Development Manager

MRFRS is looking for a dynamic fundraiser with creative ideas to be our new Development Manager. This role is key to help our mission-driven nonprofit continue to be able to deliver the programs and services that improve the lives of all cats in our community. The Development Manager oversees our events and appeals and is responsible for ensuring fundraising goals are met through business sponsorship and individual donor support.

Position Summary/ Objective

The Development Manager (DM) takes the lead on ensuring the successful planning and execution of the agreed upon tactics to achieve the organization’s fundraising goals. To ensure the financial stability of MRFRS, the DM is responsible for managing an existing pipeline of donors and fundraising initiatives, as well as finding new philanthropic funding opportunities to drive year over year growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising and Relationship Building (approx 30%)

• Create, manage, and execute a comprehensive annual Development strategy designed to meet or exceed budgeted fundraising goals.
• Grow donations by recruiting, retaining, and stewarding relationships with current and new donors at all levels, particularly Leadership Donors.
• Research and create partnership proposals for co-branded opportunities/sponsorships with local businesses, community partners, and donors.
• Provide comprehensive Capital Campaign support, including prospect identification and securing pledges and major gifts.
• Manage the Development Coordinator to ensure timely donor acknowledgments and Leadership Donor stewardship.
• Manage the Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator to ensure volunteer support for MRFRS programs and initiatives while also building community partnerships.
• Stay informed about and incorporate the latest trends in Development and the nonprofit animal rescue sector into all MRFRS efforts.

Event Management (approx 40%)

• Manage MRFRS’s major fundraising events from conception to execution to engage existing and potential donors and sponsors.
• Oversee sponsorships from solicitation through recognition/acknowledgment.
• Monitor financial expenditures and progress to budget and take appropriate measures to meet top and bottom-line goals ensuring a high return on investment.
• Manage event run of show, auction item solicitation, volunteer management, vendor coordination, and event follow-up in partnership with event committees, Development Coordinator, and Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator
• Research, propose, and confirm alternative fundraisers or events to keep MRFRS relevant to a new audience of supporters.
• Continually monitor options for auction and online donor software to make sure MRFRS has the best options available from a cost and customer experience standpoint.

Appeal Management (approx 20%)

• Work with the Executive Director to create the strategic briefs/messaging for the three annual appeals and coordinate the execution of the direct mail with design and printing partners.
• Furnish lists for appeals, with recommendations for data segmentation and targeted messaging to grow relationships with donors and increase donation levels over time.

Data Management & Analysis (approx 10%)

• Oversee the Development Coordinator in maintaining the accuracy of the organization’s donor database platform (Little Green Light)
• Provide post-event and Appeal analysis/data to inform the MRFRS Board of Directors of key measurements to drive more data-based decisions and track the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time salaried position that requires flexibility as attendance at events and other functions will periodically require weekend and/or evening work. The employee is expected to work an identified schedule every day, whether in or out of the office.

Supervisor Responsibility

This position will supervise the Development Coordinator and the Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator positions.

Competencies

• High energy and passion for MRFRS’s mission is essential. Knowledge of issues related to cat shelters/pet care/animal welfare is a plus.
• Able to implement and evaluate development strategies and manage development initiatives from conception to creation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively speak and present to individuals, including high net-worth donors, as well as small, mid-size, and large groups.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines, as well as strong planning and organizational skills.
• Exceptional event management and project management skills; highly organized and able to think strategically and act tactically.
• Experienced in managing direct reports and coaching their professional development.
• Proficient with the following software/platforms: Microsoft Office Suite; PowerPoint; WordPress; Constant Contact or Mailchimp; Donor Management Platforms (i.e., Network for Good; Little Green Light; Blackbaud; etc.).
• Flexible, accountable, and team-oriented with a proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3-5 years of successful fundraising experience for a small to mid-sized organization, with proficiency in event execution, sponsorship solicitation, and auction management (online, silent, and live).

Workplace Environment

Environmental & Working Conditions: This position works primarily in a shared open office space with computer and internet access, printer, and other related office equipment. The DM will work with staff, volunteers, the general public, and businesses, both within the shelter and in the community.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 30 lbs (set up/take down of event equipment), sit and stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, bend, reach overhead, kneel, and balance to meet the physical requirements of this position. This is primarily an office position, working for hours sitting at a desk using a computer keyboard/monitor and other office equipment. Work is often done in a time-sensitive and demanding environment. There are often important deadlines and the requirement to coordinate work on multiple complex assignments at the same time.

Mental Requirements

Understand and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions, understand and apply non-routine verbal and/or written instructions, understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions, organize actions to complete sequential and/or routine tasks, organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple clients, tasks, and/or projects, organize and prioritize the work schedules of others to manage multiple clients, tasks and/or projects, make decisions that have an impact on the individual’s work, make decisions that have an impact on the immediate work unit’s operations and/or services, make decisions that have significant impact on a department’s credibility, operations, and/or services, make decisions that have an impact on the health and wellbeing of clients, communicate and exchange routine/basic information.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (If applicable)

Must pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal-opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company, and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Salisbury, MA 01952 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Salisbury, MA 01952: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000