Development Director

Primary Responsibilities & Key Outcomes:

1. Fundraising Strategy Development

   1. Create fundraising plans: Develop strategies to meet or exceed revenue targets across various fundraising channels

   2. Implement development strategies: Oversee execution of initiatives to align with VAV’s mission and goals. 

   3. Write and submit Letters of Intent and Grants Proposals for funding

2. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

   1. Build Relationships: Establish and maintain relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors

   2. Manage Stewardship: Develop plans to enhance donor engagement and retention. 

3. Campaign Management

   1. Plan Campaigns: Design and execute direct mail, digital, and special event campaigns

   2. Coordinate Efforts: Manage campaign logistics, including budgeting and scheduling

4. Grant Writing and Management

   1. Identify Opportunities: Research and identify suitable grant opportunities and submit Letters of Intent (if available)

   2. Write Proposals: Prepare and submit grant proposals to secure funding

   3. Manage Grants: Ensure compliance and report outcomes to funders 

5. Donor Communications

   1. Develop Materials: Create newsletters, impact reports, and solicitation letters

   2. Enhance Outreach: Implement strategies for effective communication of VAV’s mission 

6. Event Planning and Execution

   1. Organize Events: Plan and execute fundraising events such as galas and auctions

   2. Manage Logistics: Handle all event planning aspects including coordination and follow-up

7. Team Leadership and Management

   1. Lead Team: Supervise fundraising staff and volunteers

   2. Foster Growth: Provide training and development opportunities for team members

8. Financial Oversight

   1. Monitor Budgets: Develop and manage budgets for fundraising activities

   2. Analyze Performance: Track metrics to evaluate and improve fundraising strategies

9. Reporting and Evaluation

   1. Prepare Reports: Generate reports on fundraising activities and donor engagement

   2. Evaluate Success: Assess and improve fundraising initiatives based on performance data. 

10. Collaboration and Partnership Building

    1. Develop Partnerships: Build relationships with community organizations and stakeholders

    2. Work with Teams: Collaborate with other departments to align efforts with organizational priorities

11. Administrative Duties

    1. Maintain Records: Keep accurate records of donor information and fundraising activities

    2. Ensure Compliance: Adhere to legal and organizational requirements related to fundraising

Capabilities

• Fundraising Expertise: Proven experience in successful fundraising strategies and campaigns

• Donor Relations: Ability to build and maintain strong donor relationships

• Campaign Management: Experience in managing and executing fundraising campaigns

• Grant Writing: Skilled in preparing grant proposals and managing grants

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and team management abilities 

• Financial Acumen: Proficient in budgeting and performance analysis

Qualifying Experiences

• Experience in Fundraising: At least two years in fundraising or related field

• Grant Writing: Demonstrated success in securing and managing grants

• Event Planning: Experience in organizing fundraising events

• Nonprofit Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with nonprofit operations and fundraising best practices

Personal Characteristics

• Commitment to Mission: Passionate about VAV’s mission and goals

• Interpersonal Skills: Friendly and skilled in relationship building

• Adaptability: Flexible and effective in a dynamic environment

• Enthusiasm: High energy for fundraising and mission support

E

valuation Criteria: 

• The DM’s performance will be assessed based on fundraising results, donor engagement, and successful execution of campaigns and events