Director of Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy

Who We Are

Gather's mission is to offer innovative programs that build food security in welcoming and dignified ways. Founded in 1816, Gather is one of the oldest social service agencies in the country. For over two centuries, Gather has been a regional leader in addressing food insecurity. In 2014, the organization revolutionized its approach and expanded from a traditional food pantry to incorporate cutting-edge mobile programs that distribute fresh food at the neighborhood level and in 2025, Gather opened New England's first Community Food Center. Gather serves those experiencing hunger by providing fresh and non-perishable nutritious food through distribution programs across the Seacoast. In addition to the Pantry Market at our new Community Food Center in Portsmouth, NH, Gather distributes food to other Seacoast communities through our Mobile Markets, Meals 4 Kids program, and our Fresh Food Bus. Food that would otherwise be wasted is turned into delicious, to-go meals through our Cooking 4 Community program. Gather Café serves food insecure students and the larger community at Great Bay Community College, and the Gather Homebound program delivers meals and groceries to those who cannot shop for themselves. In addition to serving the immediate need for food, Gather is adding wrap-around supports and education through partner agencies, as well as the Fresh Start Culinary Program, a free culinary workforce training program specifically for those facing barriers to employment.

What We Seek

Gather is seeking an inspiring, results-driven, and deeply connected leader to take the helm in advancing our mission and driving transformative growth. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role at one of the region's most dynamic and impactful organizations – where your vision, relationships, and leadership will directly shape the future of food security, community engagement, and social impact.

As Director of Philanthropy, you will partner closely with Gather's Executive Director, Board of Directors, Development Committee, and senior leadership to elevate the organization's

fundraising and engagement strategies to new heights. You will champion Gather's mission in the community and beyond—building authentic connections with donors who share our belief in a stronger, more equitable food system.

You will drive major gifts and overall revenue leadership, plan and execute our annual fundraising event, and lead marketing and appeals that deepen community engagement. You'll lead a talented and passionate team, guiding them to achieve ambitious goals and expand Gather's reach and impact.

If you're a strategic thinker, relationship builder, and storyteller who's ready to make a lasting difference, this is your moment to lead with purpose—and be part of something extraordinary.

Key Responsibilities

Overall Revenue Leadership

• Lead and oversee the fundraising strategy to continue to raise $3.5-4 million annually to fund Gather operations. Stay informed about trends in philanthropy and adjust strategies to enhance revenue growth and donor engagement.

• Develop and implement moves management plans to effectively cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, ensuring a strong pipeline of major gifts and planned giving prospects.

• Prepare regular reports on revenue performance and donor activity, presenting progress to the Board and leadership team.

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising calendar, including campaigns, events, and donor communications.

• Collaborate with program staff and leadership to create compelling narratives and proposals that resonate with donors and effectively communicate the organization's successes, challenges, and needs.

• Represent Gather at external events and engagements, fostering community relationships and visibility for the organization.

Individual Giving

• Initiate and maintain regular communication with key stakeholders, including one-on-one meetings, site visits, impact reports, and personalized outreach, to deepen relationships and keep them informed of their contributions' impact.

• Maintain and update donor portfolios in our Salesforce database, ensuring a clear record of engagement activities, donor preferences, and future opportunities for deepening the partnership.

• Implement data-driven approaches to identify donor trends, evaluate fundraising success, and refine donor segmentation and stewardship strategies for maximum impact.

Planned Giving

• Establish and manage a comprehensive planned giving program to ensure the organization's long-term financial sustainability.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors for legacy and deferred gifts, including bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, and other planned giving vehicles.

• Develop marketing and educational materials to promote planned giving opportunities across donor segments.

• Maintain accurate records of planned giving commitments and ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and accounting standards. Coordinate with finance and legal advisors to ensure appropriate gift documentation, recognition, and reporting.

Institutional Giving

• Monitor and evaluate the success of corporate and foundation engagement efforts, providing feedback and support to the Associate Director of Institutional Giving to refine approaches and meet revenue and partnership goals.

Events

• Oversee the planning and execution of the annual gala and other key food and fundraising events, working with the Events and Engagement Manager.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment to Gather's mission, values, and community impact.

• Proven success driving fundraising growth. Track record leading or co-leading major gifts strategy and annual giving/appeals; event leadership experience required.

• 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience strongly preferred.

• Exceptional connector and relationship builder with a robust professional network in the Greater Seacoast region.

• Confident and persuasive fundraiser with the ability to make high-level, strategic asks.

• Skilled communicator with outstanding verbal, written, and public speaking abilities.

• Highly organized planner with demonstrated experience executing successful events and campaigns.

• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.

• Agile multitasker capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Trusted professional who exercises sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in all donor interactions.

• Innovative, strategic thinker with initiative, creativity, and a passion for driving meaningful change.

Additional Information

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), exempt position, based in Portsmouth, NH. It is an in-person role with the opportunity to work from home one day a week. Salary is commensurate with experience and skills with a range of $90,000-$115,000. This position is eligible for health insurance benefits, 401K retirement plan with match, paid vacation, and holidays.

Application Process

Please send your resume and cover letter to Anne Hayes at In the subject line, write your name and the position for which you are applying. We will review all submissions, identify viable candidates, and contact ONLY those individuals selected to continue in the search process.

Gather is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. Gather's employees are people with different strengths, experiences, and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives.