Director of Advancement

Are you a dynamic and visionary leader with a passion for making a difference? Cedarcrest is seeking an innovative Director of Advancement to spearhead our development and communications efforts. In this pivotal role, you’ll drive a comprehensive strategy to support our mission, enhance our brand, and secure the resources needed to impact our community positively. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, you will work closely with our Board of Trustees, Advisory Council, and dedicated volunteers to ensure our growth and success. If you have a knack for leading donor-centered initiatives, crafting compelling narratives, and fostering strong community relationships, we want to hear from you!

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:   Manages and implements a comprehensive development and communications plan grounded in the organization’s Strategic Plan, to advance and support the organization’s mission, and increase brand awareness.  The Director of Advancement works closely with the President/CEO, the Board of Trustees, the Advisory Council, and other fundraising volunteers to ensure funding for programmatic and capital needs and maintain and enhance the organization’s image and reputation in the community. The DOA directs, develops, and deploys all marketing, branding, and social media efforts. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Organizes and executes a comprehensive donor-centered fund development program
   • Prepares a case for support and implements a fundraising strategy that includes funds for unrestricted annual support (through direct mail and special events), and temporarily or permanently restricted needs such as special projects, equipment and capital needs, and endowment development and planned giving, including the Sawyer ~ Clement Legacy program and planned gifts marketing
   • Ensures effective donor communications and stewardship, records management, and benchmarking and reporting of appeal outcomes
   • Identifies opportunities for foundation support and submits proposals as appropriate 
   • Supervises the Advancement Assistant ensuring that operations systems and processes are in place including the recording and acknowledgement of donations 
   • Serves as staff liaison to the Advancement Committee
   • Oversees leadership-level volunteers involved in fundraising
2. Promotes the advancement of the organization through coordinated communications and public relations activities 
   • Plans and provides support for all special events including annual meeting and other Board events 
   • Directs the messaging for various constituencies, including trustees, foundations, corporations, donors, volunteers, the media and the community 
   • Serves as media liaison, and as public information officer in the CEO’s absence
   • Oversees the creation of photographic records of significant events and maintains archival photo records for the Cedarcrest
   • Oversees use of cameras and video equipment to ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and Cedarcrest policies; 
   • Oversees Cedarcrest photo gallery
   • Maintains and updates the organization's website
   • Develops and implement strategies for social media (Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, Youtube)
   • Develops marketing materials including presentations, conference displays, brochures, earned media placements, and press releases
   • Oversees preparation of newsletters and annual report
3. Assumes a key role in the management of the organization’s external relations
   • Promotes utilization and cultivation of the Advisory Council
   • Staffs the Advancement, Governance and other Board Committees and task forces as requested and participates, as needed, in the Finance Committee
   • Assumes an active role in Strategic Planning efforts
   • Assists in the development and submission of annual Community Benefits Report and periodic needs assessments, as required
   • Assists in recruitment, training, oversight, and recognition of volunteers assisting in fundraising and development activities 
4.  Provides leadership within the department and the organization. 
   • Develops quality measures and benchmarks for the department’s work
   • Works collaboratively with staff involved in program marketing 
   • Serves as a member of the Leadership Team 
   • Attends meetings of the Board of Trustees, providing a report for the department
   • Oversees the budget for Advancement
   • Identifies training/professional development and marketing/communication needs
   • Participates in on-site and at least one off-site management training program annually
   • Orients staff new to the organization and guides the organization’s managers regarding fundraising and community relations

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Five to seven years of progressively significant professional fundraising experience, donor stewardship, and marketing. Experience in all aspects of campaigning-annual fund, special events, grant writing, major gifts, online giving, and planned giving. Demonstrated success in achieving campaign goals. High level of professional and interpersonal skills, with experience working with volunteers. Knowledge and understanding of CRM databases. Demonstrated ability to develop relationships and engage others in mission-focused outreach. Must have strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple priorities. Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree and CFRE certification preferred.