Director of Development

Position Summary

The Development Director reports to the Executive Director and provides overall leadership for fundraising and development programs including major gift fundraising, annual gift fundraising, corporate/foundation gifts and sponsorships, planned giving, prospect research, special events and database management. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and donors at all levels to develop both long-term and immediate strategies and programs for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of constituents in all matters pertaining to philanthropic support of The Study Hall.

 Essential Functions

• Oversee all development activities including annual and capital campaigns, major gifts, special events, planned giving, prospect research, grant writing, volunteer management, donor cultivation and stewardship.

• Build relationships with key stakeholders such as corporations, foundations and individuals while expanding and diversifying the donor base through an ongoing cultivation and stewardship program.

·      Work closely with the Executive Director and board of directors to appropriately steward existing donors and develop strategies for adding new donors into the pipeline.

·      Prepare briefing and strategy materials for the Executive Director and board members and accompany them on calls to prospective donors for purposes of forming partnerships, building relationships and soliciting donations.

• Maintain an annual fundraising calendar that includes deadlines for submission as well as stewardship reporting.

• Draft and submit grant applications and foundation appeals as well as outcome reports as required by the donor.

• Oversee the effective use and maintenance of The Study Hall’s donor database.

• Research and analyze data to identify and prioritize The Study Hall’s major gift prospects, including development of cultivation and solicitation strategies.

• Develop and oversee a donor recognition plan, including events publications and donor appreciation opportunities.

• Coordinate the receipt and acknowledgement of donations, collection of pledges, ensuring that donor restrictions and specifications are honored, communicating with donors and the public, and maintaining donor records. 

• Oversee the annual fundraising budget including providing periodic reports for the Executive Director and Development Committee with an analysis of all fundraising activities.

• Organize and train board members and volunteers in the solicitation of charitable gifts to The Study Hall and provide them with guidance, support and required materials.

• Represent The Study Hall at events, to volunteer groups, and in the community with the goal of increasing the visibility of The Study Hall’s priorities and needs.

• Assume related responsibilities and perform other duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will have the following:

·      A minimum of 4 - 6 years of successful development experience working with individual, corporate foundation donors

·      Demonstrated success in securing major gifts

·      Excellent verbal and written communications skills including a track record of writing successful grant applications

·      Excellent analytical and organizational skills

·      Strategic thinker who is results-oriented

·      The ability to build confidence and trust

• Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors

·      Experience with DonorPerfect or similar donor database

·      Demonstrated accountability, professionalism, and responsiveness

• A commitment to providing services in accordance with the mission and goals of The Study Hall