Director of Development

Be Our Next Director of Development at Star Island - Where Work Meets Inspiration!

Are you ready to dive into a role that combines meaningful work with a supportive community, in a beautiful location? Star Island Corporation (SIC) has been around since 1915 and is a $4.8 million non-profit gem, operating the conference center located on Star Island at the Isles of Shoals, off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. We are calling for a dedicated, collaborative, and enthusiastic full-time Director of Development to join our dynamic team. This unique position not only offers a professional challenge but also the chance to be part of a vibrant community with a rich history and a bright future.

Why Star Island?

Imagine working in a close-knit, supportive environment, and making a real difference every day. Star Island is one of the nine Isles of Shoals located seven miles off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. Our mission is to hold and administer a wide variety of themed conferences and personal retreats including educational, religious, and kindred purposes consistent with the principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. Star Island is a unique place, a place of natural and rugged beauty where each employee is able to share in the experience of Star Island's location and its environment. At work, SIC promotes a culture that stimulates openness, inclusivity, interpersonal communication, professionalism, and a high appreciation for the process. Employees are recognized for their hard work and the skills they bring to the job.

Star Island is an extraordinary place that offers a blend of natural beauty and a warm, inclusive culture. Our mainland office is located in the heart of Portsmouth, NH. If you've been looking for work that inspires and engages you, provides variety, and makes you feel like you are making a difference, this position may be perfect for you.

About the Role:

The Director of Development reports to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is responsible for overseeing Star Island Corporation's (SIC) fund development program. The Director of Development will expand and implement both long-term and annual plans to secure financial support through unrestricted annual giving, planned giving, and targeted fundraising campaigns (including a comprehensive campaign). The Director of Development manages development volunteers and serves as the senior advisor for development to the CEO, the Board of Directors, its committees, volunteers, and other staff members.

Essential Functions:

• Directs and implements SIC's fundraising efforts in alignment with the organization's strategic plan, including initiating, coordinating, and evaluating all fundraising activities.
• In collaboration with the CEO, feasibility study/other consultants, board members, and volunteers, develops and implements goals for targeted fundraising campaigns (including a comprehensive campaign).
• Designs and grows an ambitious annual fund program to increase unrestricted private donations year over year.
• Manages and expands a robust donor portfolio to boost annual unrestricted and restricted income through prospect identification, engagement, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Oversees, advises, and supports staff, consultant, and volunteer efforts related to all SIC fundraising activities, including various full-time positions (Communications Coordinator, Island Registrar, and Accounting, Development & Database Associate (ADDA)), as well as a part-time development support position, feasibility study/other consultants, and conference, committee, and other fundraising volunteers. Trains new development staff as needed.
• Plays a leadership role with SIC's marketing and communications efforts, working with the staff marketing team, committees, and volunteers.
• Identifies and cultivates engagement opportunities for donors and volunteers in the Seacoast Region in order to grow and deepen local community involvement and commitment.
• Collaborates with the CEO to manage SIC's planned giving program.
• Manages a growing corporate sponsorship program, including event sponsorships.
• Develops plans for researching donors and creating donor profiles.
• Oversees the maintenance of donor records in collaboration with the ADDA and Island Registrar.
• In collaboration with the Communications Coordinator, organizes and executes annual fundraising events.
• Researches, writes, secures, and reports on grants.
• Oversees production of routine and special report, in collaboration with ADDA.
• Works closely with the Finance Manager and ADDA to ensure precise pledge and gift tracking and timely acknowledment.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge, Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including effectively designing and managing programs and activities.
• Proven ability to multi-task and collaborate effectively with different individuals and departments; excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing of major gifts and meeting overall fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated effective leadership and proven initiative to manage, inspire and advise front-line fundraising volunteers.
• Strong strategic and analytical skills; demonstrated problem-solving ability.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills; including marketing and outreach skills, particularly within the realm of fundraising.
• Strong proficiency with MS Office suite and donor management software (including Raiser's Edge).
• Overnight stay/residency on Island during the conference season (June-September: typically 5 days & nights/week).

Compensation & Benefits

• This is a full-time opportunity with a flexible hybrid office work schedule (October-May: typically 3-4 days/week in Portsmouth, NH, office & 1-2 days/week remote (if desired)).
• The salary range is $70,000 to $85,000 depending on education and experience.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Comprehensive benefits including Health with Health Savings and Reimbursement, Dental, Life, and Long-term and Short-term disability insurance.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 5% contribution after one year of service.
• Transportation to and from the island as well as rustic on-island housing and meals are provided at no cost to the employee.

Embark on this unique adventure with Star Island, where your contributions make waves. Ready to join us? Let's make a difference together.

At Star Island Corporation, we appreciate the value and richness of different perspectives and experiences. We constantly strive to be a more diverse and inclusive workplace. We work to make everyone feel welcomed and engaged as a valued member of the team. We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Star Island will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.