Demo

Director of Development

Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
Smithtown, NY Full Time
POSTED ON 4/21/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/16/2025

Overall Summary :

Under the supervision of the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Development designs a portfolio of major gift and planned giving prospects across the United States. The Director of Development is responsible for the full donor cycle of identification, research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. They will also be responsible for growing a major gift donor base, moving existing donors to a higher level of giving, and expanding the number of donors in our planned giving society (The Heritage Society). Requires 10-15% travel over a broad geographic range to manage a personal portfolio.   Flexibility to work weekends and evenings consistent with a front-line fundraising role required. All Development staff are expected to assist with execution of the annual development plan to support meeting the annual organizational budget.

Essential Functions :

  • Responsible for the management of 125-150 individual donors. Identify, research, cultivate, solicit and steward both restricted and unrestricted gifts.
  • Provide leadership and direction for Major Gift Officer(s), Prospect Researcher, Leadership Giving Officer and help them achieve their individual goals
  • Develop successful strategies for increasing donor engagement, revenue growth, and a community awareness with the Chief Development Officer, President & CEO, Board of Directors, staff and other volunteers.
  • Create individual goals and plans for each contact in assigned portfolio based on the donor’s history of giving and the organization’s knowledge.
  • Create and submit major gift and blended gift proposals regarding sponsorships, endowments and naming opportunities.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive capital campaign strategies in conjunction with the Chief Development Officer
  • Solicit gifts for a capital campaign
  • Identify, cultivate and steward planned giving prospects.
  • Offer planned giving educational opportunities and materials regarding planned giving for fellow staff and prospects / donors.
  • Manage branded planned giving program utilizing plannedgiving.com.
  • Provides stewardship of donors who have already announced a commitment to planned giving.
  • Create and implement a planned giving marketing and communications plan.
  • Provides progress reports as required by management that accurately reflect caseload activity and performance including revenue generated, planned activities and timelines for cultivation activities.
  • Maintain accountability to administrative systems and procedures.
  • Works in a team environment to represent GDF / AVD and its mission.
  • Attends events and meetings on behalf of GDF / AVD.
  • Will perform other donor activities as required.
  • Always aware of safety rules and procedures, ensuring that the functions of this job are done in the safest possible manner and encourages co-workers to do likewise.

Essential Requirements :

  • Bachelor’s degree from accredited college (preferably in Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing or other related field).
  • 3 years successful experience in major gift and planned giving.
  • Detailed and in-depth knowledge of planned giving and its complexities : Estate planning, tax laws, wills, trusts, etc.
  • Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage multi-functional or diverse areas.
  • Strong computer skills needed to utilize research tools and implement donor cultivation plans. Experience working with CRM databases necessary.
  • Possess superior communication skills (oral, written, and listening).
  • Must be a team player.
  • Working weekends, evenings, and early mornings will be required as necessary.
  • Local, regional and national travel required. Valid driver’s license required.
  • Position is highly sensitive and requires impeccable personal and professional integrity and discretion.
  • Capital campaign experience is a plus.
  • Physical Demands : The employee is required to stand, walk, push, pull, reach overhead and bend to the floor, drive and / or travel, lift 25 pounds and exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally

    Visual Acuity : Near acuity and accommodation are required for the ability to see and read text and copy of written materials for publishing and to read computer screen.

    Hearing Ability : Ability to interact with staff and public in an informal or formal way during events or public speaking.

    Work Environment : Employee is exposed to office, kennel and residence environment. This includes animal hair and dander as well as cleaning and antibacterial cleaning solutions.

    Compensation Information :

    The expected salary range for the position is $105,000 - $120,000 per year. The anticipated starting salary is between $105,000 - $110,000 and will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.

    We offer a comprehensive benefits program which includes an outstanding 403(b) plan, tuition reimbursement, health, dental, vision, and life insurance, generous paid time off, and more.

    Salary : $105,000 - $110,000

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