Description

The Bridge Home provides a continuum of housing programs to people experiencing homelessness. More than just a place of protection, it is also a source of hope and support, helping to prevent people from becoming or remaining homeless. Our programming is client-driven and provided in a trauma-informed manner by staff trained in mental health first aid, de-escalation, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing.

We are committed, passionate problem solvers who support each other and work together as a team. We value our employees and work with them to achieve our goals. We work in a professional, family-centered atmosphere and always remember to laugh and celebrate our “cowbell moments.”

Job Summary

As the Bridge Home development associate, you will oversee our volunteer program, maintain our donor database, assist with communications and direct donor solicitations. The development associate will follow the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethical Standards. An ability to empathize with donors, understand donor priorities and clearly communicate our organization’s mission is key. You will be expected to energize team members, persuade prospects and persevere to a successful conclusion.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUITES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Work with team members to develop strategies to achieve goals for fundraising priorities.

2. Plan and complete prospect engagement opportunities and present gift proposals.

3. Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 125 assigned prospects. You will develop new prospect relationships while engaging previous and current donors. Working with direct service teams, you will partner and identify prospects capable of making major gifts of $25,000 or greater.

4. Travel extensively in central Iowa to establish and nurture long-lasting, strong donor relationships with the end goal of proposing and closing major gift donations.

5. Work independently and collaboratively with all levels of administration, staff, donors and board members on a variety of donor-centered tasks and activities including special events.

6. Communicate in a variety of ways for a variety of purposes. You will write donor correspondence, contact reports and proposals, and provide briefings on program status. You will also communicate The Bridge Home’s role and donor’s wishes to key leaders and staff at The Bridge Home.

REQUIRED ABILITIES OF ALL BRIDGE HOME EMPLOYEES

· Ability to relate to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

· Ability to promote a belief in Housing First, and that everyone deserves a safe, stable, affordable place to live.

· Passion for and commitment to achieving justice and equity in housing.

· Ability to process failure and move past it, knowing that resiliency, determination, and team support are key to long-term success.

· Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and the Continuum of Care for homeless persons.

· Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities.

· The ability to comprehend and follow complicated federal standards and funder requirements.

· Planning and organizational skills.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Professional demeanor and proven ability to exercise mature judgment.

· Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team, strong initiative.

· Strong skills in negotiation and the ability to overcome objections.

· Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

· Strong time management skills and the ability to switch tasks quickly as new priorities arise.

· Strong analytical skills and abilities.

· Proficient in computer operations including internet programs as well Microsoft Outlook and Office.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

· Able to meet work schedule requirements. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS 

· Ability to achieve ambitious goals. You should have a remarkable track record for leading successful initiatives with measurable results.

· An ability to empathize with donors, understand donor priorities and clearly communicate our organization’s mission is key. 

· Demonstrate concepts of how to organize, prioritize and plan work to meet deadlines, data collection principles and utilize confidentiality requirements. 

· Problem-solving skills and resourcefulness. You can champion donor-centeredness by understanding the desires of the donors and creating simple solutions.

· The ability to make donors feel valued because you are sensitive to their needs.

· Savvy relationship-building and leadership skills and be an excellent communicator. You should be articulate and persuasive with diplomacy and tact to represent The Bridge Home to multiple constituents, donors, and campus leadership. You must also have demonstrable skills in persuasive speaking and influencing others.

· Direct experience using a donor database, prospect research and other wealth screening tools to aid in your moves management process.

· Excellent writing and speaking skills and the ability to use them to compel individuals to action.

· Ability to take action and move forward, while still being organized, prepared, detail-oriented, and consistently follow through on promises.

· Ability to work under pressure, make appropriate and effective decisions, and multi-task. 

· Proven ability to secure individual and major gifts and meet objectives.

· A valid driver’s license.

· Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission, vision, and values. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

· Bachelor’s degree in a related field, fundraising certification, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 

· At least three years of fundraising experience and nonprofit sector experience highly preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Frequent travel in a five-county region, home visits, as well as agency networking and advocacy are required.

· Work is performed indoors and outdoors and may be subject to extreme weather conditions.

· Lifting up to 50 lbs.