Foundation Director

The Foundation Director will be responsible for cultivating and soliciting support to grow the initiatives and programs of  the agency.  This position works to establish long-term partnerships, strengthen existing relationships, and initiate new contacts within the nonprofit world. The candidate will research and identify sources of support, proactively seek opportunities to generate new proposals and maintain strong communication ties with foundation donors and prospects.

MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Oversee the operation of the agency's foundation and its development activities.
• Must embrace the mission of the agency and the agency's foundation.
• Develop and implement fund-raising strategies that align with the foundation’s mission and values, and that are effective in generating the necessary funds to support the foundation’s activities.
• Develop, implement, lead, and measure strategically guided plans to sustain and increase revenue through workplace and corporate giving, grants, individual contributions, leadership gifts, planned gifts and special events.
• Identify potential donors and funding sources, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies, that are likely to support the foundation.
• Ensure the foundation has the necessary funds and resources to support its mission and activities.
• Manage annual special events including campaign kick-offs and campaign celebrations.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization via conversations with donors, workplace meetings, presentations, tours, fairs, etc.
• Develop and execute the annual fund-raising plan and appeals with the annual goal set by the operating and program needs of the organization.
• Play a key role in developing marketing messages and campaign materials for effectively communicating call to action through printed materials, website, media relations, social networking, and other emerging technologies.
• Develop and share expertise for donor software and similar applications; refine/manage best practices, data mining functions, mail list creation, and list accuracy.
• Help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through maintaining professional relationships with all donors.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors and funders, and all board of directors, ensuring that they feel engaged and connected to the foundation's mission and activities, and they are provided with regular updates on the impact of their contributions.
• Perform required research on and maintain an effective portfolio for all donors and ensure optimal usage of all fund-raising software. Monitor gift cycle for all development activities.
• Prepare effective programs and strategies for all fund-raising activities.
• Analyze trends and provide necessary recommendations.
• Grow a major gift, planned giving and corporate giving programs including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
• Make public appearances/accept speaking engagements to share information about the organization with the community. Maintain gift recognition programs.
• Ensure the foundation complies with all applicable fund-raising regulations, including those related to donor privacy, tax regulations, and charitable solicitation laws.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
• Have knowledge of fund-raising techniques.
• Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers.
• Have the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships.
• Be a “self-starter” and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fund-raising calls.
• Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals.
• Evaluate and analyze all resource development efforts and develop, with the CFO and CEO, appropriate strategies to address and improve results.
• Develop reports requested by the board, volunteers, donors and colleagues.
• Bring a positive and caring attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to interact with a wide range of people using an approach that is ethical, diplomatic, persuasive, and credible.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, and good listening ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education – Bachelor’s Degree in Nonprofit Management or a related field.
• Experience – 2 to 5 years of experience in nonprofit fund-raising, with a proven track record of success in major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and special events.
• Experience – 2 to 5 years in establishing and maintaining donor relationships
• Experience with fund-raising software and donor databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications and marketing materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and volunteers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Education – Master’s Degree in Nonprofit Management or a related field
• License/Certification – Certified Fund-raising Professional
• Experience – 5 or more years as a Director of Fund-raising for  nonprofit organization