Position Title: Philanthropy Manager
Position Level: Mid
Salary: $80,000
Posting Date: January 13, 2026
Founded in 1980 by singer-songwriter and humanitarian Harry Chapin, Long Island Cares was built on the belief that no one should go hungry in our community. Our mission is to combat hunger and food insecurity across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, while working to create a future where healthy food and essential resources are accessible to all.
As a proud partner food bank of Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief network, we stand alongside nearly 200 food banks nationwide to provide hope and nourishment to millions of families in need.
What began as a small grassroots effort serving a handful of local agencies has grown into a lifeline for our region. Today, Long Island Cares distributes over 13 million pounds of food and supplies each year to nearly 400 community partners, operating from our Hauppauge headquarters and seven Long Island Cares–operated pantries across Long Island.
Together, we can make a difference—because no one should have to choose between food and other basic needs.
Responsibilities:
Job Summary: Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Development, the Philanthropy Manager maintains a portfolio of Individual Donors and develops and maintains research, cultivation, ask and stewardship process to move donors to higher level giving. Responsible for coordinating and executing short- and long-term mid-level and major gift individual fundraising initiatives; managing systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects; and partnering with and supporting the Board and partners with their solicitation efforts, including portfolio development, strategic counsel, and donor communications. Will work with the Corporate Philanthropy Manager and the Events Coordinator to develop and manage fundraising and recognition events. All Development staff are expected to assist with the execution of the annual development plan and reporting to support meeting the annual organizational budget.
Essential Functions:
- Lead efforts to identify prospects, cultivate relationships and solicit gifts from individuals with the potential to give at the mid-level and major gift level ($10,000+) for annual fundraising, events, and project campaigns.
- Develop and propose strategies for solicitation of individual major gifts, including determining ongoing relationships with prospect/donor; recommending specific purpose and level of gift; identifying those to be involved in cultivation and subsequent solicitation; assuring that solicitations are carried out.
- Responsibilities include, but are not limited to prospect research, developing effective cultivation strategies, direct solicitation, and stewarding donors throughout the giving process.
- Utilize wealth screening information, other research, and networks of existing donors to identify prospective major donors.
- Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to create materials to support all fundraising efforts and coordinate strategy with the Development team.
o Create compelling cases for support, prepare and deliver tailored proposals, reports, updates, and touchpoints for funders and prospects.
o Enhance donor engagement and fundraising efforts through social media, online and direct mail streams, and other formal and informal communication that builds and maintains major donor relationships.
- Partner with the Development Team and volunteer committees in planning and executing events including special events, and donor recognition and appreciation activities.
o Be a visible presence to prospective funders by attending meetings, conferences and related networking events.
o Develop successful strategies for increasing event participation, revenue growth, and donor engagement.
- Maintain Constituent Relationship Management software data entry procedures.
- All Development staff are expected to assist with the execution of the annual development plan to support meeting the annual organizational budget.
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.
- Knowledge of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets and estates.
- Ability and confidence to interact with varied constituencies.
- Dedication, flexibility, attention to detail and creativity a must.
- Experience in public speaking and presentations
- Flexibility to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and/or events as required.
- Local and regional travel required. Driver license required.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Education and Experience:
- 3+ years experience direct fundraising experience.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a key fundraising position.
- Valid driver’s license required.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Long Island Cares offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports work-life balance and employee well-being. Employees receive:
- 10 vacation days, 10 sick days and 5 personal days (all accrued monthly; vacation available after the probation period)
- 11 paid holidays
- Access to medical, dental, and vision coverage
- We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
Application Instructions: Please apply on our website https://www.licares.org/careers/