Director of Development

The Director of Development is responsible for leading the strategic direction of the organization’s fundraising operation, which includes both developing a comprehensive strategy for building a sustainable fundraising operation and overseeing the daily activities of the Development Department including fundraising, events, donor relations, grant writing, in‐kind donations and volunteer program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Work with Executive Director to support organization priorities by establishing and implementing both short and long-range goals for the development department with the goal of increasing donor engagement and fundraising outcomes.
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• Support the Executive Director by developing a strategy to use the Director’s time effectively with high-value return on time invested in fundraising activity. Coordinates essential functions with peers on the leadership team to create an integrated fundraising program.
• Supervise development staff, completing annual evaluations and performance plans, for Development Associate (database management, event support, acknowledgments and receipts) and Communication Manager (media and social media management, website development and content, appeal coordination)
• Supervise all fundraising functions including major gifts, grant writing and reporting, e-philanthropy, donor communications, annual giving, planned giving, and more.
• Produce and oversee the creation of newsletters and appeals. Professionally and effectively work with other departments, donors and community groups to ensure efficient and high‐quality communications.
• Maintain relationships with local, state and national organizations to maximize fundraising.
• Oversee event‐planning activities, partnering with other departments as necessary. Support organizations/individuals hosting 3rd party events/fundraisers and grow 3rd party income.
• Maintain and manage a portfolio of major donor prospects. Utilize moves management to increase unrestricted funding from individuals. Involve/support Executive Director to maximize relationships and funding.
• Manage donor relationships (individuals, corporations, foundations, organizations). Assist in building and maintaining relationships with current and new donors.
• Build a culture of philanthropy with Board, Staff, volunteers, donors, and public.
• Ensure funding requests and reports are submitted in a timely fashion. Work with other departments to ensure grant outcomes are met or exceeded.
• Successfully reach fundraising goal to ensure organization’s mission, programs, and budget.
• Oversee the annual giving campaign and initiate targeted appeals to current and potential donors. Increase donor retention and acquisition.
• Solicit in-kind support as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work with Executive Director to create and implement annual development plan and calendar.
• Support Executive Director as needed and assume additional responsibilities as needed or directed.

Required Qualifications:

• Experience with fundraising for an organization with 2M+ operating budget.
• The ideal candidate will have five to ten years of frontline fundraising with a variety of donor types: individuals, corporations, and granting foundations and should have a broad perspective of all aspects of fundraising from major gifts to annual giving. The ability to effectively lead and supervise others is essential to this position, as is the ability to collaborate effectively with peers in a diverse and inclusive working environment. This is a senior level position on this team and the ability to shape culture and drive measurable outcomes is a requirement.

Desired Skills

• Be proficient with fundraising/database software; Donor Perfect preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Must be able to work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Computer proficiency (including Microsoft Office) and the ability to learn new programs.
• Be organized, able to prioritize work, able to multi-task and handle multiple responsibilities
• Have excellent organization, planning, follow-up and problem-solving skills

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter via email to jobs@lgbtcleveland.org and put “Director of Development” in the subject line