JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Development will lead and manage the fundraising and development activities for the organization.  This role is crucial to securing the financial resources to support the organization’s mission and programs.  The Director of Development will cultivate donor relationships, write grant applications, manage communications, and collaborate with the Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives.  Additionally, they will lead the development team, help plan major events, handle media relations, manage the capital campaign, and develop the department’s budget.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities listed are not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties that are required of the position. Responsibilities, tasks, duties, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet the organization’s financial goals, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and government partnerships, and special events
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate and government partners
• Ensure a robust donor stewardship program that includes regular updates, acknowledgements, and recognition
• Identify and apply for grants from foundations, government agencies, and other funding sources within time frames including preparing and submitting grant proposals and ensuring compliance with grant requirements and required follow-up
• Manage the development and implementation of a strategic communications plan, including compelling fundraising materials such as online content, brochures, newsletters, direct mail campaigns and appeals, and annual reports
• Maintain brand integrity across all platforms and advise in the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content
• Oversee the management of the donor database to ensure accurate record-keeping and integrity, timely processing of gifts, reporting, and analysis of fundraising activities
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and development committees to engage them in fundraising activities and to leverage their networks for the benefit of the organization
• Lead, mentor, and manage the development team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture within the team
• Oversee the planning and execution of major fundraising events, ensuring they align with the organization’s brand and fundraising goals
• Serve as point of contact for media inquiries and cultivate media contacts to increase positive coverage of organization, working with Public Relations consultant for press releases, as needed
• Oversee website management and updates
• Manage capital campaign fundraising efforts, including solicitation and cultivation
• Develop and manage the development department’s budget as well as contributing to the development of the organization’s overall budget, setting strategies and ensuring effective allocation of resources to achieve annual goals and objectives

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field highly preferred
• At least 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field, including soliciting and securing five- and six-figure gifts
• At least 3 years in a leadership role

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Comprehensive understanding of, ability to develop and execute, and proven track record of successful fundraising strategies and best practices, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate partnerships to meet the organization’s financial goals
• In-depth knowledge of grant writing and management, including identification of funding sources, application processes, and compliance requirements
• Familiarity with donor stewardship principles and techniques
• Awareness of non-profit management and operations, including budget development and financial management
• Understanding of strategic communications, including the creation of fundraising materials and digital content
• Knowledge of and proficient in the use of donor management software and other relevant technology
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor a development team, effectively delegating tasks for optimum team productivity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of creating compelling fundraising messages and materials
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong long-term relationships working collaboratively with donors, board members, foundations, corporate partners, and other stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Budget management skills to oversee department and organization’s financial resources
• Ability to plan and execute successful fundraising events, elevating the event each year for continued growth and success
• Ability to manage media relations to enhance the organization’s public image
• Ability to analyze data and generate reports to inform fundraising strategies and measure success
• Adept conflict management skills, fostering resolution and maintaining positive working relationships
• Strong multitasking abilities, efficiently managing and prioritizing multiple tasks with attention to detail and effectiveness
• Expert ability to use excellent judgement in problem solving and decision making using a proactive approach for better results
• Strong attention to detail and ability to focus with distractions

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• Physical demands include extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, reaching, handling, grasping, and coordination with occasional lifting and carrying requirements of up to 5 lbs.
• Work includes constant use of office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers
• Work frequently requires critical thinking to solve difficult problems and make challenging decisions that offer the best outcome for the organization
• Work includes offering support and guidance to others and effectively handling stress in a challenging work environment, while providing compassionate and dedicated care to others
• Work involves analytical thinking, foresight, and decision-making skills for effective strategic planning
• Work requires the ability to maintain focus and composure while working under pressure, manage stress during difficult situations, and adapt quickly to resolve issues or conflicts

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Most work is performed in the business office areas of Pet Alliance which is open and well lit, adequately ventilated, but sometimes noisy and distracting environment.
• Some work is also performed at the shelter and/or clinic areas of Pet Alliance.
• The job requires moving between rooms and buildings including traveling to outside locations, which may result in increased exposure to extremes in temperature and atmospheric conditions.
• The job requires frequent and routinely intense public contact as well as the ability to multi-task under conditions that can be described as extremely fast-paced/high volume and are potentially stressful on a routine basis.
• Travel is required up to approximately 50% of the time.