Description

Organization: Clare House, Inc

Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Hybrid – local presence strongly preferred)

Reports To: Board of Directors

Contract Term: 12–18 months, part-time (approx. 20–25 hours/week) 

About Clare House

Clare House provides supportive temporary housing and services for women and children in Lancaster County. Our mission is to help families experiencing homelessness achieve lasting stability and self-sufficiency through compassionate care, structured support, and community connection.

We believe dignity and value are key to helping women move forward. Residents can expect respect, guidance, and the tools needed to succeed. Through our employment-focused program, Clare House provides housing, safety, and supportive services with the goal of financial stability.

We are entering an exciting chapter. Having recently purchased a new building, Clare House is launching a capital campaign to fund renovations and expand the facility, increasing our capacity to serve more families.
 

This is a small organization with a team of three who run all operations. To help the organization reach this exciting expansion goal successfully, the Board of Directors is seeking someone with strategic and capital campaign leadership for an interim role — an experienced, part-time professional — to provide strategic guidance, fundraising expertise, and community engagement during this critical transition.

Purpose of this Engagement

Clare House seeks proposals from experienced nonprofit leaders or consultants to provide part-time interim strategic and capital campaign leadership for approximately 12-18 months.

The consultant will focus on:

• Leading and implementing capital campaign strategies
• Guiding fundraising and donor engagement
• Building Clare House’s visibility and community presence in Lancaster County
• Coordinating and collaborating with the board, staff, volunteers, and the project manager throughout the campaign
• Securing funding through grants and major donor solicitations
• The consultant will not be responsible for day-to-day operations or program management.

Scope of Work

1. Strategic Capital Campaign Leadership

Review and refine the existing campaign plan, timeline, and fundraising strategy
Work with the Development Director, Board, Project Manager, and Fundraising Committee to set priorities, clarify messaging, and monitor progress
Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors
Coach and support board members and volunteers in effective donor outreach and relationship-building
Ensure consistent and inspiring campaign communications

2. Community Visibility and Relationship Building

Leverage personal and professional networks to elevate the Clare House name and mission in Lancaster County
Serve as a visible ambassador for Clare House with key stakeholders, including local government, foundations, businesses, and donors
Support the creation of compelling campaign materials and public updates

3. Grant Writing and Institutional Fundraising

Research and write grant proposals to local and regional foundations
Develop a coordinated funding calendar to align grant requests with campaign priorities
Assist staff in strengthening reporting and stewardship practices

4. Coordination and Communication

Collaborate closely with the project manager, program staff, and the board to align fundraising goals with project timelines and financial needs
Participate in the key board and campaign committee meetings
Provide regular progress reports, donor updates, and campaign analytics to the board
Support the transition to permanent executive leadership as the campaign progresses
 

Qualifications

Proven success in leading or advising capital campaigns (ideally $1M+)
Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major donor cultivation and grant writing
Deep understanding of the Lancaster County philanthropic community and existing donor landscape
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
Strategic thinker with the ability to motivate others and bring structure to complex projects
Personal alignment with the vision and mission of Clare House and the ability to inspire others towards this vision and mission
Familiarity with construction or facility campaign management preferred
Collaborative leadership style and comfort working with small, resourceful teams
 

Deliverables

Develop and lead the implementation of a capital campaign plan with clear goals, strategies, and a timeline
Monthly progress reports to the Board of Directors
Increased donor and community engagement around Clare House’s mission
Written grant submissions and/or secured new funding commitments
Recommendations for continued fundraising success and leadership transition
 

Proposal Requirements

Interested consultants or firms should submit:

• A cover letter summarizing relevant experience and approach to this engagement
• A proposed scope of work and timeline (based on the deliverables above)
• Hourly or retainer-based rate structure and estimated total cost
• A resume or firm overview highlighting similar past projects
• Three references from nonprofit or capital campaign clients
   

Compensation

Anticipated compensation: $60–$90/hour (commensurate with experience) or equivalent monthly retainer
Contract term: 12–18 months, approximately 20–25 hours per week
Start Date: December 1, 2025
 

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated capital campaign and fundraising experience
• Understanding of the Lancaster County donor community
• Strategic and interpersonal approach
• Alignment with the Clare House vision and mission
• Proposed timeline and cost
• References and prior success with similar engagements