SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Development Officer is a key fundraiser who actively drives philanthropic support for the agency through exceptional relationship management, including the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors. A results-driven professional will be adding fundraising capacity with this new position, maintaining a portfolio of at least 50-75 donors with potential to give $5K and up as well as manage the annual fund and monthly giving programs to help support a strong and diversified pipeline of support. In partnership with our Board of Directors and Executive Director, the Development Officer is working to build upon a history of individual support of the Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center while creating new systems for retention, donor engagement, pipeline building, and other essential functions of annual fund and major gift programs. This is a highly collaborative role in which the Development Officer must obtain knowledge and information about programs and initiatives in order to partner with colleagues in Programs to deliver on multi-dimensional cultivation and stewardship strategies. The Development Officer would need to work directly to fundraise approximately $500,000 in FY2024 through primarily private support from individuals, foundations, family foundations, corporate sponsors, and corporate foundations. This is a hybrid position that requires a mix of in-office work and flexibility to work remotely.
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
STAFF HOURS: Negotiable (Part Time)
PAY RATE: $25-$35 and hour
RESPONSIBILITIES
Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the organization.

• Research grant opportunities from foundations, family foundations, corporate sponsors, corporate foundations as well as government and non-government agencies.

• Draft grant proposals and supporting documents based on the funding requirements of the organization.

• Submit proposals to grant coordinators for approval.

• Respond to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted proposals.

• Maintain positive relationships with fund providers and other stakeholders.

• Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities.

• Produce cogent and compelling fundraising proposals and supporting documents, including gift agreements as needed to solicit and close donations. Produce personalized letters and messages to thank and engage donors, and ensure that donors receive excellent customer service and stewardship

• Establish Wooten Center annual giving program by developing messaging and collateral for mailed and digital quarterly appeals; oversee and coordinate mailing lists for appeals, e-newsletters, event invitations and other initiatives; coordinate with colleagues to raise unrestricted funds via email campaigns, social media, crowdfunding and peer-to-peer fundraising and other means;

QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal Development Officer will be an individual who carries high personal and professional standards, is high energy by nature, proactive, and enjoys partnering with others to achieve successful outcomes. To be successful in this role the Director will be a self-starter and focus on achieving excellence of service.

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, creative writing or a related area (master’s degree preferred)

• A minimum of two years experience in grant writing

• Excellent knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising process

• Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the organization

• Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources

• Multitasking, organizational and time management skills

• Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity

• Working knowledge of computers

DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature of work and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, political affiliation, marital or family status, age, military service, or other non-merit factors.