Executive Director - Non-Profit

Company Description

Freedom Waters Foundation, incorporated in March 2006, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing lives through boating and marine-related activities. The foundation serves people with disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, youth at risk, others with special needs, and Veterans. Through its programs, Freedom Waters Foundation aims to create meaningful and therapeutic experiences on the water.

Position summary

In conjunction with the CEO, the Director of Development is responsible for the leadership, development and management of Freedom Waters Foundation’s fundraising efforts. The Director of Development will provide leadership for the implementation of fundraising annual plans and all new fundraising event concepts. The Director of Development will support the FWF Leadership Team to identify, cultivate and solicit a diverse portfolio of individuals, corporations and foundations to support Freedom Waters Foundation. The Director of Development will staff volunteers, leadership committees for fundraising efforts in conjunction with the CEO

Duties and responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

· Represent FWF to new and current internal/external associates

· Work with volunteer leadership, office staff, volunteers and consultants to produce successful annual marketing and fundraising plans and events.

· Staff and participate in the development of all event leadership committees.

· Develop and implement strategies to renew and upgrade past donors and acquisitions of new donors and target groups each year.

· Maintain and cultivate corporate and foundation relations to support the organization and each organizational fundraising event

· Coordinate and lead all solicitation efforts related to each fundraising event, i.e. tables, ads, contributions, auctions/raffle, etc.

· Educate self on best current trends in event planning.

· Develop, implement and manage all event marketing plans and timelines and ensure key result areas are met/delivered in a timely manner.

· Develop and coordinate annual sponsorship levels and benefits and secure sponsorship and underwriting for the organization and to each event.

· Manage all event related logistics, reporting, database maintenance and integrity, budgets, staffing and volunteer plans and supervisors as appropriate

· Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

· Other responsibilities that pertain to the best practices of marketing and fundraising that may be created as the position matures.

Organization Culture Aspects of the Position

· Attitude: A positive manner in which you address the participants, families and co-workers, donors, which elevates the spirit of the whole group and creates a harmonious environment

· Teamwork: Working as a team gives us the opportunity to utilize all of our talents within a group and to realize the uniqueness of each one of us, all for a common goal – The FWF family of caring and sharing.

· Creativity: A conscious effort to see things differently, to break out of habits and outdated beliefs to find new ways to thinking, doing, and being.

· Integrity: Working hard, keeping your promises, sharing your success. Above all, honesty, respect and consideration for others.

· Individual Development: Taking the initiative to improve yourself by broadening your knowledge and skills in order to bring your best possible self to FWF

· Accountability: The willingness to acknowledge your responsibility for your actions and implications that may result.

Qualifications

· Bachelor’s Degree with the concentration in fundraising.

· Minimum of five years of progressive experience in fundraising and special events management and volunteer leadership.

· Strong problem solving and group work leadership skills

· Ability to interact with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Sound computer skills

· Effective oral and written communication skills

· Ability to work flexible hours

· Ability to be generously giving of oneself to serve others