Director of Development
League of Women Voters of Massachusetts (LWVMA) &
League of Women Voters, Lotte E. Scharfman Memorial Fund (LWVMA Scharfman Fund)
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
We are seeking an experienced, development professional to refine our development strategy and lead fundraising, with a particular focus on increasing individual, corporate and foundation giving. The League’s 3,000+ member volunteers are committed to the organizations’ mission (Empowering Voters and Strengthening Democracy for All in Massachusetts),. As we continue to develop our culture of philanthropy, the League has taken on a compelling social justice platform that requires greater funding to succeed. This is a perfect opportunity for candidates who are persuasive, resilient and comfortable taking initiative.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Development (DOD) will report to the Executive Director and participate as a member of our five-person staff. The DOD is responsible for working with the Executive Director and Board of Directors and membership in a fundraising capacity. The DOD serves as the primary staff liaison to the Development Committee, to analyze research to strategically prioritize prospects and donors. and development efforts to grow revenues and relationships over time and increase the community of funders.
The DOD provides high level strategic leadership, execution, and operational management of the organizations’ current and future development activities, while also focusing on increasing the organizations’ ability to attract and retain donors. The DOD is responsible for creating annual and multi-year strategic development plans and for providing leadership and oversight for all fundraising activities including major gifts, annual fund and social media engagement cultivation, stewardship and fundraising events, corporate and foundation support as well as new opportunities to expand the diversity of our donor base. The DOD will also be responsible for launching a planned giving program. Currently the organizations raise approximately $325,000 (combined) per year through philanthropic support from individuals, foundations corporations and the membership.
The successful candidate will be drawn to the League’s collaborative spirit, integrated work environment and committed culture that values a close, congenial spirit of working together. This position is 30 hours a week between the hours of 9am and 5pm with occasional weekends and evenings. The is a predominantly remote position but will require some in-office time.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Development Strategy
- Provide overall development strategy and leadership, with a particular emphasis on developing and executing the organizations’ short- and long-term fundraising strategies for high-level individual giving as well as strategies to diversify sources of funding.
- Refine and execute an annual plan for fundraising, building on recent development strategy planning, which would include identification of growth areas, measures of success, return on investment, and supporting metrics.
- Increase support from individuals, private foundations and corporate at an annual fund level and leadership level, leading to major gift levels, campaign and planned giving, , to support the organizations’ long-term sustainability and growth strategy.
- Create a planned giving program.
Development Execution
- Identify, research, cultivate, and steward new donors, deepen relationships with existing donors and ensure a rewarding donor experience to increase retention and annual giving.
- Become an expert in the organizations’ programming and speak knowledgeably, passionately, and compellingly about organizational impact, current success stories, and programmatic initiatives.
- Manage development budget and revenue forecasting and report results in a timely manner on a weekly dashboard and monthly report.
- Utilize the capabilities of the organizations’ donor resources to manage the entire donation process and produce reports that inform development efforts.
- Lead the grant seeking and writing process, which includes completing grant applications and reporting requirements, as well as researching potential new funders.
- Work closely with the Membership & Community Engagement Manager on public relations and marketing efforts.
- Write clear and compelling communications to institutional funders, donors, and community members.
- Work closely with the Administrative & Program Manager to maximize efficiencies, complement revenue growth strategy, conduct donor research and jointly manage membership solicitation initiatives including but not limited to direct mail, phonathons, thankathons, cultivation and follow up calls to donors who are giving below $250.00 -$500.00.
Qualifications
- Passion for our mission of empowering voters and defending democracy
- 5+ years of development experience
- Experience in creating annual fundraising plans and development calendars
- Experience in creating a planned giving program
- Proven record of measurable accomplishments in fundraising, particularly in the areas of individual major gifts, with a working knowledge of all other aspects of fundraising, such as corporate giving, annual campaigns including social media, special events and foundation support
- Ability to think creatively and identify new opportunities
- Exceptional interpersonal, networking, written, presentation and verbal communication skills
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and stay on top of trends in philanthropy and League issues
- Excellent ability to write and edit persuasive materials
- Exceptional time, task, project management and organizational skills focused on both short-term and long-term strategy
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively without close supervision
- Willingness to function effectively as a member of a team and to participate in activities that will contribute to the organizations’ overall success
- Proficiency in Salesforce, other CRM, or fundraising software and/or systems
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent life/professional experience
LWVMA and LWVMA Scharfman Fund encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply for this position. LWVMA and LWVMA Scharfman Fund are equal opportunity employers committed to creating a multicultural organization. We celebrate the diversity of our world and our community, and we seek to build a team that reflects that strength.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@lwvma.org by January 21, 2021.