JOB SUMMARY:
The Director of Major Gifts (DMG) is a member of the Resource Development team and is responsible for securing financial resources for YWCA. The primary focus is meeting and working with donors and prospects with significant giving capacity to accomplish their giving objectives in the form of annual giving, major and planned gifts. The DMG will engage in and be responsible for all aspects of the donor development cycle including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgment, partnership and stewardship. This income-generating position reports directly to the Resource Development Administrator (RDA), under the strategic vision of the Chief Executive Officer, in collaboration with the Board of Directors. Position requirements include evening and weekend responsibilities to be successful.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Regular attendance at Employer’s place of business and/or during particular hours, as assigned, is an essential function of this position. Employee must comply with and follow YWCA’s attendance policy at all times, unless a reasonable accommodation is requested and granted, as required by law.
- Identify major gift prospects. Analyze and predict and donor’s propensity, capacity and enthusiasm to give. Gather pertinent data alongside the RDA to determine the best candidates for the major gifts program.
- Cultivate major gift prospects, investing the necessary time and energy to build relationship designed to understand the donor/prospect goals with the expressed purpose of alignment with YWCA mission and objectives. Solicit major gift prospects. Moving prospective major donors along the donor pipeline ready to receive an appropriate asks based upon donor intent and interest.
- Stewardship of major gift donors. Develop stewardship strategies in collaboration with RDA that continue the major gift relationship for future gifts and planned giving opportunities.
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200 qualified relationships, and apply a moves management approach to the portfolio, with a custom cultivation strategy for each donor.
- Manage a portfolio of prospects and major gift donors who fit the strategic agency priorities, thereby adding significant capacity to YWCA programs and services.
- Adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition, and perseverance; reflect optimistic and positive attitude, and convey sensitivity to needs of the donors.
- Execute and report on monthly/quarterly/annual fundraising plans, donor solicitations identification, cultivation, campaigns (capital and annual) and stewardship efforts.
- Work collaboratively, under the direction of the RDA, CEO; and collaborate with the, Board of Directors to accomplish individual, foundation, and corporate funding goals.
- Offer prospect strategy counsel to the RDA, CEO, Board of Directors, and resource development staff.
- Be a resource for resource development staff, from identifying potential volunteer connections to knowing about meeting and event spaces in key locations.
- Track prospects and donor contacts in portfolio using organization tools and tracking methods via CRM. Ensure that all donor information entry, storage and special requests recorded and accomplished.
- Work toward annual fundraising (annual and capital) goals and operating campaigns.
- Works collaboratively with Resource Development staff to compose letters, compile appropriate invitation lists, secure sponsors, participate in events and engage featured program participants.
- Continually update and correct database records for individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- Demonstrate YWCA values in performance of all duties.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree highly preferred
- Five (5) years of related experience such as in marketing or non-profit development/communications and event planning work, or equivalent combination of education and experience that will provide the necessary knowledge, skill and abilities to perform the functions of the position.
- Must have proficient with MS Office Word and Excel, with advanced knowledge of Excel preferred.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Experience with Constant Contact, or similar email marketing software.
- Proficiency with Adobe Suite, web development, and Web 2.0 practices, including ethical standards for social networking.
- Demonstrated track record in creating exceptional messaging in a deadline-driven environment.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work on own and as a member of a high-performing team.
- Must be able to maintain discretion with confidential information about donors or potential donors.
- Experience with The Raiser’s Edge (or similar donor database) preferred.
- Must be highly organized and be able to handle multiple priorities.
- Must be flexible and able to work under pressure with frequent interruptions.
- Must be able to work independently and autonomously as needed.
- Must have access to vehicle and possess valid driver’s license and sufficient liability insurance and be able to drive to multiple locations on periodic basis.
- Must adhere to the established standards for ethical behavior, which the Association of Fundraising Professionals believes fosters the development and growth of fundraising professionals and the fundraising profession and enhances philanthropy and volunteerism.