Vice President of Resource Development

REPORTING TO: President and Chief Executive Officer

DEPARTMENT: Resource Development

EXEMPT OR NON-EXEMPT: Exempt

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THIS ROLE

The Vice President of Resource Development is a key executive leader responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive and innovative fundraising strategy to sustain and grow the organization's financial and community impact. As a member of the executive leadership team, the VP of Resource Development will align resource development with the organization's strategic objectives and long-term vision, cultivating relationships that drive philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture and create long-term fundraising plans that align with organizational goals.
• Results-Driven: Strong accountability in meeting and exceeding revenue targets and donor engagement benchmarks.
• Relationship Building: Deep commitment to developing and stewarding meaningful partnerships with donors and stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Influence: Ability to work effectively across teams and inspire action among colleagues, volunteers, and supporters.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: A forward-thinking mindset that embraces new fundraising techniques and emerging technologies.
• Brand & Mission Stewardship: Ability to represent the organization with credibility and passion to elevate its public profile.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, business development, or sales, with a proven track record of securing high-level investments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns with measurable success.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and negotiation skills with donors, corporate partners, and board members.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable fundraising strategies.
• Proficiency in donor Microsoft office, database management, CRM systems, and digital fundraising tools.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the mission of the organization.
• Demonstrated competence of the field of volunteer management.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Ability to organize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and pay careful attention to detail.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, proof of automobile insurance and a good driving record. Must be able to drive in order to perform work duties throughout the regional service delivery area.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and execute a multi-year resource development strategy that diversifies revenue streams and enhances financial sustainability.
• Lead the organization in achieving ambitious fundraising goals, ensuring a significant and growing return on investment.
• Oversee major giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving, special campaigns, and grant development.
• Leverage data-driven insights to optimize fundraising efforts and improve donor retention, engagement, and acquisition strategies.
• Identify and analyze funding sources and trends to position the organization ahead of major shifts in philanthropy and donor behavior.

Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management

• Establish, cultivate, and maintain high-level relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations to increase philanthropic investments.
• Serve as a lead ambassador, representing the organization externally to strengthen brand visibility and community engagement.
• Oversee a portfolio of high-impact donor relationships, ensuring personalized engagement strategies that result in sustained giving.
• Develop donor engagement strategies that align with the organization's mission, storytelling, and impact-driven initiatives.

Executive & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive leadership team to align fundraising initiatives with the organization's mission and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for the development team, ensuring high performance and accountability.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications to drive donor-centric messaging and impactful storytelling to support development efforts.
• Work with Finance to ensure transparent financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting related to fundraising revenue and expenses.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Engage Board members, campaign committees, and key volunteers in fundraising efforts, equipping them with the tools and strategies necessary to be effective advocates.
• Provide leadership to development-related committees, offering strategic direction and accountability to fundraising goals.
• Train and support board members and other key stakeholders in donor engagement and fundraising best practices.

Operational Excellence & Performance Metrics

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track fundraising success and improve donor engagement strategies.
• Implement and oversee a robust donor database and CRM system to ensure effective donor management and segmentation.
• Ensure compliance with all ethical, legal, and financial standards in fundraising and donor relations.
• Drive innovation in fundraising methodologies, ensuring best-in-class strategies that are adaptable to changing market conditions.

General

• Work effectively with staff and volunteers in spirit of teamwork, with demonstrated passion for United Way of Northwest Louisiana's mission.
• Serve as an ambassador for United Way of Northwest Louisiana and represent the organization professionally and enthusiastically.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization as requested by the CEO.
• Attend scheduled meetings, trainings, and other United Way functions..
• Write solicitation and acknowledgement letters, meeting memos and general correspondence.
• Maintains ongoing contact with others at different levels inside and outside the organization. Required to use tact and judgment at all times with others and inspire support from donors in all types of positions.
• Provides exceptional customer service to both internal and external volunteers and donors.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the CEO

SUPERVISION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Supervisory Direction Received: Works in support of and at the direction of the CEO/President.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the requisite essential functions.

This multi-faceted position involves sorting, packing, stocking, loading and unloading of program supplies; participating in community fairs, school makeover events and other off-site activities, including set-up and tear-down; driving for various assignments; assisting in projects; general maintenance of program facilities, including creating displays, hanging signage and light cleaning; managing volunteer projects, including set-up and clean-up; and a variety of other physical tasks. These activities involve the ability to twist, pull, push, lift, (up to 50 lbs.), bend, squat, climb, walk, stand, and sit for extended periods; use of dolly and/or pallet jack (with proper training); manual dexterity for operating small tools & equipment; and visual acuity for driving and computer use.