What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President, Development & Strategic Partnerships position at Fairfield County's Community Foundation?
Job Summary :
As a vital member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Vice President, Development & Strategic Partnerships will play an essential role in implementing the Foundation's fundraising priorities to advance our mission. This role demands a strategic thinker, a tactical fundraiser, and a dynamic relationship-builder who can develop and execute comprehensive giving strategies to ensure sustainable growth.
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President of Development & Strategic Partnerships will lead the Foundation’s efforts to expand the donor pipeline and cultivate new supporters of the Foundation’s community impact work, including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and public sector partners. They will work closely with the VP of Philanthropic Services, who leads donor stewardship, including philanthropic advising; planned giving; and engagement with donor-directed funds, private foundations, and professional advisors.
The ideal candidate will bring both development / sales and program experience to the role. They will excel in educating, engaging, and unifying donors around the Fairfield County Forward vision and aligning donor giving with the Foundation’s strategic commitments. Exceptional communication and change management skills, is crucial for success in this role.
Key Responsibilities :
- Leadership & Strategy : Serve on the Foundation’s Executive Leadership Team, fostering a culture of fundraising that supports the Foundation's mission. Lead 1-2 development professionals to reach an annual fundraising target of $3M, providing clear goals and expectations, and collaborate closely with the VP, Philanthropic Services on ensuring a sustainable funding model for the organization.
- Major Gifts & Fundraising : Manage donor pipeline development, cultivation and outreach, driving contributions to the Foundation’s current use funds, including major gifts. Personally maintain a major donor portfolio, making solicitations from $5,000 to seven figures. Lead strategic fundraising campaigns for key community impact programs and initiatives to sustain and increase organizational impact and grant-making capacity.
- Donor Engagement & Influence : In Partnership with the Strategy, Learning & External Relations department, develop and implement strategies to educate and engage donors and donor prospects, aligning their contributions with the Foundation’s strategic goals.
- Public Relations & Outreach : Act as a reliable counselor, strategist, and spokesperson for the department and organization. Plan and execute public speaking engagements, and targeted outreach initiatives to maximize the Foundation’s visibility among donors and potential donors.
- Performance Management : Develop and implement a robust framework for departmental tracking of goals and metrics aligned with institutional priorities.
Qualifications :