Director of Advancement

Melmark Overview

Melmark is a nonprofit organization providing clinically-sophisticated evidence-based special education, residential, vocational, and therapeutic services for children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries, medical complexities, and other neurological and genetic disorders.

Director of Advancement Overview

The Director of Advancement plays a pivotal role in Melmark's institutional advancement efforts, focusing on fundraising, donor cultivation, and community engagement. This position oversees a comprehensive fundraising program, including major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and special events, with a primary focus on Melmark New England (MNE) and Melmark Carolinas (MCS). Collaborating closely with the President and CEO, as well as the Director of Advancement for Melmark Pennsylvania (MPA), the Director will work to broaden and strengthen the donor base and enhance the organization’s mission through impactful advancement initiatives.

Director of Advancement Schedule and Salary Information

• Full-time, Monday – Friday, with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for events

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications

Director of Advancement Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required

• Minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising experience, with a focus on major and planned gifts

• Strong understanding of nonprofit fundraising systems, including annual, major, and planned gift cultivation

• Exceptional communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

• Proficiency in donor database management, such as Raiser’s Edge

• Experience in managing special events, donor stewardship, and strategic advancement planning

Director of Advancement Responsibilities (MNE & MCS)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including annual and major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and special events

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major and planned gift prospects to strengthen the endowment, capital campaigns, and general funds

• Oversee the management of donor databases, including prospect tracking, wealth screening, and donor acknowledgment systems

• Plan and implement special events, including Melmark’s annual golf tournaments and gala events, in collaboration with the Advancement Manager

• Collaborate with Communications staff to ensure alignment and effectiveness of marketing and donor engagement materials

• Build and sustain relationships with donors, prospects, and allied professionals in estate planning, including attorneys and financial advisors

• Prepare proposals, fundraising materials, and stewardship communications tailored to donors and prospects

• Oversee financial reporting and reconciliation related to advancement activities in partnership with the Finance department

• Lead the promotion and management of advancement initiatives in MNE & MCS, including online giving portals, legacy campaigns, and print and digital communications

• Serve as an ambassador for Melmark, conducting program tours and representing the organization at events

• Supervise the Advancement Manager for Annual Giving and Special Events to ensure the successful execution of advancement efforts

Director of Advancement Benefits

• Work with a nationally known leader in quality-driven initiatives

• Generous Paid Time Off Benefits, including Vacation, Holiday, and Sick

• Melmark Sponsored Pension Plan AND 403(b) with employer matching

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care

• Life, AD&D, and Disability insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement

• Student Loan Reimbursement

• Professional Conference and Research Opportunities