Principal, Client Engagements

Company Description

Effective Philanthropy Advisors (EPA) is a boutique consultancy that partners with mission-driven organizations, visionary philanthropists, and social impact leaders to address complex, high-stakes challenges through tailored, strategic solutions. As a woman- and LGBTQ+-owned firm, EPA is deeply grounded in values of social justice, equity, and authentic, long-term partnership. The firm brings extensive expertise in fundraising, campaign strategy, donor advising, and collaborative giving across a wide range of issue areas and organizational models.

Role Description

The Principal, Client Engagements is a full-time, fully remote role responsible for leading complex consulting engagements with philanthropic and nonprofit clients from scoping through implementation. This role is primarily focused on client leadership (~60%), while also contributing to business development, team leadership, and firm building.

The Principal will design and manage client work plans, facilitate strategic planning processes, and guide clients through campaign strategy, fundraising planning, and donor engagement. This individual will lead client meetings, synthesize qualitative and quantitative insights, develop clear recommendations, and prepare high-quality deliverables such as memos, presentations, and strategic frameworks. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing an Advisor (project manager), overseeing timelines and budgets, coordinating with partners and stakeholders, and ensuring that each engagement aligns with EPA’s values and client goals. In addition, the Principal will also contribute to business development by cultivating relationships, participating in proposal development, and helping to shape EPA’s service offerings and thought leadership.

Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Delivery (~60%)

• Lead small to mid-sized client engagements from scoping through delivery
• Serve as the primary day-to-day client lead and trusted advisor
• Shape strategy, guide decision-making, and ensure strong client outcomes
• Oversee development of high-quality, tailored deliverables (e.g., strategies, memos, decks, prospecting plans)
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and at a high standard
• Build strong client relationships that lead to repeat work and long-term partnerships

Business Development & Partnerships (~15%)

• Play a leading role in business development, including scoping new work, developing proposals, and participating in and leading client pitches.
• Partner with firm leadership to convert inbound opportunities into engagements
• Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships
• Contribute to building EPA’s reputation and network within the philanthropic sector

Team Leadership & Management (~15%)

• Directly manage and mentor a project manager supporting client engagements
• Delegate work effectively and ensure quality across all outputs
• Provide coaching, feedback, and professional development support
• Help maintain strong team coordination and sustainable pacing

Firm Building & Intellectual Capital (~10%)

• Develop and refine tools, templates, and frameworks that improve delivery quality and efficiency
• Help codify EPA’s approach into repeatable, high-value offerings
• Contribute ideas to strengthen the firm’s positioning, services, and growth strategy

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in client-facing consulting or advisory roles in philanthropy, nonprofit management, fundraising, or related social impact fields.
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead complex projects, manage multiple workstreams, and deliver high-quality results on time and within budget.
• Strong skills in fundraising or donor advising, with a track record of partnering effectively with senior leaders and boards.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings, present to diverse audiences, and produce clear, concise written materials.
• Comfort with qualitative and quantitative analysis, including synthesizing data, drawing insights, and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusive practices, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and identities.
• Experience mentoring or managing team members, fostering collaboration, and creating a supportive, feedback-rich environment.
• High level of self-direction and accountability in a fully remote setting, including strong organizational skills and reliable time management.
• Familiarity with tools such as Salesforce, Airtable, or similar systems

• Health insurance stipend: $400/month (begins immediately)
• Professional development stipend: $1,000/year
• One-time work-from-home stipend: $500 (paid at start)
• One-time laptop stipend: up to $1,200 (available at your request, can be paid at start)
• 401(k) match: 100% up to 6% of salary (begins 90 days post-employment)
• Time off: All federal and state holidays, week between Christmas and New Year’s
• 3 weeks vacation + up to 3 weeks sick leave annually
• Performance bonus eligibility: up to 10% of your annual salary, based on firm performance (paid quarterly)

English (fluent)