The Director of Development is responsible for managing an active department at Blandford Nature Center. This department is responsible for all fundraising activities, special events and facility rentals, and organizational marketing and communications. This includes: preparing comprehensive fundraising plans, motivating and coordinating efforts of board members, volunteers, and staff in fundraising activities; and educating, cultivating, and soliciting donors and prospects. Given the close relationship between communications and fundraising, the Director of Development also supervises staff and volunteers as they accomplish goals related to marketing and communications. This position is also responsible for overseeing facility rentals and special events. The position currently directly supervises three full-time employees – a Development Associate, the Marketing & Communications Manager, and the Rental & Event Manager.



This is an exempt, full-time position requiring 40+ hours per week with benefits. The position offers paid vacation and holidays. The work schedule is generally weekday business hours (9 am to 5 pm) with evenings and weekends required for special fundraising and donor cultivation events.



Duties & Responsibilities:



Administer the Comprehensive Fundraising Program



Plan, set goals, and execute initiatives for the annual fund, the membership program, foundation grants, major gifts, planned giving, government relations, and special campaigns and fundraising events/galas

Engage the President/CEO, board members, and staff in strategic conversations and activities tied to planning and securing philanthropic funds

Work closely with the President/CEO and the External Affairs Committee Chair to organize and focus the work of the Committee

Assist President/CEO and Board/External Affairs Committee members with identifying and setting up meetings with key donors/prospects

Raise Money



Identify, cultivate, solicit, steward, and recognize donors and prospects

Inform donors and prospects about the Center’s mission and programs, develop the case for support, and create opportunities for giving

Oversee and manage donor tracking system to ensure accountability and support long-term goals

Provide leadership to the fundraising program by securing funds through individual and team efforts

Oversee and build a donor stewardship program

Oversee appeals, correspondence, and record-keeping

Supervise the planning and implementation of all fundraising events

Administer the Comprehensive Marketing & Communications Program



Oversee the creation and implementation of plans, and budget for, Blandford Nature Center’s comprehensive marketing program (print materials, social media, website, media outreach, etc.)

Administer the Facility Rental Program



Oversee the creation and implementation of plans, marketing materials, and budget for Blandford Nature Center’s facility rental program

Additional



Create and manage a Development Department budget that includes fundraising/rentals/marketing goals and expenses

Builds and maintains positive working relationships with staff, board members, and volunteers.

Train and mentor staff and volunteers in fundraising practices and techniques

Provide monthly department reports to the President/CEO and External Affairs Committee Chair

Attend staff meetings and participate in staff development

Assess Department operations and recommend improvements to President/CEO

Coordinate with other staff and follow appropriate bookkeeping procedures as needed

The attitudes and personal characteristics demonstrated in this position are



Self-motivated, problem solver with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Make decisions requiring good judgment in the absence of specific directions

Detailed-oriented, meticulous and organized

Ability to organize and prioritize multiple assignments and activities

Enthusiasm, poise, flexibility, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude

Technology savvy and able to learn new computer programs

Projecting a positive and professional image within and outside the organization

Qualifications:



Fundraising experience with demonstrated success as an individual performer in a fundraising capacity and as a member of a fundraising team within a nonprofit organization

Familiarity and/or direct professional experience with all areas of fund development, including annual fund, major gifts, grant writing, planned giving, administration, and correspondence

Familiarity and/or direct professional experience in marketing and communications

Excellent communication skills. Able to effectively interact well on the phone and in writing

Excellent computer skills required, including Microsoft Office Suite, and mail merge. Knowledge of DonorSnap a plus

Criminal history background check will be required

Valid driver's license required for periodic errands

Supervisory experience preferred