Position Description: Development
Level: Director
October 2012 - Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington (SMGW)
The Director of Development (DD) is responsible for all fundraising activities of Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington (SMGW), the “treasure” aspect of our engagement with individual and congregational donors and partners. This includes but is not limited to: overall strategic planning for fundraising, supporting and training for major gift solicitation by the Executive Director (ED) and Board members including design of donor campaigns, writing grants, seeking sponsorships, drafting development-related publications, overseeing fundraising events including the management of fundraising volunteers and recognition of donors. The DD receives specific staffing support in the areas of communications and special events to accomplish development goals. The DD works with the ED and other staff (especially those handling the “time and talent” aspects) to engage partner congregations and individuals within those congregations. The DD reports to the ED and functions in a relationship of mutual accountability with other senior staff managers, as well as working closely with the Development Committee of the Board to discern development strategies and actions.
Qualifications & Requirements
- At least 5-7 years direct fundraising and development experience, including proven experience (a) writing grants; and, (b) cultivating and soliciting individual donors. At least 2-3 years of that experience should be in the not-for-profit sector.
- Strong analytic and planning skills.
- Substantial computer literacy, Internet, database and MS Office experience.
- Strong interpersonal gifts and skills.
- Proven ability to provide strong organizational leadership for volunteers, committees and Board members, while performing most day-to-day duties independently.
- Professional fundraising certification, (e.g., CFRE). Experience with DonorPerfect software and the Benevon fundraising model are desirable but not required.
- Previous work with non-profit organizations that empower homeless persons desirable but not required.
- Experience with or involvement in the Episcopal Church or other mainline Christian denominations is preferable but not required.
- Driver’s license and preferably has own car or access to one.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
Professional Responsibilities & Relationships
Process & People
- Serve as advisor to the ED in his/her fundraising work, as well as other SMGW staff and Board members on all activities that may impact development.
- Serve as catalyst for the ED, Development Committee, Board of Directors and Parish Council in devising development strategies and plans, setting direction and executing development plans, including (a) a multi-year strategy and plan for fundraising; and, (b) an annual fundraising plan and goals based on the organizations financial needs.
- Serve as the staff liaison to the Development Committee and other fundraising committees, acting as principal advisor to committee chairperson(s).
- Serve as part of the SMGW management team, receiving and offering counsel on the direction, strategy and staffing of the organization.
- As directed by the ED, share the public speaking and engagement role, representing SMGW to its partner congregations and other audiences, particularly but not exclusively in terms of development or “treasure” conversations.
- Collaborate with all staff but especially management team members: ED, plus staff leads for communications, volunteers, program, and administration-finance. Given the nature of the work, collaboration with the ED and the staff for communication and volunteers are particularly important.
- Oversee development interns and staff as well as volunteers in support of fundraising activities.
Principal Projects & Tasks
- Grant researching and writing of both new and repeating funding proposals to foundations, corporations and government agencies, including preparation of the necessary follow-up reports with grantors.
- Support and manage all fundraising activities and solicitations including support for and solicitation of individual prospects, a responsibility shared with the ED, Board and Parish Partner leaders.
- Develop and produce fundraising-related mailings, publications and other materials, coordinating as necessary and appropriate with the Communications Coordinator and available volunteers.
- Manage SMGW’s participation in the United Way/Combined Federal Campaign including the SMGW in-house campaign.
- Supervise and execute SMGW’s participation in the Fannie Mae Help-the-Homeless Program and other similar programs with the support of the Communications Coordinator and others.
- Oversee and organize the major fundraising events, such as the annual Next Step Breakfast and the annual SMGW Gala, with the support of volunteers and other staff.
Administration and Acknowledgment
- Contribute to the budgeting process with the ED and the Finance committee, in particular through projections of fundraising income.
- Provide regular financial reports of funds raised to donors, SMGW staff, Partner Parish Reps, and Board/Development Committee, as requested.
- Ensure that donor records for both cash and in-kind contributions are complete both in terms of paper files and the DonorPerfect database, with the assistance of the Communications Coordinator or other staff.
- Ensure that appropriate thank-you letters are generated and sent out on a timely basis, with the assistance of other support staff; oversee maintenance of records in the DonorPerfect database.
- With SMGW staff, develop and implement recognition events for donors.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as they are received.
To apply, send a resume and a cover explaining why you think this might be a match for you and SMGW to:
The Rev. David B. Wolf, Executive Director of Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington at dwolf@samaritanministry.org by Nov. 1, 2012.
Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include related continuing education and membership in AFP.
