EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree required. CFRE preferred. Qualified candidates will possess a minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in non-profit fundraising with a proven track record of growing major gifts and managing special events. Demonstrated success developing a national major gifts program preferred. Previous experience in a director’s capacity preferred. Supervisory experience required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated initiative and achievement in national major gift fundraising.
- The ability to create donor strategies, being mindful of an individual’s passions and giving priorities.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
- Proficient and comfortable guiding donors through the gift cycle; from identification, cultivation, and solicitation, to ongoing stewardship.
- This position may be required to be on campus when deemed necessary at the direction of management.
- Expertise in various giving vehicles, including DAF, QCD, and stock.
- Experience with best practices including the efficient use of database systems, including prospect tracking, a willingness to strengthen strategies through prospect review and an openness to share development techniques while learning the organization’s system of best practices.
- Highly motivated professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing major gifts and demonstrated experience establishing relationships with major donors, as well as setting priorities for major gift solicitations.
- Ability to work well under pressure, handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines; must have the ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
- Possess sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
- Flexibility is required as priorities and circumstances dictate.
- Ability to visit out of state donors and make presentations on behalf of the organization.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills along with strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
- Exceptional ability to organize and motivate others, including administration, staff, peers, and volunteers.
- The ability to function effectively as a member of a team, and a willingness to participate in activities and assignments that will benefit other members of the team or will contribute to the accomplishment of team objectives.
- Ability to take initiative and make recommendations in resolving problems and provide guidance to other staff.
- Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
- Possess a valid driver’s license with no restrictions and the ability to travel as needed. Must be comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
- Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
- Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email. This position requires frequent independent local, regional, and national travel.
Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.
Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.