Development Manager (Major Gifts)

Development Manager (Major Gifts)

Status: Full-Time Position

Reports to: VP Fundraising & Communication

Supervisory Responsibility: n/a

Location: Downingtown, PA Office (In-person position; Hybrid Arrangement Considered)

How to Apply: Submit a Cover Letter and Resume

Position Summary:

The Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) is seeking a Development Manager (Major Gifts) with a passion for rare disease research and a successful track-record of managing and growing successful major giving fundraising programs. The Manager reports to the Vice President - Fundraising and Communications and will serve as a vital member of the Fundraising team. They will be responsible for ensuring that all fundraising and communications activities for major donors ($10,000 and up) are utilizing best practices to reach ambitious fundraising goals and provide excellent stewardship for donors. Occasional domestic travel required.

Professional Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum five years of experience in fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience in Major Gift fundraising.
• Previous experience with volunteer boards and committees is essential.
• Experience with research tools and donor management software-(Blackbaud products e.g., Raiser’s Edge and Classy and wealth screens)
• Proficient with a variety of software programs (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Adobe Acrobat)
• Minimum CFRE designation would be considered an asset.

Skills Requirements:

• Focus on customer service
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in writing to varied audiences
• Attention to detail
• Time management and organizational skills
• Adherence to fundraising ethics and data privacy protocols

Essential Responsibilities:

To plan, organize, and implement major giving programs including:

Work with VP Fundraising to establish a major gifts pipeline to meet individual fundraising goals including stretch goals

• Set plans and processes for major gifts outreach
• Build and manage the major donor prospect list
• Ensure that information is being tracked on a timely basis and that progress toward goals is monitored

Identify and cultivate prospects for major gifts and bequests for the purpose of supporting programming and operations. Work with FARA leadership and Board to solicit such contributions.

• Prepare research on each prospect to include giving history to FARA and other organizations, giving interests, FARA linkages, and capacity (wealth screen rating)
• Based on research, recommend solicitation approach to FARA leadership/ Board and prepare background information for each visit and generate timely and thorough follow-up correspondence and reports.
• Prepare major gift proposals in response to inquiries and/or cultivation of major donors and prospects.
• Create and manage research/ outreach for a donor portfolio of 75-125 donors with the potential of making a major gift
• Work with FARA leadership and Board to solicit and obtain major and planned gifts with donors through outreach such as calls, face-to-face meetings, and written follow-up.
• Ensure appropriate donor acknowledgement and stewardship
• Oversee the planned giving program, including solicitation of long-time donors for planned and estate gifts

Manage staff and volunteer Development Committee outreach and stewardship of potential major donors

• Facilitate regular major gifts meeting with the VP Fundraising, the CEO, and members of the Development Committee
• Schedule and facilitate weekly donor and prospect outreach with VP Fundraising, CEO and a select group of the Board for cultivation and solicitation purposes
• Provide timely reports to the VP Fundraising and the CEO to keep them updated on progress.
• Work with staff responsible for gift processing and finance to ensure proper recording, allocation, documentation, acknowledgement, stewardship, and analysis of major gifts and pledges

Provide first-rate customer service as front-line client contact.

Ensure that all FARA stakeholders are communicated to in a clear, consistent and timely manner utilizing strong written and verbal skills to address customer needs. Follow established organizational policies and procedures.

Ability to work independently and in a team setting.

Exhibit a strong work ethic and an energetic, communicative, collaborative, influential and diplomatic work style.

Attention to detail demonstrating accuracy and efficiency in word processing, data entry, and business correspondence.

Coordinate work activity efficiently, and check that work has been carried out to specification.

Demonstrate ability to learn and adapt to changing procedures, methods or processes.

Ability to represent FARA as a passionate and informed advocate through public appearances and presentations before groups and organizations interested in supporting FARA’s mission.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.

FARA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FARA shall not discriminate because of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national origin or ancestry, or religion.

If employed by FARA, employees agree to accept and certify to abide by both FARA’s policies including Child Safekeeping Policy and FARA’s Code of Conduct at https://www.curefa.org/privacy-policy/.

FARA offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, life, long-term disability and paid family and medical leave benefits, plus a 401K retirement plan. Salary commensurate with experience.