Description

The Senior Director of Development (SDOD) is an important role for The King Center. The Senior Director of Development should be an experienced, entrepreneurial, articulate, and highly motivated professional with at least seven years of experience in the non-profit fund development field. Reporting directly to the CEO, the SDOD will be responsible for organizing, and overseeing the organization’s fundraising initiatives and preparation of grant proposals as well as developing and implementing.?The SDOD will liaise with potential sponsors and build strong relationships with existing donors. Success in this position will be demonstrated by raising significant funds to support existing operations and advance development projects. In addition to core competencies, skills, education, and knowledge, the SDOD, must have a passion to ensure humanity progresses in a way that ensures the dignity and value of all people.

Responsibilities 

• Collaborate closely with the CEO and senior executive leadership team to facilitate both short-term and long-term strategic plans. 

• Lead the formulation, execution, and continuous refinement of a comprehensive multi-year development strategy, aimed at augmenting The King Center’s financial resources and prominence. Partner with senior executive leaders to define pivotal objectives, benchmarks, and avenues for advancement. 

• Provide oversight, guidance, and mentorship to grant writers, as well as oversee operational and administrative functions of the Major Gifts/Development team. 

• Forge a well-balanced blend of donor sources and fundraising initiatives, fostering donor retention and recruitment, along with engaging fundraising volunteers. 

• Ensure adherence to all regulatory and ethical fundraising standards and legal requirements. 

• Champion an environment of equity and diversity throughout all aspects of the organization. 

• Perform thorough portfolio analyses across the team to ensure achievement of objectives related to donor engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

• Set up performance metrics, monitor outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of the fund development program. 

• Define annual and monthly revenue targets for major gifts and legacies, and furnish CEO with comprehensive reports on major gift initiatives. 

• Identify and address developmental challenges that impact the organization's well-being and effectiveness. 

• In collaboration with grant writers, conceive and execute major donor fundraising campaigns, including membership initiatives, with the primary objective of boosting engagement and annual support. 

• Lead brainstorming sessions and strategic discussions with senior executives, aiming to discover innovative approaches to monetizing programs while upholding programmatic integrity and objectives. 

• Collaborate with the Marketing department to create cause marketing strategies and drive their implementation. 

• Aid the senior executive leadership team in crafting prospect communications, research materials, and funding proposals. 

• Develop, oversee, and operationalize the vision for the Business Development program alongside the CEO. 

• Mentor staff beyond the Business Development department in major gift techniques and strategies. 

• Manage a portfolio of prospects and current donors with substantial capacity to contribute significantly towards the organization's priorities. 

• Stay well-informed about developments in philanthropy and fund development. 

Requirements

• Education: At minimum, possess a bachelor's degree, preferably in marketing, public affairs, fund development, or a related field. 
• In-depth understanding of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, and the modern Civil Rights Movement, as well as associated subjects. 
• A minimum of seven years of experience in non-profit fund development. 
• Demonstrated track record of accomplishing fund development goals, encompassing strong proficiency in fundraising management systems, major gift cultivation and stewardship, and grant proposal processes. 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to generate compelling communications in traditional and digital formats. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, and familiarity with CRM/Development databases like Salesforce or Raiser's Edge. 
• A certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation would be advantageous. 
• Knowledge of business principles, administration techniques, and management practices, particularly those pertinent to nonprofit organizations. 
• Capable of managing departmental budgets, ensuring expenditures adhere to approved limits and fiscal protocols. 
• Proficiency in analyzing and resolving complex issues, spanning logical and interpersonal domains, while maintaining utmost confidentiality and sound judgment. 
• Aptitude for maintaining effective communication and collaborative relationships with the Board of Trustees, Community Leaders, Partners, Vendors, Public Officials, and members of the King Center Team Leadership.
• Other duties as assigned

Core Competencies 

Compliance- Ability to audit and monitor the quality of outputs; demonstrable experience of delivery against specified protocols/ procedures ensuring the highest level of performance.

Teamwork- Ability to build and develop relationships with internal employees, strategic partners, and other external parties/organizations; able to resolve conflict.

Personal Drive- Will be able to demonstrate being self-directed, resourceful, and creative; Able to manage own time and work autonomously; Able to work on own initiative with drive and enthusiasm with the ability to solve complex problems.

Communication- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Commercial Awareness- Able to demonstrate contribution to maximizing commercial performance through controlling costs and ensuring efficiencies where possible.