Founding Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer

Commission-Based | Hybrid (CA Strongly Preferred) | High-Earning, High-Impact | Immediate Start The Institute is expanding at a moment when strategic leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and long-term capital investment are essential to shaping the next generation of growth and innovation. Powering Leadership Innovation. Scaling Impact. Shaping the Future. The JPGE Leadership Institute for Strategic Growth is being built as an expansive platform for developing the next generation of strategic business leaders and policymakers while advancing solutions to critical socioeconomic challenges globally. We are seeking a **Founding Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer** to lead The Institute’s funding strategy, institutional development, and governance structure during its accelerated growth phase. This senior leadership role is responsible for securing philanthropic funding, cultivating major donor relationships, and building the foundation needed to support The Institute’s long-term impact—including its global flagship **Strategic Leadership & Business Growth Fellowship**. Working closely with the Founder & CEO of JPG Enterprises and its Global Capital & Development Group, this leader will help position The Institute as a respected platform for leadership development, strategic philanthropy, and global engagement. ## Why this Role Matters The Founding Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer will shape The Institute’s early trajectory by: * Securing philanthropic and institutional capital to scale The Institute * Establishing governance structure and leadership foundation * Developing strategic partnerships with foundations, universities, and institutional collaborators * Ensuring financial sustainability for the Fellowship and leadership programming This role is ideal for a relationship-driven leader who can navigate high-trust philanthropic networks while building a durable institution designed to grow and influence leaders for years to come. ## 🔑Key Responsibilities * **Strategic Philanthropy & Capital Development:** Lead The Institute’s funding strategy, including: * Cultivating relationships with high-net-worth donors, foundations, and philanthropic investors * Securing major gifts, grants, and institutional partnerships * Developing capital campaigns and funding initiatives * Building long-term donor pipelines and partnership networks * Representing The Institute in philanthropic and leadership circles The success of this role will be measured primarily by capital secured and partnerships activated. * **Institutional Governance & Organizational Development:** Build The Institute’s governance and institutional framework, including: * Supporting the structuring of The Institute’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity * Establishing governance and advisory board structures * Recruiting and cultivating an influential advisory network * Ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong organizational oversight * **Fellowship Program Infrastructure:** Support the development of the Strategic Leadership & Business Growth Fellowship, including: * Ensuring funding pathways exist to support fellowship programming * Recruiting and overseeing a Fellowship Enrollment Manager * Supporting the hiring of a Fellowship Program Director * Building scholarship and fellowship sponsorship pathways * Developing relationships with universities and leadership networks * **Strategic Partnerships & Thought Leadership:** Position The Institute as a respected platform for leadership dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, including: * Cultivating partnerships with universities, policy institutions, and leadership organizations * Representing The Institute at national leadership and philanthropic events * Helping shape The Institute’s reputation as a trusted platform for strategic dialogue and leadership development ## 🎓Qualifications * 7–10+ years of experience in philanthropic fundraising, strategic partnerships, capital strategy, or investment-related business development * Demonstrated success securing high-value funding partnerships, major donor relationships, or institutional capital * Experience launching, scaling, or leading strategic initiatives, programs, or organizations * Ability to lead small teams, consultants, or cross-functional collaborators * Comfort in a high-visibility external role with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and institutional stakeholders * Strong strategic communication, writing, and relationship-building skills * Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, JD, or related field) a plus * Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build partnerships, generate opportunities, and close funding relationships independently ## 🧠Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven leader with experience operating within high-level donor, social, political, and philanthropic networks. Strong candidates will bring: * Proven ability to cultivate and secure major funding relationships * Experience operating in politically or institutionally complex environments * Strong governance instincts and organizational leadership ability * Comfort engaging with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic leaders * Executive presence and strategic communication skills Candidates with backgrounds in nonprofit leadership, political fundraising, institutional advancement, or philanthropic strategy are especially encouraged. ## 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Team Collaboration & Oversight This role is primarily focused on philanthropic partnerships, capital strategy, and institutional growth, while providing high-level guidance to emerging fundraising and program support structures. This includes co-establishing and supervising key roles such as a Fellowship Enrollment Manager and, as funding allows, supporting the recruitment of a Fellowship Program Director. The Founding Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer will collaborate with JPGE leadership, communications, finance, and strategic capital teams to align philanthropic partnerships, institutional growth, and program execution. ## 💼What We Offer * Lucrative commission structure + tiered performance bonuses * Direct collaboration with the CEO + executive visibility * Founding leadership role with influence over long-term capital strategy and institutional growth * Flexible hybrid work environment with autonomy to build and lead * Strategic exposure to high-level events, donors, and philanthropic networks * Pathway to full benefits after successful initial performance period (typically within 6 months) ## 💰Compensation & Earnings Potential $150,000–$400,000+ (Commission-Based) This is a senior, performance-based leadership role with uncapped earning potential, structured around JPGE’s 2026 Commission & Compensation Framework, including tiered performance bonuses and milestone incentives. Compensation is earned through commissions on philanthropic and strategic capital secured for The Institute and associated programs and initiatives, including: * Private foundation grants * High-net-worth donor contributions * Corporate sponsorships and philanthropic campaigns * Institute/Fellowship sponsorships and philanthropic campaigns * Strategic hybrid funding opportunities supporting Institute growth Typical commission rates range from 5% to 20%, depending on capital type, complexity, and funding source. Commission structures are reevaluated after the first $1M in capital secured. Following an initial six-month performance period, the Founding Executive Director may elect to transition to a hybrid or salaried compensation structure, subject to Institutional growth and Board approval. ## 📍Work Environment & Location This is a hybrid role. Los Angeles-based candidates are strongly preferred, but we welcome exceptional applicants with relevant global or national networks in hubs like New York, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, or abroad.