Director of Development and Fundraising

The Development Director is a key leadership role in ECHO Housing & Community Development, responsible for designing, implementing, and managing all fundraising activities, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and special events. This position requires strategic planning, community engagement, and relationship management to increase revenue and support the organization's mission. The ideal candidate will be proactive, creative, and capable of building lasting partnerships with donors and stakeholders.

Core Competencies

• Written and Verbal Communication

• Teamwork

• Adaptability

• Flexibility

• Donor relations

• Analytical Thinking

• Decision Making

• Planning and Organizing

• Fundraising

• Policy & Compliance

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Fund Development Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, special events, and planned giving.
• Establish clear revenue goals and strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and upgrading, tailored to various segments (e.g., individuals, foundations, corporations).
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to create long-term development strategies and financial growth plans.
• Analyze and forecast fundraising trends, assessing risks and opportunities for meeting financial goals.

2. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Build and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, including individuals, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Develop personalized donor engagement strategies to increase donor retention and upgrade giving levels.
• Coordinate and execute donor appreciation programs, ensuring regular communication and recognition of contributions.
• Lead efforts in researching potential major donors and crafting tailored solicitation strategies.

3. Grant Writing and Management

• Identify, research, and coordinate grant application submissions with the leadership team from foundations, government agencies, and other funding sources.
• Work collaboratively with the grants manager to ensure timely submissions and compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Collaborate with program director to gather necessary data, outcomes, and information to craft compelling grant proposals.
• Monitor and evaluate grant-funded programs to report to funders on project progress and impact.
• Contribute to the creation of the organizations’ annual report.

4. Special Events and Campaigns

• Plan, organize, and execute fundraising events, including annual galas, benefit dinners, and community awareness campaigns.
• Oversee event logistics, budgeting, sponsorship solicitation, volunteer management, and post-event follow-up.
• Develop and lead capital campaigns or special projects as needed, coordinating efforts with the executive team, Board and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the marketing manager to implement online fundraising campaigns, utilizing email marketing, social media, and crowdfunding platforms to engage a wider audience.

5. Public Relations

• Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop promotional materials and campaigns that align with fundraising goals.
• Contribute to the content developed for donor communications, including newsletters, annual reports, social media posts, and press releases.
• Represent the organization at community events, speaking engagements, and meetings with potential donors or partners.
• Build the organization's visibility and reputation through strategic community and donor engagement.

6. Database and Financial Management

• Maintain accurate records of all fundraising activities, donor interactions, and financial contributions using the donor management system.
• Analyze donor data to track performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions for optimizing fundraising strategies.
• Work closely with the executive team to monitor fundraising budgets, forecast income, and ensure compliance with financial and legal regulations.
• Provide regular reports on fundraising progress to the CEO, Board of Directors, and relevant stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Minimum bachelor’s degree in applicable field or equivalent work experience

• Experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development with a proven track record of meeting fundraising goals

• Experience supervising and managing administrative tasks associated with grant and donor funding

• Demonstrated proficiency in internet, grant application portals, and Microsoft Office

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to manage and coordinate grant application submissions and the execution of grant awards while meeting deadlines and budget requirements

• Strong leadership and team management abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Proficiency in using donor management software

• Ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to analyze data and create financial projections

• Knowledge of nonprofit laws, regulations, and ethical fundraising practices

Work Environment

• This position requires occasional evening and weekend work for events

• Travel may be required to meet with donors, attend community events, and participate in conferences

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Benefits include health reimbursement, paid dental & vision, paid time off, professional development opportunities

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000