Director of Development

Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the President & CEO, Advancement team, and Board of Directors, including strategies for individual giving, major contributions, corporate and private partnerships, grants, and special events. Collaborate with program leaders and grant writer to develop compelling grant proposals, reports, and fundraising materials that effectively communicate the impact and outcomes of CUL’s programs and initiatives.

Job Title: Director of Development

Department: President’s Office

Reports To: Vice President of Advancement

Position Supervised: Grant Writer

Employment Class: Full Time/Regular/Exempt

Workdays: Monday through Friday

Customary Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (*Hours are extended when workload is increased.)

The purpose of this position is to provide fundraising and resource development efforts that will support and sustain the mission of the Columbus Urban League (CUL). The primary responsibility of the Development Director is to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes major contributions, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events.

• Assist in the collaborative effort of researching individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities identified by the President & CEO and by leadership volunteers as potential sources of funding.
  • This research will include personal interactions and the application of professional best practices.
• In collaboration with Senior Leadership, develop appropriate outreach strategies to accompany established fundraising goals.
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the President & CEO, Advancement team, and Board of Directors, including strategies for individual giving, major contributions, corporate and private partnerships, grants, and special events.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, lending institutions, and government entities to maximize philanthropic support for CUL.
• Identify and research new funding opportunities, grant prospects, and partnership opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and initiatives.
• Plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns, including donor cultivation events, online campaigns, and peer to peer fundraising initiatives in both the public and private sectors.
• Oversee the grant management process, forecasting, mapping, grant submission and reporting.
• Collaborate with program leaders and grant writer to develop compelling grant proposals, reports, and fundraising materials that effectively communicate the impact and outcomes of CUL’s programs and initiatives.
• Oversee lead writer and facilitator for all grant writing.
• Create and ensure timely tracking of fundraising activities, donor communications, and grant reporting using donor management software and other tools.
• Manage and analyze fundraising reports, contact and giving history as it pertains to ongoing strategic projections.
• Act on behalf of CUL Senior Leadership and serve as a spokesperson for grant management process and updates.
• Develop stewardship tools such as engagement activities, advocacy, and volunteerism, recognition opportunities and sponsorship packages.

• Provide oversite and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising strategies and ensure continuous improvement based on data and best practices.
• Stay informed about trends and developments in philanthropy, fundraising, local and state communities, and the nonprofit sector; and integrate innovative approaches and technologies into CUL’s fundraising efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Keyword: Director of Development
Required Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree preferred in Business Administration, Human Services, or related field.
• Willingness and ability to obtain other certifications as necessary.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant fundraising or sales experience with a preferred consideration to the CFRE designation.
• Strong project management experience.
• Must be able to interact and communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally.
• Strong writing and research skills required.
• Experience negotiating corporate sponsorship sales is preferred.

Communication Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently
• Effective and professional verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Impeccable integrity
  • Ability to work with individuals from all backgrounds with varying needs
  • Enthusiastic team player

Technology and Compliance:

• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (MS Suite, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, etc.)
• Commitment to compliance and ethical standards
• Experience with videoconferencing systems (e.g., Webex, Zoom, Teams, etc.)
  • Knowledge of Bloomerang software or similar CRM

Time Management and Organization:

• Ensures accuracy, efficiency, and consistency across all tasks
  • Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands while remaining innovative and adaptable
  • Works independently with laser-focus attention to detail
  • Manages workload effectively and delivers results in a timely manner

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and see.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to low.
• The employee is required to occasionally travel to different work sites and community events as needed.
• Professional business attire and appearance required.

From: Columbus Urban League