About Connecting Generations:
Connecting Generations has been helping at-risk youth in Delaware for over 28 years. Through school-based mentoring and classroom workshops, we help students develop the social-emotional skills necessary for academic success. We support over 100 mentoring programs throughout the state in which approximately 1300 volunteer mentors meet with 1400 youth once a week during the school year. Our workshops engage 1000 students each year in learning how to control emotions and behaviors and develop positive relationships with peers and adults. We are Delaware's largest mentoring organization and a leading provider of social emotional programs for schools.
About the Development Director Position:
We're looking for someone with a demonstrated track record of effective fundraising, primarily through building strong relationships with foundations and donors. Over the past two years, we have created a series of fund raising activities (annual giving campaign, events, grant seeking and donor development) and want someone to improve and grow each of those activities. All our fund raising is for operational activities; we have no buildings or other major capital assets.
You will be expected to lead both communications and fundraising, with support from the Executive Director and Board of Directors. You must be pro-active, highly organized, and able to work in a diverse, team-based environment. You must be able to prioritize work and allocate your time effectively.
This is an opportunity to be part of a strong and passionate team of professionals who are dedicated to helping youth succeed. You will have support from both staff and the board, as well as from large donors. The organization is committed to the success of this position and the person leading it.
Job Responsibilities:
- Meet prospective donors, foundations and supporters on a continual basis to establish and grow effective relationships with them. Ability to interact effectively with business leaders and Delaware legislators is critical.
- Oversee grant seeking, including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
- Direct the annual giving program, including mailings, emails, social media and personal outreach to donors.
- Organize and manage an annual fund raising event, including all logistical planning, acquisition of sponsors, creation and oversight of an event planning committee, and follow up with attendees.
- Recruit volunteers (including board members) to help with fundraising efforts.
- Directly manage the fundraising database and donor tracking system.
- Work with the Executive Director and staff to identify potential new events and fund raising opportunities.
- Work with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on development strategy.
- Make public appearances to share information about Connecting Generations.
- Oversee the creation of materials to support fund raising activities, including regular donor communications and an annual report.
- Maintain gift recognition programs.
- Demonstrate professional conduct at all times, and be able to work effectively in a team environment.
- Perform other related duties as requested.
Qualifications:
- Must embrace the mission of Connecting Generations.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills (especially writing and public speaking).
- Have knowledge and experience in fund raising techniques, particularly in building strong relationships with foundations and individual donors.
- Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers.
- Have the motivation and skills to build external relationships.
- Be a "self-starter" and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
- Be organized and exhibit both careful planning and follow through on tasks and goals.
- Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability.
- A bachelor's degree.
- 3-5 years minimum experience in professional fundraising.
Salary commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Includes medical/dental and retirement. Flexible work hours. Generous holidays/vacations- we take work/life balance very seriously. Downtown Wilmington office (Community Services Building). Free parking.
Send cover letter and resume to bgaerity@connecting-generations.org by December 21. No phone calls.
