What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director Of Development position at The Zones?
Position Overview:
The Development Director is a key leadership position responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising strategy for The Zones. This role will focus on securing revenue through event sponsorships, program sponsorships, and individual giving, with an emphasis on building long-term relationships with donors and sponsors.
Key Responsibilities:
Event Sponsorship
- Lead the planning, execution, and sponsorship strategy for all annual fundraising events, including Zillions for the Zones, membership drive events, and community-based donor engagement gatherings.
- Manage event timelines, sponsorship deliverables, and budgets in collaboration with staff and vendors to ensure smooth and impactful events.
- Develop compelling sponsorship packages that align with each event's mission and visibility opportunities, customizing benefits for businesses and individual sponsors.
- Prospect and secure sponsors at various levels by cultivating relationships with local businesses, corporations, and community leaders.
- Coordinate pre-event and post-event communication with sponsors, ensuring fulfillment of sponsor recognition, signage, media placement, and VIP experiences.
- Track event fundraising goals and analyze results to improve year-over-year performance and deepen sponsor engagement.
Program Sponsorship
- Create and manage program sponsorship opportunities across youth enrichment and athletic programs
- Secure new sponsorships to support seasonal initiatives and themed programming weeks
- Maintain strong partnerships with local businesses, foundations, and community stakeholders
Individual Giving
- Grow and steward a portfolio of individual donors through regular engagement, appeals, and personal outreach
- Collaborate with marketing staff to develop and execute donor communication strategies including campaigns, appeals, and recognition
- Collaborate with the Executive Director and board to identify prospects and solicit gifts
Qualifications:
- 3 years of successful fundraising or development experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
- Proven track record in sponsorship sales and individual donor cultivation
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Familiarity with donor databases (DonorView or similar) is a plus
- Passion for youth development and community impact
