Director of Philanthropy

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. stands at an extraordinary inflection point. After nearly a century of transforming lives through the wisdom of the Edgar Cayce readings, we are entering a bold new chapter—one that reimagines philanthropy not as transactional fundraising, but as sacred partnership. We seek a visionary Director of Philanthropy who understands that fundraising, at its essence, is ministry. Someone who recognizes that donors are not sources of funding, but partners in purpose. Someone who sees their role not as extracting gifts, but as facilitating the spiritual fulfillment of those called to advance this work. This is not a traditional development position. This is a transformational leadership opportunity to build something enduring.

Founded by Edgar Cayce in 1931, A.R.E. is an $8M–$10M nonprofit headquartered in Virginia Beach, with Edgar Cayce Centers in 37 countries and members across more than 70. Our mission is to create opportunities for profound personal change in body, mind, and spirit—through holistic health, dreams, intuition, meditation, ancient mysteries, personal spirituality, and the timeless wisdom of the Cayce material. Affiliated entities include Atlantic University, the Cayce/Reilly School of Massage, and the A.R.E. Health Center & Spa.

Under the leadership of a new CEO committed to stability, engagement, and long-term vision, A.R.E. is building its philanthropy infrastructure from the ground up. The Director of Philanthropy will be the founding architect of a donor-centered culture that creates the conditions for philanthropy to flourish naturally. You will have extraordinary autonomy, executive support, and cutting-edge resources—including engagement fundraising technology and partnership with leading nonprofit consultants. The role carries significant responsibility for advancing A.R.E.’s mission into its second century, with potential capital campaign opportunities on the horizon.

Sustained fundraising success comes from creating the conditions that allow philanthropy to flower naturally—not from extracting gifts through pressure. The Director will embody this conviction:

• Donor as Hero, Fundraiser as Guide. Donors are not means to organizational ends. They are individuals advancing their own “hero story” through transformative giving. You are the trusted guide who helps them discover meaning and spiritual fulfillment.
• Partnership Over Gift-Getting. Long-term relationships outweigh short-term wins. You will have organizational commitment to invest 6–9 months (or longer) in authentic engagement before solicitation.
• Listening Before Asking. Through surveys, conversations, and genuine curiosity, you will discover the “animating passions” of A.R.E.’s community and align them with organizational priorities.
• Ministry, Not Manipulation. A.R.E.’s work is spiritual in nature. You will approach this role with pastoral sensibility—not the transactional mindset of someone making “the ask.”

Strategic Leadership

• Serve on the executive leadership team; help shape organizational strategy and long-range planning.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive, data-informed philanthropic strategy aligned with mission and values.
• Lead the transformation from transactional fundraising to relationship-based partnership; establish metrics, benchmarks, and accountability systems.
• Prepare for and potentially lead future capital campaign initiatives in partnership with the CEO and Board.

Team Building & Management

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a growing philanthropy team (building to 4 positions, including Associate Philanthropy Officer, Legacy Giving Officer, and Stewardship Officer).
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development; create a collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Partner with a nonprofit consultant to ensure best practices and strategic guidance.

Donor Engagement & Portfolio Management

• Personally manage a portfolio of 50–75 major gift and legacy prospects.
• Design engagement strategies using supporter connection surveys and data analytics.
• Conduct meaningful qualification, cultivation, and stewardship through visits, calls, and correspondence.
• Match donor passions with organizational needs; create opportunities for donors to experience A.R.E.’s mission firsthand.

Program Development

• Design and oversee annual giving, mid-level, major gifts, and planned/legacy giving programs.
• Develop and manage the Edgar Cayce Legacy Society and donor recognition programs.
• Establish gift acceptance policies for complex assets; stay current on tax law and planned giving vehicles.
• Continuously improve donor retention, currently at 41%.

Cross-Organizational Collaboration & Systems

• Partner with Marketing on aligned, respectful donor communications; collaborate with program leaders to identify fundable priorities.
• Work with Finance on gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting.
• Leverage the Aptify CRM and engagement fundraising technology to track cultivation and optimize donor experiences.
• Train and equip staff, Board, and volunteers in their roles supporting philanthropic partnerships.