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Philanthropic Advisor
For nearly two decades The Philanthropic Initiative, Inc. (TPI) has been a leader and innovator in the field of philanthropic advising, helping serious donors identify their passions and tackle the most daunting challenges that society faces. We are a mission driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to (1) helping donors make their giving more effective and more satisfying; (2) fostering creative philanthropic approaches to social/global challenges; (3) inspiring more players to become more deeply engaged in philanthropy, and (4) stimulating interest in critical issues and ideas for effective philanthropy. TPI believes that individuals, families and corporations are increasingly drawn to philanthropy as a source of meaning and an outlet for civic engagement. We also believe that when elected governments or free markets struggle for answers, civil society institutions provide the essential intellectual and practical bridge to solutions. They invent the new ideas, advocate for the unusual solutions, and support the catalytic actions that lead to true and meaningful change.
TPI plans to grow briskly in both its outreach and its impact over the next decade. Since our founding in 1989, we have worked directly with more than 250 philanthropic individuals, foundations and corporations in North America and around the world. We have reached thousands more through our donor learning programs, research, reports, convenings and collaborations. We currently have a staff of 16 and are located in Boston’s financial district.
The Position
TPI seeks a Philanthropic Advisor to join its expanding consulting practice working with a broad range of clients. TPI provides comprehensive philanthropic consulting services to individual donors, families, foundations, corporations and institutions, and also works to promote high-impact philanthropy through research, writing and donor education.
The Philanthropic Advisor will serve as a member of TPI’s professional staff, focusing primarily on programmatic and strategic planning work for TPI clients. The PA will work collaboratively as a member of a team supporting specific client engagements in designing, developing and evaluating philanthropic programs; supporting client relationships; and researching philanthropic issues. The PA may assume project management responsibility for selected projects as directed.
Specific responsibilities may include:
• Research/Writing/Program Design, including research on social issues, best practices, and model approaches to key issues; community needs assessments; identifying and presenting funding opportunities, including ideas for programmatic initiatives; and preparing briefing papers for clients.
• Client Support/Consulting, including conducting due diligence review of funding requests; assisting in tracking/evaluation of funded projects; logistical and other support for client meetings; project management and facilitation; and conducting site visits with or on behalf of clients.
• Strategic Planning and Facilitation, including interviews with key stakeholders; design and implementation of surveys of key stakeholders and grant recipients; and preparation for and facilitation of planning sessions/retreats with clients.
The Individual
Desired characteristics and qualities include:
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Experience with social issues research, policy analysis, and program design, implementation and evaluation
• Experience in and exposure to strategic planning, facilitation and coaching
• The ability to plan, set goals and objectives, organize and follow through
• Excellent client relations and writing skills
• The ability to conceptualize, administer, evaluate and communicate
• A bachelor’s degree is required and an advanced degree is highly preferred
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated capacity as a team player for whom the ownership of ideas is less important than the result of the collaborative effort. As such, the ideal candidate will be a team player who can assume roles of both leader and follower as the situation requires.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in a professional setting is required. Although previous professional experience in philanthropy is not required, a previous relationship with philanthropy as consultant, grantee, funder or advisor is helpful. Ability to travel is required.
Interested applicants should send letters of interest and resumes (NO phone calls please) to:
Wendy Staggs
Chief Financial Officer
The Philanthropic Initiative
160 Federal Street 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
wstaggs@tpi.org
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