Director - Relationships & Individual Giving

Assist with the development and implementation of The Domestic Violence Center’s (DVCCC) comprehensive, integrated development plan to include local, state, federal, foundation, corporate, and individual support. Clearly articulate DVCCC’s mission, vision, and program in grant development and donor solicitations.

The Director of Relationships and Individual Giving (DRIG) will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Board Development Committee in managing the individual and major gifts programs at the DVCCC. This position is responsible for developing and managing all activities related to the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of our individual and major gift donors. The DRIG oversees the development and implementation strategies for securing financial support from a portfolio of new and renewing individual donors to secure philanthropic support for the DVCCC. The DRIG is responsible for holding a major fundraising event annually, additional fundraising events and partner with other groups to fund raise on behalf of the DVCCC. They will also work closely with the Director of Institutional Giving on direct mail, prospect research, and portfolio development.

This position will help strengthen the approach and structure of our major and individual giving program and will be responsible for raising funds through a variety of methods, including personal solicitations, direct mail appeals, and online fundraising initiatives. This individual will oversee major gift event strategy, working with staff, Board and volunteers to execute event tasks. This individual will also lead DVCCC’s Friends Committee, a committee of volunteers who will have varying levels of experience and fundraising responsibilities. It is anticipated the candidate will spend as much as 75% of their time in the field to build relationships and secure gifts.

Funding Strategy and Management:

•Evaluate current strategies and stewardship practices while developing processes to enhance the DVCCCs annual fund and major gift program to increase individual contributions to the DVCCC.

•Develop and propose strategies for solicitation of major gifts, including determining ongoing relationships with prospect/donor; recommending specific purpose and level of gift; identifying those to be involved in cultivation and subsequent solicitation; assuring that solicitations are carried out.

•Guide, mentor, coach, and advise CEO, Board and volunteers to ensure all donors are receiving appropriate support and attention that will further engage them with the DVCCC and therefore likely increase their philanthropic support.

•Lead the Board to ensure effective coordination of efforts within the entire Development Committee.

•Work closely with the CEO and Board Development Committee to ensure that priorities are clear, and systems and processes are maximized to support donor identification and research, cultivation and solicitation, and stewardship as part of a comprehensive development effort, including the creation and implementation of a robust donor communications plan.

•Manage execution of major gift, cultivation, and stewardship events, such as table hosting, including working with the Director of Institutional Giving, Development Team and Leadership team staff to create a comprehensive strategy.

•Create and execute a comprehensive plan for each donor/prospect in their own portfolio that ensures donor retention and advancement.

•Solicit and/or upgrade gifts, and maintain regular communication, through phone calls, emails and personal visits of assigned donors/prospects.

•Manage relationships with DVCCC Board for Fundraising/Stewardship activities as it applies to individual donor relations.

•Qualify new prospects for assignment to the donor database, based on capacity and interest.

•Maintain records of all aspects of donors and prospects relationships with the DVCCC using the DVCCC’s development database, Donor Perfect.

•Participate in Development Team efforts, including solicitation strategy for key prospects and internal planning efforts.

•Communicate professionally and effectively with all stakeholders verbally and in writing.

Collaboration

Achieving DVCCC’s funding goals requires effective collaboration and accountability with other internal staff members through the following activities:

•Consult early with CEO and leadership staff members and collaborate on materials they need to prepare for an “ask”, application or report.

•Work with the CEO, CFO and leadership team to prepare organizational and project budgets for donor engagement and financial reports for individual giving.

•Participate in team meetings, planning meetings, and project development meetings.

•Contribute to the preparation of annual and project reports.

•Keep the Director of Institutional Giving and Director of Education informed of gifts as they are awarded so that they may be recognized on social media.

•Attend fundraising and other events that may occur on nights and weekends.

Relationships

The Director of Relationships and Individual Giving is responsible for building and strengthening relationships with potential and current donors through the following activities:

•Establish and maintain relationships between individual donors, the CEO, CFO, staff Leadership team and Board Members.

•Attend meetings and events organized by or featuring individual partners.

•Conduct regular communication with current and potential partners to update them on DVCCC goals and invite them to DVCCC’s events.

•Develop new opportunities to deepen relationships with current and potential donors.

•Develop a method of engaging Board members and other major supporters in stewardship activities.

•Participate in the fundraising community through professional development opportunities, networking and memberships.

Other duties assigned by the CEO.

Teamwork

•Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed.

•Attend staff meetings and in-service trainings.

•Participate in all organization events: October awareness, volunteer recognition, various celebrations, etc.

Physical Requirements:

•Much of the work performed is sedentary in nature yet may require the employee to exert themselves with minimal force and/or be able lift or move light objects associated with the job responsibilities.

Other Requirements

•Must be willing to work flexible hours to meet program needs and donor accountability requirements.

•Adhere to all agency policies and procedures (attendance, work hours, paperwork, etc.)

•Child abuse, criminal and FBI clearances as required by the state and DVCCC.

Relationships:

The incumbent reports to the CEO and interacts with staff from several other departments and the Board. The incumbent will supervise volunteers.

Qualifications:

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree required, with a minimum of two years of development experience in a professional fundraising environment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•Demonstrated success in effective fundraising strategies.

•Experience and proven ability to cultivate relationships and work effectively with coworkers, board members, donors, volunteers, and constituents from a variety of backgrounds

•Understanding of and commitment to professional fundraising ethical standards

•Excellent written and oral communication skills

•Excellent interpersonal skills

•Strong strategic thinking skills, and efficient, timely plan execution

•Ability to work and thrive in a team environment; accept counsel from and strategize cooperatively with colleagues

•Flexibility and enthusiasm to refine and enhance current systems and operations

•Well organized and able to meet goals and deadlines

•Database expertise, able to navigate DVCCC’s fundraising platforms- Donor Perfect and Ready Set Auction.

•Strong working knowledge of Word and Excel

•A knowledge base, education or training specific to domestic violence is preferred.