Director of Development, Major Gifts

Position/Title: Director of Development, Major Gifts
Organization: The Refuge Center for Counseling
Reports to: Associate Director
Work Location: Franklin office, Field work

Purpose of the Position:
The Director of Development must be a seasoned and polished fundraising professional who understands and is able to articulate the nature and importance of the Refuge Center.

As the Director of Development, you will lead efforts to connect current and prospective major gift donors to the Refuge Center by soliciting for, and ultimately coordinating, the giving of their time, their talents, and their philanthropic resources. You will work to build meaningful, long-lasting relationship with diverse community stakeholders, donors, and partners all in the name of advancing the mission of the Refuge Center.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
The Director of Development serves as a major gift officer – driving forward the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals, churches and corporations that are capable of making gifts of $10,000 or greater. Outright gifts, pledges, corporate and foundation awards, and planned gifts at this level are all part of the Director’s portfolio.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive major gifts program that includes solicitation strategies, donor recognition, and stewardship programs.
• Research, identify, and cultivate a portfolio of major donor prospects capable of making significant financial contributions.
• Work closely with board members, executives, and other key stakeholders to engage and solicit major donors.
• Create and deliver compelling proposals and presentations to potential major donors that connect their interests and passions with the organization's mission.
• Effectively track and manage donor information and interactions in the organization's donor management system.
• Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with organizational goals.
• Major Donor Engagement: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with major donors ($10K ), collaborating with the CEO and Associate Director for stewardship and solicitation.
• Planned Giving: Create and implement a planned giving strategy to support the future sustainability of the organization.
• Board Engagement: Serve as a liaison to the Board’s Development Committee in collaboration with the CEO and Associate Director ensuring effective communication and coordination.
• Corporate & Institutional Partnerships: Identify and secure new funding sources to enhance long-term sustainability and financial growth. Secure corporate sponsorships for the annual Hope Grows event and additional events benefiting the organization.
• Campaign Leadership: Oversee endowment campaigns and other fundraising initiatives that support the Refuge Center for Counseling mission.
• Team Engagement and Collaboration- will work cross-functionally with marketing, grants, leadership and other areas, as well as the broader development team, to achieve fundraising goals.

Enhance performance standards by:

• Meeting or exceeding established performance standards
• Fostering a spirit of cooperation
• Understanding and effectively communicating Refuge's mission, vision and values
• Clearly communicating concerns and questions to senior leadership

Approach each situation with a high degree of professionalism by:

• Exercising good judgment in discussing issues and results with the team
• Maintaining composure and a calm demeanor during challenging situations
• Respecting the need for confidentiality of donors and colleagues
• Performing other duties as assigned

Education and Certifications:

• A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• Two years of relevant fundraising experience, or the equivalent, is necessary. Three of more years is preferred.
• Willingness, ability and track record of personally soliciting gifts of $10,000 and larger
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to articulate the needs, interests, and accomplishments of the Refuge Center.
• Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with potential and current donors
• Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information
• Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Refuge's donor management system
• A proven record of achievement in major gift fundraising
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, specifically in the areas of proposal and presentation development
• Familiarity with the philanthropic landscape of Williamson County and Middle Tennessee
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities are essential
• Driving is considered an essential job function for this role. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, required auto-insurance and a satisfactory driving record
• Some evening and weekend work, as needed
• Familiar with CRM nonprofit software and donor databases
• A collaborative person who is driven by the success of the team and the organization; an open, friendly individual who is perceived as credible, competent, trustworthy, and team oriented, welcoming and appreciative of input from others

The Refuge Center for Counseling provides equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment. The Refuge Center also provides equal opportunity for individuals to receive services. No person will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability. Each person is judged on his/her own merit in determining employment, advancement opportunities and services rendered.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person