Key Responsibilities:
The Development Manager plays a key role on the Fund Development team by building Thrive’s individual giving program. With a strong focus on mid-level prospects and donors, this position is also responsible for fundraising and cultivation events, annual fund appeals, donor communications and workplace giving. This position reports to the Director of Fund Development.
Fund Development Execution (80%)
Implement fundraising campaigns, initiatives and events to secure contributions from individuals:
Build and manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects ($500-5,000)
Plan and execute fundraising and donor cultivation events, including the Leadership Luncheon signature fundraising event
Produce annual fund appeals
Create and implement a plan to engage individual donors across the state, specifically focusing on donors outside the Puget Sound region
Support CEO and Director of Fund Development in managing major donor and board member relationships
In coordination with Thrive’s Communications Team, create and implement a donor-centered communications plan to cultivate relationships with donors and funders
Launch new strategies to encourage participation in workplace giving and corporate matching gifts
Support board members and board committees working on individual donor development
Fund Development Planning (20%)
Work with Director of Fund Development, CEO and the Fund Development and Communications Committee to develop and periodically refine a plan for individual giving that includes revenue goals, objectives and strategies for identifying, cultivating and soliciting gifts
Develop and maintain good working knowledge and real-time awareness of Thrive’s current initiatives and objectives
Integrate Thrive’s case, central promise and strategic vision with messages to current and potential donors
Work with program staff to identify activities that provide natural and high-value opportunities to use in cultivation and stewardship of donors
Identify and solicit new donors through prospect research, database analysis and board members
Key Qualifications:
Thrive seeks an energetic, strategic and self-motivated professional to join our dynamic Fund Development team. The successful candidate will have significant experience with donor-centric communications and a love of finding creative ways to engage donors with an organization’s mission. A passion for early learning and creating opportunities for every child in our state to get a great start in life is highly desired. In addition to demonstrated success in the above areas of work, the ideal candidate will have:
Successful track record in building and growing an individual giving program
Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Experience planning and managing events
Ability to create compelling donor solicitation, acknowledgement and stewardship pieces. Ability to craft inspiring messages for print, electronic and verbal script materials.
Experience integrating social media and electronic communications into fundraising campaigns
Ability to manage multiple projects with competing demands while maintaining a commitment to excellence
High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidential donor information
Strong organizational and project management skills including meticulous attention to detail and ability to create efficiencies
Able to work well independently and as part of a team
Experience tracking donors and campaigns and reporting on fundraising results using a donor database, preferably Bloomerang
Sense of humor and flexible demeanor
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree and five years of fundraising experience is required. A certificate in fund development and/or nonprofit management is desirable. Experience with social media and technology-based fund development strategies desirable. Familiarity with early learning programs/initiatives and education reform efforts is desired.
About Thrive:
Thrive Washington is the state’s public-private partnership for early learning. We proudly work with local, regional, state, tribal and national partners to make sure everyone from individual families to entire communities have what they need to support a comprehensive, high-quality early learning environment that gives every child a great start in school and life. Our activity is focused on engaging and supporting families, energizing communities, advocating for policies that will have the biggest impact, fundraising, and providing strategic grants. Thrive’s closest partner is the Washington State Department of Early Learning.
How to apply
To apply, please send a resume and thoughtful, succinct letter of introduction to: hr@thrivewa.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the job is open until filled, with a first review date of July 27, 2015.