Director of Development- Donor Engagement and Special Events

Job Summary:

The Director of Development is responsible for supporting donor engagement and special event planning at Easterseals Northeast Indiana. Reporting to the Network Senior Director of Development and under the guidance of the Chief Community Impact Officer, this role is all about building meaningful relationships, inspiring generosity, and helping our community come together to support life-changing programs.

The Director of Development will work closely with the development team across the network and collaborate with supporting departments to implement a strategic donor engagement plan. Acting as an organizational ambassador, the Director of Development will represent Easterseals Northeast Indiana and the broader Easterseals Community Network within the community, building lasting relationships, increasing philanthropic support, and enhancing the organization’s visibility. 

Key Responsibilities:

Development Planning and Implementation

A.     Lead the preparation and execution of strategies for the signature event Dancing With the Arc Stars and other special event opportunities at Easterseals. 

B.      Develop and implement plans to meet corporate development goals and philanthropic objectives.

C.      Serve as the primary community representative for Easterseals Northeast Indiana

D.     Formulate prospect lists of community members, donors, and families for cultivation.

E.      Evaluate the local community to identify potential segments for giving programs and services.

F.      Identify and welcome Easterseals Ambassadors through hosting Changing Lives Tours. 

G.     Increase major gifts through moving donors through the cultivation pipeline to the Director of Development for Major Gifts.

H.     Implementation of the ENI Sustainability Model including, but not limited to, annual gifts from all sources and using all appropriate methods (mail, phone, special events, volunteer cultivation, and solicitation programs). 

I.        Meet fundraising targets and Balanced Scorecard metrics aligned with the strategic development goals.

J.        Collaborate with the development team and senior leadership to execute cultivation plans and strategies leading to successful campaigns.

K.     Collaborates with network management staff to ensure updated knowledge of all programs and their needs. 

L.      Assist with grant writing opportunities as needed.

M.    Assists event coordinator with planning and execution of fundraising events.

N.     Communicates and coordinates with the Network Development Director and Grant Manager and Business Office for proper recording of donor gifts. 

O.     Collaborates with marketing team to develop print and digital materials to communicate with current and potential donors such as newsletters, fundraising appeals, annual reports, brochures, social media content and website content. 

P.      Performs other duties as assigned. 

Donor Tracking and Recognition

A.     Ensures proper documents are sent to the donors after gifts are made, including letters from the president/CEO as appropriate. 

B.      Maintain programs for donor cultivation, solicitation, education, and acknowledgment of donations.

C.      Utilize CRM and data analytics to evaluate fundraising performance and guide strategic decisions.

Qualifications & Experience:

1. Must be 18 years of age 

1. Bachelor's degree in development, communications, public relations, business or related field required 

1. Minium of 5 years of experience in development, or related fields (marketing, fundraising, public relations) required  

1. Proven experience in management and fundraising, including event planning, donor relations, and community engagement; experience with writing, preparing published materials, promotional activities, and effective use of mass media. 

1. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build authentic relationships with donors, community partners, and internal teams. 

1. Must be able to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams. 

1. Experience with donor tracking software and database management as well as Microsoft Office. 

1. Strategic thinker with the ability to plan, implement, and measure development initiatives. 

1. Collaborative, mission-driven mindset with a passion for empowering individuals, with disabilities, families and communities. 

1.  Ability to represent the organization with a professional demeanor. 

1.  Ability to perform light to moderate lifting when needed.  

1. Possession of a valid driver's license, safe driving record and proof of auto insurance.  

Work Environment/Conditions:

This position requires regular in-county travel, public speaking, and occasional evening or weekend work. Work is primarily in-office or in the field within Allen County, with some virtual meetings. Independent work is expected, with flexibility to adapt to community needs and organizational priorities. Occasional travel to affiliate offices is expected. Occasional lifting may be required.

 Benefits:

• Excellent benefits package for full-time (30 hours) employees, including:
  • Medical Insurance (Employee, Child, or Family)
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Company-paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Retirement Plan
  • Vacation, Sick and Personal Time 
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Holiday Pay
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Paid Training and Continued Education Opportunities
  • Advancement Opportunities
  • Tuition Assistance

EEO/ADA Compliant

To learn more about Easterseals ARC of Northeast Indiana and to apply online, visit our website at www.eastersealsnei.org.

Join us in making a meaningful impact! Apply today.