Summary
Malaika Early Learning Center (Malaika) is seeking a creative, dedicated, experienced and exceptionally organized Development Director looking to take the next step in career advancement. The Development Director plays a key role in helping Malaika capitalize on its recent expansion to ThriveOn King as a means to upgrade its fundraising program. The Development Director will join us as an integral member of our lean and effective team. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Director will assume responsibilities across a wide range of fundraising, relationship building, marketing, communications and management activities. The successful candidate will bring a growth mindset in fostering the culture, mission and values of the organization.
Duties

• Engage Executive Director and board members to create, implement and monitor an annual development calendar to ensure year-round engagement and stewardship of individual donors
• Lead Development Committee meetings; attend Board meetings
• Proactively integrate major gift prospects into Malaika communications and fundraising
• Monitor and ensure the appropriate follow up and stewardship occurs with donors and supporters
• Accurately maintain DonorSnap, the donor database: input donor and prospect data including gifts, contacts etc.; use this data to guide fund development activities and create and analyze reports
• Process donations, generate and track tax-receipts and acknowledgement letters
• Work closely with accounting staff to ensure accuracy in reporting
• Research potential funders, including individuals, foundations and corporations for direct donations, grants and sponsorship
• Maintain grants calendar
• Craft and submit compelling proposals tailored to the funder’s interest; utilize storytelling to effectively share Malaika’s impact
• Develop and fulfill sponsorship recognition and benefits through communication efforts including social media, press releases, website updates, etc.
• Ensure website, social media and marketing materials accurately reflect Malaika’s programming and services and aligns with current donor messaging
• Design, plan and execute all fundraising events and donor cultivation activities including, but not limited to, Celebrate Malaika, the annual fundraising dinner
• Manage event logistical details, serving as the point of contact for vendors, supporters and sponsors, volunteers and attendees
• Create event communications with support from professionals, as needed ( save the dates, invitations, e-blasts, programs and other marketing materials)
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and other volunteers on auction procurement and auction materials
• Record and track event data and constituent information including mailing lists, budget management, registration, and results

• Represent Malaika in the community and address audiences as needed at events or agency tours
• Understand and believe in MELC’s mission, vision and values
• Keep up to date with industry activities and trends
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism or Marketing preferred with 5 years of fundraising and communications experience
• Demonstrated experience and comfort in fundraising, soliciting donations, producing communications and/or planning major events
• Comfort working with a diverse base of support and stakeholders including community leaders, volunteers, donors, other nonprofit organizations, agencies and corporate partners
• Strong writing and speaking skills; ability to communicate effectively and compassionately
• Ability to connect with individuals; experience building and stewarding relationships
• Skilled in using social media to attract and engage potential donors
• Experience with CFRE and/or commensurate experience preferred
• Team player with a willingness to support colleagues outside of one’s primary responsibilities
• Good sense of accountability, strong dependability and high integrity
• Flexible schedule outside of typical working hours with the ability to work occasional nights and weekends
• Highly ethical, particularly working with confidential or sensitive information
• Computer proficiency including Google Docs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and databases