Executive Director, SCH Foundation and Community Engagement Officer

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.

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