Director of Development

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Director of Development is a full-time position for NSKS’ resource development functions, including the Annual Fund, events, donor stewardship, grant writing, and foundation relations. The Director of Development will manage the development team as well as a portfolio of major gift prospects and work closely with board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

 Strategic Planning

• Work closely with the Executive Director to create a sustainable fundraising strategy, focusing on individual giving, corporate sponsors, grants and special events, designed to meet the ongoing funding needs of NSKS and align with the three-year strategic plan.

Fundraising and Donor Relations 

• Supervise execution of annual fundraising campaign, including but not limited to direct mail appeals, annual benefit, grants, and individual donor cultivation.
• Evaluate existing philanthropic giving and identify opportunities to grow revenue.
• Research foundations and write and/or edit grant proposals.
• Oversee gift acknowledgement, donor recognition, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteer committees on special events, taking lead responsibility for sponsor solicitation.
• Cultivate area corporate relationships to increase both financial and in-kind support.
• Develop a robust donor pipeline of individual donors, corporate partners, foundations and government agencies through prospecting, cultivation and maintenance.  
• Lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, with a focus on managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Build and maintain strong and meaningful relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.

Communications

• Develop materials to be used as tools in the development process: impact statements, donor letters, fundraising brochures, email solicitations, newsletter articles, website, annual report and more.
• Work with communications staff and consultants to maintain clear and consistent messaging in all media venues, including print and online solicitation materials.
• Align development strategies with communications efforts to elevate community awareness and branding for NSKS.

Leadership and Strategy

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the Development team, including overseeing staff and vendors supporting grants, events, and marketing efforts.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals and community needs.
• Develop metrics and reporting systems to track fundraising performance and donor engagement.
• Ensure effective use of donor database (CRM) for prospect tracking, donor engagement, and gift acknowledgment.
• Participate in committees and sub-committees of the Board of Directors.
• Build the board’s understanding of their role in fundraising and their fundraising activity, providing training on fundraising.
• Communicate with program staff to be fully informed of NSKS’ work.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Attendance is an essential function of the job.
• Understand, believe, and advocate for the mission of the NSKS.
• Maintain strict standards of client and donor confidentiality.
• Adhere to agency policies, procedures, and a professional code of ethics.
• Assist in fostering good public relations of the agency.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, staff training programs, supervisory sessions, and accept the responsibility for aiding in the development of positive team relationships.
• Participate in formalized training that would increase skills.
• Flexibility in work schedule.

Education and Experience

The successful candidate will:

• Have 3+ years supervisory experience able to supervise and manage a team of up to five individuals.
• Have 5-7 years of experience in non-profit fundraising including major gift solicitation.
• Database management is required.
• Be a detail-oriented, organized, and engaging Development Professional.
• Must exhibit strong, principled, collaborative leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required.
• Must be able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, work as part of a team, lead a team, and be willing to take on responsibilities beyond those explicitly assigned.
• Additionally, the individual will have excellent interpersonal skills and overall teachability. The candidate must also exercise sound judgment regarding confidential matters.
• Bachelor’s Degree (advanced degree preferred).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A strategic approach to management that balances control of details with the big picture.
• Familiarity with Raisers’ Edge or CRM platform.
• Innovative thinking and an eagerness to take on ambitious goals.
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills and diplomacy.
• Comfort with public speaking, and the ability to deliver a message concisely and effectively.  
• Excellent written communication, research, and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership qualities, with the ability to inspire a team toward a common goal.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent timelines and projects.
• Experience with budget management and preparation of financial reports
• Computer proficiency and experience with fundraising databases, Microsoft Office, and social media platforms is essential.
• Understanding of the issues associated with being food insecure, chronically mentally ill and/or alcoholic and/or homeless.
• Respect for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances, is required.