Fundraising / Development Director

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The Director of Development creates and oversees strategic fundraising activities, which may include major gifts, corporate donations, grant solicitation, individual donations, and in-kind resources. Reporting to and in partnership with the President, the Development Director will spearhead development efforts as Simple Love continues to grow.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

This position will perform some or all of the following duties:

Plan fundraising activities

• Collaborate with executive leadership to create a fund development plans to increase revenues and support the growth and vision of the organization
• Identify and develop relationships with corporate, community, individual, foundation and government funding prospects
• Implement fund development plans in accordance with ethical fundraising principles
• Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved
• Monitor trends and adapt fundraising strategies as necessary

Organize fundraising activities

• Develop and manage timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic plans and critical fundraising processes are carried out in a timely manner
• Develop policies and procedures for the development department which reflect ethical fundraising practices
• Prepare and submit grant applications to generate funds for the organization
• Oversee the planning and execution of special fundraising events with the assistance of event volunteers
• Oversee and maintain donor database and mailing list, while maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of donor information
• Coordinate in-kind donations and make valuation decisions regarding issuance of receipts

Staff fund development activities

• In consultation with executive leadership, oversee the recruitment and selection of qualified fund development staff
• Engage volunteers for special fund development projects and events

Manage fund development budget

• Manage and expand existing grant database
• Prepare reports on progress, budgets, and expenditures related to fundraising activities
• Monitor expenses and analyze budget reports on fund development, recommending changes as necessary

Promote the organization

• Act as an advocate of the organization in your personal sphere of influence and community
• In collaboration with executive leadership and marketing/communications staff, develop a comprehensive communications plan to promote the organization to its donors and maximize public awareness of the fundraising activities of the organization
• Build and nurture relationships with community partners to advance the mission and fundraising goals of the organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
• 3+ years of experience in development/fundraising and/or non-profit leadership
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills

Proficiency in the use of a computer for:

• Fundraising software
• Word processing
• Databases
• Spreadsheets
• E-mail
• Internet

Personal characteristics

The Director of Development should demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics:

• Creativity & Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve the finances of the organization and to create new opportunities (i.e., outside-the-box thinker).
• Ethical Behavior: Demonstrate ethical behavior in both his/her personal and professional life as aligned with the values of the organization.
• Relationality: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Effective Communicator: Speak and write in a clear, concise, grammatically correct manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Altruistic Outlook: Anticipate, understand, and act in accordance with the needs of donors, organization staff, and program beneficiaries.
• Team Player: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems and/or conflicts, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Decisiveness: In partnership with executive leadership, assess situations and make appropriate decisions in the best interests of the organization.
• Organized: Prioritize goals and tasks, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and effectively track details, data, information, activities, etc.
• Planner: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate results.