Director of Development

Position Summary:

The Director of Development will report directly to the Executive Director and will serve as a member of the Senior Management team. They will play a pivotal role in developing successful fundraising programs and ensure the integration of the various programs within DDI. The Director of Development will collaborate with the Executive Director and the Board on goal setting and strategic planning, and provide vision, strategic direction and leadership for all aspects of DDI’s fundraising efforts to achieve revenue goals.

Responsibilities:

• Provide the strategic vision and collaborative leadership necessary to plan an effective and comprehensive three-year strategic plan for development and annual plans for the fundraising program.
• Implement the strategic and annual fundraising plans which will include working with major donors, foundations, direct mail, on-line giving and events with specific financial goals and objectives for each. This will also include engaging the Board, Executive Director and Senior Management.
• Identify strategic opportunities for new funding sources to expand DDI’s donor base.
• Partner with program staff to remain well-versed in DDI’s accomplishments, current priorities and future goals and develop compelling program statements that can attract funding and further DDI’s mission.
• Conduct research on current donors and develop a research process to seek out new individual and corporate donor prospects.
• Manage and administer any public capital campaigns for the organization for capital projects, endowment funds, and other special efforts.
• Establish a program to prepare proposals to corporate giving programs, foundations and other funding and grant sources.
• Represent DDI in face-to-face meetings with donors and identify networking opportunities for the Executive Director.

• Prepare monthly reports to the Board, in addition to an annual report, on the implementation of the annual fundraising plan.

• In conjunction with the Communications team, coordinate strategies for broad audience donor communications and develop effective media and advocacy campaigns and engaging marketing materials for website, direct mailings, and special events. In addition, maintain an annual calendar of fundraising activities and events.
• Oversee and lead all efforts in regards to DDI’s annual gala, golf outing, walk event, and other events throughout the year to meet fundraising goals.
• Maintain all donor and financial records, as well as individual campaign financial records.
• Assist and work with various parent, family and volunteer groups who also raise funds to benefit the services provided by the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• Commitment to DDI’s mission, purpose and values.
• A strategic and creative development professional with at least ten years’ experience and a proven track record in the range of fundraising areas including major giving, planned giving, legislative grants, foundation support, direct mail, on-line and special event planning.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a track record in building relationships externally and internally and exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Analytical thinker, detail-oriented, team player who takes initiative and has the ability to work independently.
• Experience and/or strong interest and familiarity with the fundamental connection between development and communications both broadly and in the context of on-line engagement.