Head of Product Strategy & Donor Value Proposition

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Product Strategy & Donor Value Proposition

Company: FOUNDATION FOR THE CAROLINAS

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Strategy & Operations / Revenue Operations (Donor-Facing)

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T16:43:53

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of the Foundation's donor-facing product offerings, driving philanthropic innovation and impact.

• Define and champion a compelling donor value proposition, grounded in market insights and community needs, to attract and retain high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) donors.

• Own the P&L for donor product lines, including the strategic design and management of competitive fee structures and financial stewardship.

• Collaborate with technology and cross-functional teams to shape a cohesive technology and donor experience strategy, enhancing engagement and ease of giving.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Head of Product Strategy," has significant operational implications. It requires a deep understanding of product lifecycle management, P&L ownership, and cross-functional operational alignment, making it highly relevant to operations professionals focused on revenue generation (through donor engagement and retention) and strategic GTM (Go-To-Market) for services. The emphasis on "Donor Value Proposition" and "Product Strategy" within a non-profit context translates directly to understanding customer segments, service offerings, and market differentiation, akin to revenue operations in a for-profit setting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing competitive analysis of the Donor Advised Fund (DAF) and broader philanthropic services landscape, identifying key differentiators and emerging trends.

• Develop and own the product roadmap for the Foundation's donor-facing offerings, including DAF accounts, investment pools, planned giving vehicles, complex asset acceptance, and donor services.

• Design and maintain a competitive, sustainable fee framework across various donor product lines and service tiers, analyzing margin implications and presenting business cases.

• Lead the Foundation's donor-facing technology strategy in partnership with the Chief Technology Officer, focusing on grant-making portals, digital onboarding, account reporting, and mobile experience.

• Define and track key donor experience metrics, such as Net Promoter Score (NPS), digital engagement rates, and onboarding completion rates, to drive continuous improvement.

• Develop and maintain donor segmentation frameworks to tailor offerings and outreach strategies to HNW, UHNW, and institutional donor profiles.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Development, Finance, Investments, and Communications teams to ensure alignment of product strategy with donor acquisition and retention goals.

• Stay current on sector best practices by building relationships with peer community foundations and industry groups like CF Leads and the Council on Foundations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic product thinking and operational execution. The "Product Roadmap & Value Proposition" and "Pricing & P&L Management" sections directly align with revenue operations principles, focusing on service optimization and financial performance. The "Technology & Donor Experience" and "Cross-Functional Leadership" aspects highlight the critical need for operational integration and stakeholder management, common in GTM and Sales Operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this seniority and strategic scope. A Master's degree or MBA would be a strong asset.

Experience: 3+ years of progressive experience in financial services product management, investment product strategy, or a closely related field.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated P&L ownership experience, including managing fee structures, product economics, and business cases independently.

• Deep familiarity with the DAF competitive landscape and/or philanthropic services sector.

• Proven track record of translating strategy into executed product outcomes, not just analytical deliverables.

• Strong executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to confidently present to Boards and major donors.

• Experience working with High Net Worth (HNW) or Ultra-High Net Worth (UHNW) client segments in a financial or philanthropic context.

• Proficiency in market analysis and competitive intelligence gathering.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience at or working closely with a national DAF sponsor (e.g., Fidelity Charitable, Schwab Charitable, NPT, Vanguard Charitable) or a large community foundation.

• Background in asset management product management, including fund launches, investment menu design, and fee structure development.

• Familiarity with complex asset acceptance processes (e.g., closely-held stock, real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency).

• Technology product sensibility, with experience working with or managing vendor relationships for donor-facing platforms.

• Exposure to impact investing, ESG mandates, or mission-aligned investment product design.

• Strong understanding of donor segmentation and tailored outreach strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" are heavily weighted towards financial product management and client-facing strategy, which are transferable to revenue-generating operations roles. The "Preferred Skills" highlight specialized knowledge in DAFs, complex assets, and technology, suggesting that candidates with experience in related operational domains (e.g., wealth management operations, investment operations, CRM strategy for financial services) would be well-positioned.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating successful product strategy development and execution in a financial services or philanthropic context.

• Examples of P&L ownership, including analysis of product economics, fee structures, and financial stewardship.

• Documentation of competitive analysis frameworks and strategic recommendations derived from market research.

• Evidence of developing and managing product roadmaps, with clear articulation of initiative prioritization and sequencing.

• Demonstrations of cross-functional collaboration and successful project execution involving multiple departments.

Process Documentation:

• Workflows illustrating the process of developing and launching new donor-facing products or features.

• Methodologies for tracking and analyzing key donor experience metrics (e.g., NPS, engagement rates) and implementing improvements.

• Frameworks for donor segmentation and the operationalization of tailored outreach campaigns.

• Examples of collaboration models with technology teams for platform development and enhancement.

• Processes for managing and analyzing the P&L of product lines, including fee setting and cost management.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should showcase their ability to connect strategic vision with tangible operational outcomes. This means presenting not just strategy documents but also evidence of implementation, performance metrics, and financial impact. The emphasis on "track record of translating strategy into executed product outcomes" strongly suggests that practical operational examples will be more valuable than purely theoretical ones.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Head of Product Strategy roles in the Charlotte, NC area with 5-10 years of experience in financial services/philanthropy, the estimated salary range is approximately $150,000 - $200,000 annually. This estimate considers the leadership scope, P&L responsibility, and the specialized nature of the role within a non-profit foundation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan with employer match (e.g., 401k or equivalent).

• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences, workshops, and continuing education related to product strategy, philanthropy, and financial services.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives tied to donor acquisition, retention, and product line growth.

• Contribution to a mission-driven organization focused on community impact.

Working Hours: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate donor events, Board meetings, or critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on a combination of general compensation data for senior product strategy roles in a major metro area like Charlotte and specific considerations for the non-profit sector, which may offer slightly different compensation structures than for-profit entities but compensate for leadership and specialized expertise. The benefits listed are standard for professional roles at foundations of this size.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Non-profit / Philanthropy / Community Foundation. The Foundation for the Carolinas operates within a unique sector that blends financial services rigor with a deep commitment to social impact and community development.

Company Size: Approximately 100-250 employees. This size indicates a structured organization with established departments but still offers opportunities for significant individual impact and cross-functional collaboration without excessive bureaucracy.

Founded: 1940. With a long history, the Foundation possesses deep roots in the community, a strong reputation, and a wealth of experience in philanthropic management.

Team Structure:

• This role is newly created and will likely report to a senior executive, such as a Chief Strategy Officer, Chief Development Officer, or even the CEO, given its strategic importance.

• The "Head of Product Strategy" will need to build and lead a small, focused team or work closely with cross-functional "product champions" within Development, Finance, Investments, and Communications.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is critical, leveraging market analysis, donor insights, and financial performance metrics to inform strategy.

• A focus on iterative development and continuous improvement for donor-facing products and experiences.

• Emphasis on building strong relationships and fostering collaboration to achieve shared philanthropic objectives.

• Strategic planning will involve long-term vision setting (multi-year roadmaps) combined with agile execution to respond to market changes.

Company Website: https://www.fftc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture combines the analytical demands of financial services with the mission-driven purpose of philanthropy. Operations professionals will find this environment rewarding if they are motivated by impact and appreciate a structured yet collaborative approach to achieving strategic goals. The "newly created" nature of the role suggests a dynamic, evolving environment where initiative and strategic thinking are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level in a corporate setting, focused on strategic product development and market positioning within the non-profit sector. It requires a blend of strategic acumen, operational execution, and deep domain knowledge.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a senior executive, providing visibility and direct access to leadership decision-making. This structure allows for significant influence on the Foundation's strategic direction related to donor engagement and philanthropic services.

Operations Impact: The Head of Product Strategy will directly influence the Foundation's ability to attract and retain donors, grow its assets under management, and ultimately amplify its philanthropic impact across the region. Success in this role will be measured by the growth and effectiveness of donor-facing products and the overall strength of the Foundation's value proposition.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to build and establish a new, critical function within a respected philanthropic organization.

• Develop expertise at the intersection of finance, product management, and philanthropy.

• Potential to grow into broader strategic leadership roles within the Foundation or the non-profit sector.

• Influence the future of philanthropic innovation and community impact through strategic product development.

• Gain experience in complex asset acceptance and advanced philanthropic strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique path for operations professionals to apply their strategic and analytical skills in a mission-oriented environment. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for those looking to pivot into leadership roles with direct impact on social good, leveraging their experience in product strategy, P&L management, and donor engagement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Foundation for the Carolinas is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, at 220 North Tryon Street. This is likely a professional office environment located in a central business district, offering a typical corporate setting.

Office Location(s): Primarily Charlotte, North Carolina. The job description specifies the Charlotte address.

Workspace Context:

• A professional, collaborative office environment conducive to strategic thinking and cross-functional teamwork.

• Access to necessary technology, software, and resources to perform product strategy, market analysis, and financial modeling.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, department heads, donors, and external partners.

• The role will require significant time spent in strategic planning, analysis, and communication, likely with a mix of individual work and collaborative sessions.

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard 40-hour work week. However, given the leadership nature and client-facing responsibilities, some flexibility may be required, particularly for events, donor meetings, or critical project deadlines. This may occasionally involve working outside of standard business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and engagement, which is common for leadership roles that involve building relationships and driving strategic initiatives. Operations professionals accustomed to dynamic office environments will find this suitable.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess alignment with the required qualifications and experience.

• First Round Interview: Likely with a hiring manager and/or a member of the senior leadership team to discuss your background, strategic thinking, and fit with the role and company mission. Expect questions about your experience in product strategy, P&L management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Second Round Interview: May involve a presentation of a strategic case study or a detailed discussion of your portfolio. This stage will assess your ability to translate strategy into tangible outcomes and your understanding of the philanthropic landscape. You may meet with additional senior leaders or potential cross-functional partners.

• Final Round Interview: Potentially with the CEO or Board members, focusing on executive presence, long-term vision, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on quantifiable achievements. For each project or initiative, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the actions taken, and the measurable results (e.g., increased donor acquisition, revenue growth, improved donor satisfaction metrics, successful product launches).

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain your thought process behind developing a product strategy, a value proposition, or a P&L model. Detail how you identified market opportunities and translated them into actionable plans.

• Highlight Financial Acumen: Include examples of managing P&Ls, developing fee structures, and analyzing financial implications of product decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you ensured financial sustainability and competitiveness.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with diverse teams (e.g., Sales/Development, Finance, Technology, Marketing) to achieve product goals. Detail your communication and stakeholder management strategies.

• Tailor to Philanthropy: If possible, include examples that demonstrate an understanding of the non-profit or philanthropic sector, or how your experience in financial services can be applied to this mission-driven context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Be prepared for a case study that might involve developing a new donor product, refining an existing value proposition, or analyzing the competitive landscape for DAFs. Practice structuring your analysis, making data-driven recommendations, and presenting your findings clearly and concisely.

• Scenario-Based Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would approach building a new function, managing competing priorities, or navigating ambiguity in a non-profit setting.

• Board Presentation: Practice articulating complex strategic concepts and financial data in a clear, compelling manner suitable for a Board of Directors or major donors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "track record of translating strategy into executed product outcomes" and the "portfolio essentials" strongly indicate that candidates will need to present concrete examples of their work. Operations professionals should prepare to discuss their process methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their contributions on key business metrics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar donor management systems) is likely essential for understanding donor segmentation, engagement tracking, and relationship management.

• Product Management Tools: Familiarity with tools for roadmap planning, project management, and collaboration (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello, Aha!) would be beneficial for managing product development cycles.

• Financial Modeling & Analysis Tools: Proficiency in Excel or similar spreadsheet software for P&L management, fee structure analysis, and business case development is crucial.

• Business Intelligence (BI) & Analytics Platforms: Experience with BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) for data analysis, visualization, and reporting on donor engagement, product performance, and financial metrics.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for market research and competitive intelligence platforms.

• Analytics tools for tracking website and portal engagement (e.g., Google Analytics).

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how CRM and potentially marketing automation tools can be leveraged to enhance donor experience and streamline engagement processes.

• Experience working with technology teams to define requirements for donor-facing portals and digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the nature of the role implies a need for strong analytical and business management capabilities. Operations professionals should highlight their proficiency with standard financial analysis, CRM, and project management tools, emphasizing how they've used these to drive strategy and operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A deep commitment to the Foundation's mission of driving remarkable impact through philanthropy and community service.

• Excellence & Rigor: Applying a high standard of analytical rigor, strategic thinking, and operational discipline, akin to the financial services industry.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across departments to achieve shared goals and ensure a cohesive donor experience.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative approaches to product development and donor engagement to meet evolving needs and stay at the forefront of philanthropic trends.

• Stewardship: Responsible management of donor assets and operational resources to maximize impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close partnership with Development, Finance, Investments, and Communications is essential for success.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making will be grounded in data analysis, market insights, and financial performance.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong, trusted relationships with internal teams, senior leadership, Board members, and potentially major donors.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels to ensure alignment and manage expectations across all involved parties.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of professional discipline and a strong sense of purpose. Operations professionals who thrive in environments where strategic thinking is valued and directly contributes to a meaningful mission will find this role appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: As a newly created role, establishing the product strategy function, defining processes, and building internal alignment will be a significant initial challenge.

• Balancing Mission and Market: Navigating the tension between the philanthropic mission and the financial rigor required to operate competitive donor services.

• Ambiguous Environments: Operating without established infrastructure or precedent, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining buy-in and coordinating efforts across diverse departments with potentially different priorities.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of product strategy and donor value proposition on philanthropic outcomes and revenue growth.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone strategic planning, product management, and P&L leadership skills in a unique sector.

• Philanthropic Sector Expertise: Deepen understanding of the philanthropic landscape, DAF operations, and community foundation best practices.

• Innovation in Giving: Contribute to and learn about cutting-edge trends in philanthropy, such as impact investing and ESG.

• Networking: Build relationships with leaders in the non-profit and financial services sectors through industry groups and collaborative projects.

• Mentorship: Potential to receive mentorship from senior executives and Board members with extensive experience in finance and philanthropy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a leadership role building a new function, offering significant opportunities for growth and skill development. Operations professionals who are adept at navigating ambiguity and driving change will find these challenges rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in developing and executing a product strategy for a financial service or complex offering. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?"

• "How would you define and differentiate the donor value proposition for a community foundation like ours, given the competitive landscape of national DAF sponsors and other financial institutions?"

• "Walk me through your experience managing a P&L. How do you approach pricing strategy, cost management, and ensuring financial sustainability for product lines?"

• "Given our mission, how would you balance the need for competitive fee structures with the imperative to maximize charitable impact?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in the Foundation for the Carolinas and the non-profit sector, specifically?"

• "How do you envision building collaboration between the Product Strategy function and our Development, Finance, and Investment teams?"

• "Describe a time you had to build a new process or function from the ground up. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly outline the business problem, the strategic approach you took, the operational steps you implemented, the key metrics you tracked, and the ultimate results and lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the tangible impact of your work (e.g., revenue growth, cost savings, market share increase, improved customer satisfaction scores, successful product adoption rates).

• Focus on Strategic-Operational Link: Explicitly connect your strategic thinking to the operational execution and the measurable outcomes achieved. Explain how your strategic decisions translated into actionable operational plans.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences that are most relevant to building a donor value proposition, managing a product roadmap, and owning a P&L within a mission-driven organization.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, challenges faced, and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strategic vision and practical operational execution. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with P&L management, product strategy, and stakeholder collaboration, framing it within the context of the Foundation's mission and the competitive philanthropic landscape.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Paylocity recruiting portal.

• Craft a compelling cover letter: Clearly articulate your passion for the Foundation's mission and how your experience in product strategy, P&L management, and financial services directly aligns with the requirements of this role. Highlight your understanding of the donor value proposition and competitive landscape.

• Optimize your resume: Ensure your resume prominently features achievements related to product strategy, P&L ownership, market analysis, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your accomplishments with specific metrics.

• Prepare your portfolio: Gather case studies, examples of strategic plans, financial analyses, and project outcomes that demonstrate your ability to translate strategy into executed results. Be ready to present these effectively, focusing on impact and operational execution.

• Research the Foundation: Thoroughly understand the Foundation for the Carolinas' mission, history, programs, and strategic priorities. Familiarize yourself with the competitive landscape of community foundations and DAF sponsors.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.