Director Of Philanthropy Jobs for OPT Students
Director of Philanthropy roles on OPT require employers to sponsor your continued work authorization once your OPT period ends. Most positions sit within nonprofits, universities, or foundations, where H-1B sponsorship is common. Your STEM extension eligibility depends on your degree field, not the role itself.
See All Director Of Philanthropy JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 8+ Director Of Philanthropy jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 8+ Director Of Philanthropy jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Director Of Philanthropy roles.
Get Access To All JobsSalary
$0.00 Semi-Monthly
Location
Hampton, VA 23668
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
Office of VP for Development
Opening Date
03/12/2026
Description
Hampton University is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and relationship-centered fundraising professional to serve as Director of Philanthropy. This position will play a critical leadership role in driving philanthropic support for Hampton University by strengthening donor engagement and advancing institutional priorities.
The Director of Philanthropy will manage a diverse portfolio of alumni, corporations, foundations, churches, and community stakeholders. This position requires a strategic, self-motivated fundraiser who excels at building authentic relationships, growing a strong donor pipeline, and cultivating philanthropic investments that fuel Hampton University’s mission and long-term impact.
Examples of Duties
Fundraising & Portfolio Management
- Manage a comprehensive portfolio of major gift prospects—including alumni, corporations, foundations, and churches—advancing donors through the full cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle.
- Build, assess, and strengthen a sustainable donor pipeline, identifying and qualifying new prospects while deepening relationships with existing supporters.
- Clearly articulate Hampton University’s fundraising priorities and strategic opportunities to donors and partners.
Engagement, Outreach & Visibility
- Strengthen Hampton’s presence within the HBCU, higher education, corporate, faith-based, and philanthropic communities in the region.
- Represent the University at events, conferences, alumni gatherings, and community engagements.
Campaign & Program Support
- Support all components of Hampton University’s fundraising strategy including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, special events, and future capital campaign activities.
- Prepare donor briefings, proposals, gift strategies, and follow-up reports in collaboration with the Advancement team.
- Collaborate closely with University leadership, academic units, and internal advancement colleagues to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
Data Management & Operational Excellence
- Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, and pipeline activity within the University’s CRM.
- Support the improvement of administrative, operational, and stewardship processes within the Advancement division.
- Uphold the University’s Code of Conduct, ensuring discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism in all matters.
Typical Qualifications
- Excellent knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
- Proven success in cultivating donor leads, creating gift strategies, and securing philanthropic commitments across major gifts, annual giving, and other strategic fundraising areas.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM/database systems, and virtual engagement tools.
- High level of emotional intelligence, maturity, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Supplemental Information
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 3-5 years of progressive fundraising experience in university advancement or the nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success in prospect identification, strategic cultivation, and major or planned gift solicitation.
- Ability to clearly articulate and champion Hampton University’s mission and fundraising priorities.
- Must adhere to all University policies and procedures aligned with the Code of Conduct.
- Flexibility to travel for donor meetings, events, and University engagements.
Employer
Hampton University
Address
200 William R. Harvey Way
Hampton, Virginia, 23668
Phone
757-727-5250
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees and part-time employees who regularly work 20 hours or more per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, legal insurance, accident, critical illness, hospitalization, tuition remission, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Salary
$0.00 Semi-Monthly
Location
Hampton, VA 23668
Job Type
Full-Time
Department
Office of VP for Development
Opening Date
03/12/2026
Description
Hampton University is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and relationship-centered fundraising professional to serve as Director of Philanthropy. This position will play a critical leadership role in driving philanthropic support for Hampton University by strengthening donor engagement and advancing institutional priorities.
The Director of Philanthropy will manage a diverse portfolio of alumni, corporations, foundations, churches, and community stakeholders. This position requires a strategic, self-motivated fundraiser who excels at building authentic relationships, growing a strong donor pipeline, and cultivating philanthropic investments that fuel Hampton University’s mission and long-term impact.
Examples of Duties
Fundraising & Portfolio Management
- Manage a comprehensive portfolio of major gift prospects—including alumni, corporations, foundations, and churches—advancing donors through the full cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle.
- Build, assess, and strengthen a sustainable donor pipeline, identifying and qualifying new prospects while deepening relationships with existing supporters.
- Clearly articulate Hampton University’s fundraising priorities and strategic opportunities to donors and partners.
Engagement, Outreach & Visibility
- Strengthen Hampton’s presence within the HBCU, higher education, corporate, faith-based, and philanthropic communities in the region.
- Represent the University at events, conferences, alumni gatherings, and community engagements.
Campaign & Program Support
- Support all components of Hampton University’s fundraising strategy including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, special events, and future capital campaign activities.
- Prepare donor briefings, proposals, gift strategies, and follow-up reports in collaboration with the Advancement team.
- Collaborate closely with University leadership, academic units, and internal advancement colleagues to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
Data Management & Operational Excellence
- Maintain accurate and timely donor records, contact reports, and pipeline activity within the University’s CRM.
- Support the improvement of administrative, operational, and stewardship processes within the Advancement division.
- Uphold the University’s Code of Conduct, ensuring discretion, confidentiality, and professionalism in all matters.
Typical Qualifications
- Excellent knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
- Proven success in cultivating donor leads, creating gift strategies, and securing philanthropic commitments across major gifts, annual giving, and other strategic fundraising areas.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse audiences.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM/database systems, and virtual engagement tools.
- High level of emotional intelligence, maturity, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Supplemental Information
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- 3-5 years of progressive fundraising experience in university advancement or the nonprofit sector, with demonstrated success in prospect identification, strategic cultivation, and major or planned gift solicitation.
- Ability to clearly articulate and champion Hampton University’s mission and fundraising priorities.
- Must adhere to all University policies and procedures aligned with the Code of Conduct.
- Flexibility to travel for donor meetings, events, and University engagements.
Employer
Hampton University
Address
200 William R. Harvey Way
Hampton, Virginia, 23668
Phone
757-727-5250
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees and part-time employees who regularly work 20 hours or more per week including health care, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, legal insurance, accident, critical illness, hospitalization, tuition remission, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Director Of Philanthropy
Target mission-driven organizations with established HR infrastructure
Large nonprofits, hospital foundations, and research universities file H-1B petitions regularly. Smaller grassroots organizations often lack the legal infrastructure to sponsor visas. Focus your search on institutions with dedicated HR teams and a track record of international hires.
Frame your international background as a fundraising asset
Major donors increasingly value global perspectives in philanthropic leadership. Highlight cross-cultural relationship-building skills and international networks in your application. Employers who see your background as a strategic advantage are far more likely to invest in sponsorship.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with hiring managers
Director-level roles involve long hiring cycles. If your OPT expires within six months of an expected start date, raise it early. Proactive transparency prevents late-stage withdrawals and gives employers time to prepare sponsorship paperwork alongside your onboarding.
Pursue roles at cap-exempt institutions first
Universities, teaching hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations are H-1B cap-exempt. They can file petitions year-round without entering the lottery. A Director of Philanthropy role at a university foundation or academic medical center offers a more predictable sponsorship path.
Build a portfolio of major gift and campaign results
Sponsorship decisions at the director level hinge on demonstrated ROI. Document specific fundraising campaigns you led, donor relationships you cultivated, and revenue outcomes you drove. Quantified results make the business case for sponsorship far easier for hiring managers to defend internally.
Understand how your degree field affects STEM OPT eligibility
STEM OPT extension eligibility is tied to your degree classification, not your job title. A Director of Philanthropy with a STEM-designated degree in data science or economics may qualify for 24 additional months. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Director Of Philanthropy jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Director Of Philanthropy JobsSee all 8+ Director Of Philanthropy jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Director Of Philanthropy roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Director of Philanthropy on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. OPT authorizes employment in positions that align with your area of study. A Director of Philanthropy role could qualify under degrees in nonprofit management, public administration, business, communications, or related fields. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific degree supports this job category before you accept an offer.
Do nonprofits and foundations typically sponsor OPT students for H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly larger organizations with established HR and legal teams. Universities, hospital foundations, and national nonprofit networks are among the most consistent H-1B sponsors because they have existing infrastructure and often qualify as cap-exempt institutions. Smaller community organizations may be willing but lack the resources. Migrate Mate filters for employers actively open to sponsoring OPT and H-1B candidates, which makes identifying the right organizations faster.
Does a Director of Philanthropy role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but the employer's job description needs to establish that a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field is a minimum requirement for the position. Generic management descriptions that accept any degree in any field may not meet the specialty occupation threshold. Roles requiring specific expertise in fundraising strategy, nonprofit finance, or donor relations have a stronger case. An immigration attorney can review the job description before you file.
What happens if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have a timely-filed receipt notice, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges your status through September 30 of that year. If approved under the cap-gap, you can continue working. Planning the petition timeline carefully with your employer well before your OPT end date is essential to avoid gaps in work authorization.
How do I find Director of Philanthropy jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Most general job boards don't filter for visa sponsorship willingness, which makes the search inefficient for OPT students. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international candidates and surfaces Director of Philanthropy and similar nonprofit leadership roles at employers who have sponsored international workers before. Searching there saves significant time compared to cold-applying and discovering late in the process that sponsorship isn't available.
See which Director Of Philanthropy employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Director Of Philanthropy Jobs