Development Director

Position Description :

SUMMARY :

The Development Director is responsible for working with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors in planning and coordinating all aspects of fund development and public relations for the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas. Provide leadership on all fundraising initiatives, including special events, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, donor cultivation, and grant writing. Identify, organize, and manage fundraising activities focusing on new opportunities to obtain ongoing and increased support from corporations, public and private organizations, and individuals.

PRIMARY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES :

Planning :

Develop and implement an annual development plan with strategies for donors and prospects.

Establish short and long-range goals for unrestricted funding sources.

Strategizes and orchestrates approaches to corporate donors.

Provide monthly reports that measure progress towards achieving the plan.

Grant requests and administration.

Gifts Cultivation :

Create and implement strategies for donor development and cultivation, which will provide a diverse and sustainable funding base for EFCST.

Work with staff to develop funding-related projects.

Build and maintain relationships with major donors of all types, develop strategies, and individual donor campaigns (e.g., major donors, direct mail, matching gifts, and board of directors).

Organize solicitation drives for pledges of ongoing support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Identify and pursue new sources of corporate and foundation funding.

Create and update collateral materials to support gift cultivation.

Ensure that the donor database information is current and accurate.

Acknowledgment of all gifts and donations.

Events :

Manage and oversee all EFCST events.

Promote events to the community as a way to support EFCST and provide support to those groups that want to host an event.

Work with appropriate staff and volunteers to ensure that all aspects of a successful event are coordinated towards a common goal.

Develop and solicit sponsors for events.

Public Relations and Marketing :

Write press releases and media alerts.

Develop and maintain media contacts with area media outlets.

Oversee and direct all media relations, social media communication, media production, and general branding of the organization and all its fundraising programs.

Create marketing materials for the organization.

Build and sustain working relationships and communication with community associations, business leaders, lenders, grant funders, and other institutions.

EXPERIENCE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

Essential Experience :

At least three years experience in a Development role.

Demonstrable track record of strategic fundraising

Proven ability to build, manage, and develop client and donor relationships

Experience in developing and implementing strategic and business plans

Proven track record in fundraising that has directly resulted in increased income for an organization

Essential Skills and Knowledge :

Strong leadership skills

Track record of bringing innovative, creative thinking and fresh ideas to an organization or its services

Persuasive written and oral skills with the ability to present and convey complex ideas and issues clearly and coherently

Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously, take the initiative and make decisions

Commitment to EFCSTs core values and strategic direction

Solid organizational skills : the ability to work productively in a fast-paced, detail-oriented, flexible, and collaborative environment and the ability to manage a multi-faceted workload

Essential Aptitude :

Innovative management style

Ability to work flexible hours

Energy, enthusiasm, and flair to work hard and achieve ambitious targets

QUALIFICATIONS :

A bachelors degree is preferred with an emphasis or concentration in business, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Equivalent training or experience will be considered.

At least three years of professional development and fundraising experience.

Advanced PC skills and expert proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Salesforce, Classy, or donor database experience desirable).

Desire to work as part of a team and willingness to promote the principles and views of the Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas.

Ability to work with minimal supervision self-motivated & confident.

Ability to work well with people from all backgrounds with varying degrees of experience.

Ability to inspire, train, motivate, challenge, and supervise volunteers.

Confident in public speaking and able to express ideas verbally and in writing.

SUPERVISORY & DECISION-MAKING RESPONSIBILITIES :

Recruit, train, and support key volunteers to assist in advancement efforts

Communicate fundraising goals throughout the organization and equip team members to reach them

Build a development team by identifying staffing needs and onboarding qualified personnel

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Works in a typical air-conditioned office

Must be able to handle weights up to 25 pounds

Must be willing to withstand up to a 12-hour workday during event weeks

HOURS OF WORK :

This is a full-time position. Regular working hours are Monday through Friday, 8 : 00 am to 5 : 00 pm. However, some evening and weekend work is required. Will occasionally participate in outdoor activities.

TRAVEL :

Some travel is required for this position. May occasionally drive a 15-passenger van. Must have a valid drivers license and a driving record with no major driving offenses.

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Submit your resume and cover letter to Kim@EFCST.org or through the posted job board listing.