"Alerted.org

Role Overview

This is more than a fundraising role—it’s a chance to lead a community transformation. South County Health is Rhode Island’s only remaining independent health system, trusted by more than 200,000 residents for over a century. As the Chief Philanthropy &Community Engagement Officer, you’ll shape the future of independent healthcare through strategic development and community partnership, ensuring that mission drives money, not the other way around.

You’ll be supported by a committed CEO, engaged board, and experienced team—all working together to strengthen one of the region’s most essential community institutions. This role requires a leader who can inspire trust, engage the community, cultivate major gifts, strengthen partnerships, and position South County Health as an indispensable community asset.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement & Relationship Building (Primary Focus)

+ Serve as the face of South County Health at community events, forums, and stakeholder meetings.

+ Build and sustain authentic relationships with residents, business leaders, civic groups, and influencers.

+ Lead community listening initiatives to understand needs, address concerns, and foster trust.

+ Partner with the CEO to cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, allies, and even skeptics.

Strategic Development Leadership

+ Direct and execute Campaigns, achieving major fundraising milestones.

+ Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors.

+ Serve as key staff to the Foundation Board, with accountability for recruitment, governance, and engagement.

+ Oversee all development functions: annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and events.

+ Ensure operational excellence and compliance in philanthropic operations.

Foundation Executive Leadership & Financial Oversight

+ Serve as Executive Director of the South County Health Foundation, providing strategic oversight and operational leadership.

+ Provide comprehensive financial oversight for the SCH Foundation to ensure the financial accounting of donations in accordance with donors’ intent.

+ Partner closely with the finance office to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.

+ Partner with Executive Leaders for recommending the allocation and distribution of foundation funds in support of SCH strategic objectives.

+ Ensure operational excellence and compliance in all philanthropic operations and foundation governance.

Executive Partnership & Organizational Leadership

+ Serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO on community relations and organizational positioning.

+ Shape messaging and response strategies that strengthen South County Health’s reputation.

+ Contribute as a member of the leadership team, advancing system-wide strategic goals.

+ Mentor, develop, and optimize the development team to achieve long-term success.

What We’re Looking For

+ 7–10+ years of leadership in development, community engagement, or stakeholder relations.

+ Proven success leading multi-million-dollar campaigns and cultivating major gifts.

+ Strong record of building and managing volunteer boards.

+ Natural relationship-builder with exceptional communication and public presence.

+ Skilled at navigating complex community dynamics with diplomacy and authenticity.

+ Bachelor’s required; Master’s preferred.

Preferred but not Required:

Experience with financial management, reporting, and compliance in nonprofit settings.

Experience with donor database management (Raiser's Edge or similar platforms).

Understanding of healthcare philanthropy and community health initiatives.