of philanthropy, philanthropic practices, and nonprofit structures. 

• Solid written, interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to a high level of customer service. 

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with short deadlines with multi high- stake initiatives demonstrating a flexible approach to teamwork and effective project management skills 

• Proficient in computer and web-based technology skills, including data management (Salesforce), word processing, Excel and Asana 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail 

• Travel is required 

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in the position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

ABFE is an at-will employer and may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause or notice.

AAP/EEO Statement:

ABFE is an active Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.

Please include your resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.