Development Director - NE

Position Summary:

The non-profit fundraising Development Director will play a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission by leading and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director will oversee all aspects of fundraising activities, including donor cultivation, grant writing, special events, and strategic partnerships. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a proven track record of success in fundraising, strong communication skills, and a passion for the organization's mission.

Role and Responsibilities

This person’s job responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Fundraising Strategy Development: Collaborate with the leadership team to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Build and maintain strong relationships with donors to ensure long-term engagement and support.
• Grant Management: Collaborate with the grant writer on funding opportunities, grant proposals, and grant reporting requirements. Ensure compliance with grant guidelines and deadlines.
• Special Events Management: Oversee all special events, including fundraising galas, donor appreciation events, and community outreach activities.
• Corporate Partnerships: Identify and secure corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and cause-related marketing opportunities. Develop mutually beneficial relationships with corporate partners to support fundraising initiatives.
• Campaign Management: Lead fundraising campaigns, including annual giving campaigns, capital campaigns, and emergency fundraising appeals. Develop compelling campaign messaging and materials to inspire donor support.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial goals.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor fundraising staff, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Track fundraising activities, analyze performance metrics, and prepare regular reports for senior leadership and the board of directors. Use data-driven insights to inform decision-making and refine fundraising strategies.
• Collaboration and Communication: Foster collaboration across departments to ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with programmatic goals and organizational priorities. Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to promote transparency and engagement. Lead communication efforts, including but not limited to email marketing, social media management, marketing materials, acknowledgement letter, donor communications, and event collateral.
• Any other reasonable task requested by the Supervisor

Competencies:

• Interpersonal skills
• Creative thinking
• Communication skills
• Relationship-building
• Keeping records

Physical requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment and at various venues. Staff must be physically capable of driving an automobile in a safe manner.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Non-profit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in non-profit fundraising, with a demonstrated track record of success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and campaign management.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team towards achieving fundraising goals.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.
• Proficiency in fundraising software, donor databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of ethical fundraising practices, regulations, and compliance standards.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a results-oriented mindset.
• Commitment to the organization's mission and values.
• Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record required.
• Strongly prefer to maintain Bodily Injury Liability insurance of $100,000 per claim, $300,000 per incident on their personal automobile when driving clients.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed to fulfil the requirements of the position. 

EOE