Director of Development

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a key leadership role responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the long-term goals and sustainability of the organization. This individual will focus on cultivating relationships with donors, implementing strategic goal-setting initiatives, and ensuring alignment between fundraising efforts and the organization’s broader vision. The Director of Development will play a crucial role in guiding the organization's strategic growth through innovative fundraising programs, donor stewardship, and the creation of a forward-thinking development plan.

To be successful in this position, you must be committed to Stowe’s mission, be able to build lasting relationships with donors, and keep them informed on how their financial input is improving the lives of people in Ohio communities. Must be goal-oriented and willing to set and achieve financial goals to further the purpose of the Mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership:

• Develop, implement, and manage a multi-year, comprehensive fundraising plan to meet and exceed revenue goals.
• Drive and manage major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, grant writing, planned giving, and special events.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward key donor relationships, including high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Lead donor engagement strategies, including creating opportunities for donor recognition and building long-term partnerships.

Strategic Goal Setting and Vision:

• Collaborate with the Executive Team and Board of Directors to set measurable fundraising goals that align with the organization's mission, vision, and long-term strategic priorities.
• Lead efforts to refine and adjust strategic fundraising goals in response to shifts in organizational needs and external factors.
• Create a compelling vision for the future of fundraising, anticipating industry trends and positioning the organization for growth.

Team Development and Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the development team to ensure the successful execution of fundraising campaigns and programs.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the development department, ensuring staff are motivated and have the necessary resources to succeed.
• Oversee the training and professional development of team members, including development coordinators and volunteers.

Marketing and Communications:

• Develop and implement strategies for regular communication with donors, ensuring that they are informed about the impact of their contributions through newsletters, impact reports, and thank-you messages.
• Build relationships with media outlets, manage press releases, and oversee the distribution of information to increase visibility and raise awareness of the organization's work.
• Oversee the organization’s social media channels and digital platforms, creating engaging content, increasing followers, and driving engagement to support campaigns and events.

Data-Driven Approach:

• Use data, analytics, and metrics to inform decision-making, track fundraising progress, and report on outcomes to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Implement systems and processes that ensure the effective use of donor data, ensuring it is properly captured, tracked, and utilized to drive engagement.

Brand Building and Advocacy:

• Serve as a key representative of the organization at high-profile events, donor meetings, and community outreach activities.
• Strengthen and articulate the organization’s mission, vision, and values to external stakeholders and potential donors.

Budget and Resource Management:

• Develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring efficient and effective allocation of resources across all programs.
• Assess and optimize fundraising costs and ensure a strong return on investment for fundraising efforts.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Must embrace the mission of Stowe Mission and uphold the Statement of Faith and policies of the Mission
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications or related field
• Preferred minimum of two years’ experience in not-for-profit work, specifically in fundraising and/or special events
• Three to five years’ experience leading, managing, motivating, and developing staff
• Preference given for experience in writing successful grant applications
• Budget development and oversight experience
• Ability to remain focused, results oriented and decisive
• Strategic thinking skills with good judgment
• Ability to build relationships with diverse individuals and groups
• Ability to be authentic and approachable; and can garner trust among peers, staff, donors, Board, etc.
• Interpersonal skills—negotiation, influencing, relationship building, and collaboration
• Computer and social networking skills

Salary/Benefits

• Base salary of $75,000 annually plus incentive compensation based on performance
• Competitive benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, Paid Time Off