Job Announcement - This I Believe Development Director. rss feed
Please do not submit inquiries to CNPE, instead see the contact information listed in the job description.
This I Believe, Inc. is an international, non-profit organization engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. More than 90,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, are archived on our website (www.thisibelieve.org), heard on public radio, chronicled through our best-selling books, and featured in weekly podcasts. The organization also engages in extensive educational outreach activities to schools, libraries and community groups. The project is based on the popular 1950s radio series of the same name hosted by Edward R. Murrow.
This I Believe is seeking an experienced and dynamic Development Director to design and execute a comprehensive and sustainable development program for the organization. Reporting directly to and working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Director will manage fundraising efforts to meet annual operating revenue goals from a variety of sources including individuals, foundations, and corporations through, direct mail and Internet-based solicitations, grant proposal writing (foundations, corporations, government), corporate sponsorship, major gifts, and special events.
Responsibilities:
Plan, organize and implement a comprehensive, diversified and sustained fundraising program that includes major giving, annual memberships, corporate and foundation giving, and corporate sponsorships to support the current operational budget and future growth strategies of the organization. Specific duties include:
In collaboration with Executive Director and Board of Directors, establish annual fundraising strategies and goals designed to increase support of the organization over the long term. Develop benchmarks and metrics for evaluation of those goals. Ensure that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to support the goals. Analyze and report to the Executive Director and the Board on progress toward these goals; adapt plans based on analysis as needed.
Develop a prospect list identifying individuals, corporations and foundations that have the capacity and propensity to give. Implement and utilize a data management system that stores information about those prospects. Implement and utilize a donor management system to track contributions from individual contributors.
Prepare written and oral presentations and proposals. Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan in order to inform constituents and prospects about the mission, vision, and values of the organization, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities. Prepare high-quality direct mail letters, case statements, grants applications and follow-up reports, sponsorship proposals and annual reports.
Partner with the Executive Director to manage his role in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors. Direct efforts to engage the Board in fundraising efforts, including the identification and cultivation of fundraising leads.
Ensure the solicitation of gifts is conducted in accordance with the regulatory environment in which fundraising activities are conducted, and that all donor personal privacy and information is protected. Champion a high-quality donor experience. Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the mission and values of the organization.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Five or more years of experience in designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising plans leading to the successful solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts, from project inception to successful closing and follow-up reporting. This should include:
1. Experience building and managing a fundraising operation that resulted in continuous revenue growth.
2. Demonstrated experience securing funds from individuals, corporations and foundations.
3. Extensive experience in effective proposal writing and presentation, as well as donor solicitations
4. Donor database experience, including gift processing, acknowledgement and recognition systems.
5. Previous experience working successfully with board members as well as business and civic leaders.
Capability to thrive in a small, entrepreneurial and growing nonprofit organization. Demonstrated ability to think strategically while executing tactically within a resource-constrained environment
A work history that exhibits personal initiative, the ability to work independently, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
Exceptional interpersonal skills and presentation style, the flexibility to address a broad range of donors and prospects, and the ability to deal warmly and effectively with people in all walks of life
Demonstrated proficiency with standard office equipment and computer software including Microsoft Word and Excel, QuickBooks, and Internet-based applications.
Strong attention to detail.
To apply:
A detailed résumé with salary history and a list of five professional references with contact information including e-mail.
A narrative detailing how your experience relates to this position. Please carefully detail your experience as it compares to the job duties, qualifications, functions and desirable functions for this position at this organization.
Writing sample that showcases your versatility and writing skills, ideally a successful grant proposal or other fundraising piece.
Please send application materials to: developmentjob@thisibelieve.org.
Closing date: December 15, 2010.
Relocation preferred, but not necessary.
