Director of Resource Development and External Affairs

Development Director

General Scope of Responsibility
The Development Director is responsible for the School's fundraising and communications activities at the direction of the Executive Director.

Relationship Within the Organization
The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director.

Specific Development Responsibilities

Fund Development:

  • Create and implement the plans for all development activities, working closely with the Director of Leadership Gifts, Executive Director, Board of Directors, volunteers and staff.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, close and steward major gift prospects and donors.
  • Increase corporate, foundation, civic group and individual financial support and volunteerism through the development of grant proposals and all supporting materials and strategies
  • Create and direct annual giving program and other mail campaigns.
  • Direct the Family Voice giving program, including creation of financial goals and communication materials, as well as identification, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors. Work closely with FALC leader in meeting our Family Voice goals.
  • Develop and implement the overall goals of the Sounds Society giving program with the cooperation of the Director of Leadership Giving, Development Committee, Executive Director and Board of Directors.
  • Manage fundraising special events and other cultivation and stewardship events. Achieve net financial goals for fundraising events.

Financial/Budget Development:

  • Develop and manage receipt and expense budget for development activities.
  • Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals with an annual increase of 8% in overall donations, with an increase of 30% in Sounds Society.

Board Relations:

  • Assist the Executive Director and Governance committee in identification and cultivation of prospective members.
  • Assist the Board in identification, cultivation and stewardship of prospective and current donors.
  • Provide Board orientation and training, including motivating members on major gift cultivation and solicitation.
  • Write and present development reports at Board meetings.
  • Serve on Board committees as directed by the Executive Director. Currently Development Committee, Marketing Committee and Governance Committee.

Information Management:

  • Ensure ethical and appropriate financial administration of contributed income including overseeing the maintenance of the database, software, and donor and prospect records.
  • Train and supervise appropriate staff on data base software.

Community Relations:

  • Represent Child's Voice at various trade shows and conferences.
  • Develop and implement events to increase community visibility and fundraising, working closely with appropriate volunteers and staff.
  • Seek opportunities in community and professional organizations for presentations about the school.
  • Develop and coordinate proposals for in-kind and sponsorship contributions.
  • Participate in organizational marketing as it relates to increasing fund development and visibility of School.

Communications:

  • Write and produce newsletters in cooperation with appropriate staff and volunteers.
  • Create press releases and pitch letters to local/regional news outlets for promotion of Child’s Voice mission and events.
  • Create or oversee all materials used in promoting Child's Voice in the community.
  • Create and provide the Board of Directors, Executive Director, Development Committee, and volunteers appropriate reports in regards to prospects and current donors.
  • Create annual report distributed to all donors, Advisory Council, community partners, supporting school districts/co-ops and other appropriate organizations.
  • Write annual report to Oberkotter Foundation.
  • Maintain up-to-date web site information.
  • Work with Oberkotter web site webmaster.

Specific Administrative/Program Responsibilities

Other:

  • Spend a minimum of 65% of time in the field representing Child’s Voice to appropriate individuals, businesses, civic groups and foundations.
  • Supervise Development Administrative Assistant.
  • Actively participate in school activities.
  • Assist Executive Director in other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor's degree required, graduate degree preferred in Non-Profit Management or related fields.

Experience

  • A minimum of 5 years of successful and verifiable experience in fundraising and staff supervision.
  • Proven track record of fundraising success, including increasing overall funds raised and development of creative fundraising activities/events.
  • Proven track record in success working with individual, corporate and foundation major gift prospects and donors.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with and motivate board members, volunteers and other constituents.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of Chicago area philanthropy.
  • Ability to work independently, as well as cooperatively in a group with a variety of people.

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