Development Director

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The Director of Development and Events is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Executive Director. The position has four primary focuses-(a) ensure that annual fundraising goals are met through sponsorships, grants and other donations, (b) ensure that annual private event revenue goals are met through the capture and execution of high-quality private events, (c) maintain donor relationships, including annual campaign letters and follow-ups and (d) work with the Board, Committees, community partners, City representatives and outside contractors to fulfill all budgeted targets relating to fundraising. If you are a self-starter, like challenges, enjoy strategic planning and execution, this position is a good match.

Responsibilities Include (but are not limited to):

• Meet or exceed annual budgeted fundraising goals through sponsorships, grants and other development methods.
• Maintain the donor database and manage donor hospitality in all its forms (face-to-face, written, verbal, etc.).
• Develop and maintain corporate and individual donor relationships that lead to community partnerships and goal achievement.
• Research, write and follow-up with local, state-wide and federal grants.
• Partner with the Education and Exhibits Director on fundable educational programs, exhibitions and events that relate to exhibitions and the mission.
• By working with the Finance Director and Database Administrator, process all incoming gifts, including in-kind contributions.
• Administer donor acknowledgment/thank you letters after each critical event or date.
• Be an active member of the monthly financial review with the Board Treasurer and report on annual goals at Board of Directors meetings.
• Activate sponsorships during festivals and other special events.
• Assist with the annual holiday campaign by providing letters for the Executive Director; partner with the Database Administrator on donor lists, addresses and mailings.
• Propose new sponsorship opportunities and events.
• Ensure all sponsorship benefits are fulfilled.
• Met or exceed the annual revenue targets for private events.
• Work with prospective private event clients, give tours and create event contracts.
• Communicate event needs, including staffing, in a timely and efficient manner to the entire organization.
• Manage the staff assigned to private events to ensure all contracts are fulfilled and clients are happy; delegate work as necessary to stay focused on the strategic initiatives required to be successful; may need to also direct and follow-up with event volunteers.
• Oversee the theming, décor, invitations and execution of major fundraising events including the annual 5K Walks, annual gala and other donor events.
• Act the staff liaison with outside contractors to ensure that events are smooth and properly executed; this requires constant involvement in Committees, outside vendors, government officials and contracted event planners.
• Work with the Marketing Director and a small budget to create necessary collateral materials for sponsorships, fundraising and events.
• Be willing to work as part of a small (less than 10 staff) nonprofit team serving the community requiring each staff member to wear multiple hats.
• Give status updates and work strategically with the Executive Director on goal achievement.
• Be available to staff private events, festivals and other programs as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Strong belief in the importance of Hearts of Epilepsy Foundation's mission and its programs.
• A proven track record of fundraising in all of its forms-sponsorships, donations, individual giving, annual holiday campaigns, grants and in-kind donations.
• The ability to work effectively with other staff members, Board members, high-level volunteers, and patrons.
• Ability to ask for money to support programs, etc. (exhibitions, programs, classes, festivals and more).
• A proven track record and/or interest in database management.
• Prior experience in event contracts, event planning and event execution while working with outside vendors and clients.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills; can "over-plan" and "over-communicate" the needs of events to all stakeholders.
• Self-directed and comfortable taking initiative with minimum management oversight.
• Ability to be flexible and react quickly to change.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for events.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, written and verbal skills.
• Ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
• Ability to work in a small nonprofit environment, wearing many hats and performing a variety of mission-related duties on a tight budget.
• Ability to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Prior work experience in a similar position in a non-profit organization is a plus.

This volunteer position will be open for permanent full-time placement in the near future.