WISSAHICKON VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
12 Morris Road, Ambler, PA 19002
Job Description: Director of Development and Communications – Full Time, Salaried
Reports to: Executive Director and acts as Liaison to the Board of Directors
Job purpose
The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association (WVWA) has emerged as a leader in the conservation of land and a champion for improving water quality in the Philadelphia metropolitan area, attracting the attention and increasing support of key foundations and individual donors. It is seeking a Director of Development and Communications with the professional experience, proven skills, and talent to lead the organization to new fundraising heights, with the full engagement of the Board, the Executive Director, and the development team.
The Director of Development and Communications is charged with primary responsibility for managing and implementing the organization’s professional development plan, engaging the members of the development team, the Executive Director and the Board to raise an annual overall budgetary goal of $1.5 M+. The Director of Development handles the planning, execution, control and evaluation of major gift fundraising, guides the annual fund and membership campaigns, oversees public relations, and directs community outreach activities that serve as the entry point for volunteers and donors. The Director of Development leads and mentors a team of three additional development staff members to grow the fundraising capacity of the organization year over year.
Duties and Responsibilities
- More than 60% of the Director of Development’s effort will be dedicated to planning and executing the organization’s major gifts program, managing relationships and securing support from donors who are capable of making gifts of $1,000 to $1M. This includes all aspects of the gift cycle: (1) to initiate contacts with potential major donors; (2) to develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them, including working with volunteers; (3) to move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure; (4) to make solicitations when appropriate; and (5) to maintain stewardship contacts with donors.
- Oversee and improve the effectiveness of the organization’s corporate and foundation fundraising efforts through a systematic program of research, proposal writing, development of corporate sponsor relationships, and stewardship of these key sources of support.
- Oversee and improve the performance of the annual fund, membership, and volunteer programs by working with staff to continuously develop and test strategic enhancements.
- Oversee and improve communications, messages and materials to enhance the organization’s outreach and engagement effectiveness. Work with Board and staff to create and maintain a high level of awareness of the organization’s activities, programs, and needs among all constituencies.
- Design, oversee, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of three special fundraising events each year.
- Work with the administrative team to set the annual budget and fundraising goals based on a clear and comprehensive understanding of organizational priorities and the fundraising potential of the development department in the year ahead.
- Mentor and manage a development team of three members.
- Develop and implement programs for staff professional development; document and improve development department processes; and track progress over time.
- Assist with Board development and training as appropriate. Provide support and information to the Board as required. Serve as liaison to appropriate Board committees as necessary.
- Keep current on the programs and initiatives of the organization
- Other duties as assigned
Education and Experience
- Minimum of 10 years progressively responsible and successful experience in fundraising, including five or more years of individual major gift fundraising and two or more years of management experience.
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in fundraising or business, public or nonprofit administration and management, preferred.
Qualifications
- The ideal candidate cares deeply about the development profession and mentoring development team members, is interested in all aspects of conservation, and is dedicated to promoting the organization’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent working relationships with program staff, board members, donors, volunteers, and the development team.
- Ability to understand the needs and interests of major donors in order to develop relationships between them and the organization.
- Ability to initiate, analyze, monitor, evaluate and alter strategic advancement plans.
- Ability to articulate the case for support so that individuals “buy into” the vision/mission/goals of the organization and understand with sufficient effectiveness to secure major gifts and pledges.
- Ability to work independently while also working effectively as a member of the development team and the organization as a whole.
- Demonstrates leadership qualities and the ability to successfully manage diverse activities.
- Excellent oral, written, interpersonal, analytical, and organization skills required.
- Must be able to travel around the region. Driver’s license required.
- Submit resume and cover letter to jobopportunity@wvwa.org
