Job Description

WHO WE ARE

At the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF), we are guided by both a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to the well-being of our community. With a deep understanding of our region and the nimbleness to adapt as priorities shift, we respond quickly to Pasadena’s needs in ways that are impactful and meaningful. Our efforts ensure that resources go to strategic local efforts and effective organizations – whether they’re urgent, long-term, or something in between.

PCF is here to support and guide our community, whether that is meeting with a donor’s family, answering local nonprofit questions, or simply being a charitable resource. For us, it is about being reliable, compassionate, and staying focused on the long-term welfare of the greater Pasadena communities. With PCF, our donors and partners have a constant philanthropic guide who will help them make a positive impact built to last.

WHAT WE DO

For over 70 years, PCF has served the greater Pasadena area by building strong relationships with donors, offering exceptional stewardship of entrusted funds, and connecting donors to meaningful causes that enrich the community. With nearly $260 million in assets under management, of which over half are endowed, PCF provides diverse giving options and robust support for local nonprofits. Altogether, we manage over 450 funds created by philanthropic individuals, families, and visionary nonprofit agencies.

Our grants and programs make strategic investments to cultivate vibrant, inclusive communities by advancing cultural and educational enrichment, promoting social and economic well-being, and championing environmental stewardship and animal welfare. Since our founding in 1953, we have awarded more than $158.3 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, and remain dedicated to building a stronger, more vibrant community for Pasadena’s future.

In response to the tragic and devastating Eaton Fire in January 2025, PCF created the Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund to provide flexible support to local nonprofit organizations as they respond to the impacted community. Simultaneously, PCF also established the Altadena Builds Back Foundation (ABBF) to focus on the long-term recovery of Altadena.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

Donors and nonprofits look to PCF for vision, leadership, and support in proactively addressing Pasadena’s most pressing challenges. As a highly respected organization, we are guided by an engaged and dedicated board of 19 community leaders who share a deep commitment to supporting the greater Pasadena community.

Khanh Russo, President and CEO, joined PCF in June 2025. Khanh brings over 20 years of experience in philanthropy, public policy, and community development. Before joining PCF, he served as Vice President of Policy and Innovation at the San Francisco Foundation and previously held leadership roles at the City of San José, Cisco, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. He leads our high-caliber team of 12 staff members who are working closely with partner organizations to build a stronger community and bring to life the philanthropic vision of its generous donors.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead fundraising efforts for one of the region’s most critical philanthropic organizations. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors and PCF staff, the Vice President of Philanthropy (VP) will leverage PCF’s strong reputation and legacy of success to shape future growth and amplify its impact.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary – $175,000 - $200,000 DOE
• 100% paid medical coverage. Dental and vision coverage require minimal employee contribution.
• Life insurance, and short and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 15% employer contribution
• PTO: 3 weeks of accrued vacation, 8 accrued sick leave, 12 paid holidays, and 2 personal days
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10-week sabbatical after 10 years of service
• Paid parking space and non-taxable vehicle allowance
• Paid professional membership dues and other work-related networking activities

LOCATION

This is a hybrid role based in the heart of Pasadena. PCF is located at 301 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 810, Pasadena, CA 91101.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President of Philanthropy (VP) will manage PCF’s fundraising and external engagement strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability and mission impact. In addition to cultivating donor relationships, securing philanthropic gifts, overseeing grant writing, and leading fundraising events and campaigns, this role provides strategic leadership to PCF’s marketing and communications function, ensuring consistent mission-driven messaging and strong public visibility. The VP will have an annual fundraising goal of $5 million in realized gifts.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the VP aligns resource development with organizational goals, expands the donor base, and enhances PCF’s reputation and community impact. The role also collaborates closely with the Board of Directors to activate their networks, support fundraising initiatives, and advance the foundation’s strategic objectives. The VP will lead, mentor, and inspire the PCF development team, including three direct reports: Director of Marketing & Communications, Development Manager, and Gift & Operations Associate.

Year One Priorities:

• Immerse yourself in the rich history and evolution of PCF, building meaningful relationships with the board, staff, donors, and stakeholders.
• Design and implement innovative philanthropic and marketing/communications strategies as we aim to diversify and expand our donor base to support increased grantmaking.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, communication, inclusivity, and continuous growth.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes various philanthropic gifts, grants, events, and annual giving to support the PCF’s mission and strategic goals.
• Develop and execute personalized donor engagement plans using a structured moves management approach to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships, driving sustained and increased giving.
• Lead and oversee the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications, ensuring timely submissions and alignment with funder priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight of PCF’s marketing and communications efforts, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals, consistent brand messaging, and compelling outreach that engages donors and elevates the foundation’s public profile.
• Serve as a liaison with estate planning attorneys, CPAs, CFPs, trust departments, wealth managers, stockbrokers, and other advisors, communicating the benefits of utilizing PCF.
• Manage, mentor, and support direct reports with a keen focus on their professional growth, development, and performance.
• Manage and analyze development data and donor databases to track progress, inform strategy, and ensure accurate reporting.
• Represent PCF at public events and with external stakeholders to enhance visibility and build strategic partnerships.
• Participates in ongoing training and professional development, including staying well-informed of industry trends.

BACKGROUND PROFILE

Qualifications & Experience:

• Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to PCF’s mission of inspiring generosity and mobilizing community resources for current and future needs. Understands the legacy of PCF and brings a strong connection to Pasadena and the surrounding communities.
• Fundraising Expertise: 7–10+ years of progressive development experience, including major gift cultivation, campaign strategy, and donor stewardship; CFRE preferred.
• Planned & Legacy Giving: Demonstrated expertise in estate planning and planned giving vehicles (DAFs, CRTs, bequests); strong understanding of investment strategies and tax-advantaged tools for philanthropy.
• Leadership & Management: 5+ years of supervisory experience with a proven ability to lead, mentor, and build inclusive, high-performing teams.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Innovative and proactive in identifying funding opportunities, forming strategic donor relationships, and driving long-term philanthropic growth.
• Sector Experience: Prior work with community foundations or nonprofit development teams strongly preferred.
• Marketing & Branding Awareness: Experience aligning communications efforts with organizational priorities to amplify mission, brand, and philanthropic initiatives.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic Communicator: Exceptional verbal and written communication; persuasive in donor communications, marketing collateral, and grant writing; able to convey complex concepts with clarity and inspiration.
• Marketing & Communications: Skilled in creating compelling content, managing brand voice, and implementing integrated marketing strategies across digital, print, and social media channels to support fundraising and engagement goals.
• Interpersonal Excellence: Empathetic, diplomatic, and adept at building trust and inspiring confidence among diverse stakeholders.
• Fundraising Execution: Proven success in managing donor pipelines, securing a range of philanthropic gifts, and leading events that build engagement and revenue.
• Technology Proficiency: Skilled in CRM systems (e.g., Foundant, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge); proficient with Microsoft Teams, AI tools, web analytics, and digital marketing platforms.
• Financial & Regulatory Acumen: Capable of interpreting and communicating IRS regulations, charitable giving rules, and investment concepts to donors and stakeholders.
• Collaborative Orientation: Strong team player who thrives in cross-functional environments and works well with Boards and organizational leadership.

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