Description

Under the direction of the Vice President of Development and Communications, and located in Baton Rouge, LA, the Manager of Development is a member of the Lighthouse Louisiana Development Team and will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors in concert with the organization’s strategic priorities. The Baton Rouge Development Manager will coordinate overall annual giving and major gift activities. The position will work closely with other members of the Development and Communications staff, the Director of Baton Rouge Services, and other departments throughout the organization.

Job Responsibilities

• With the direction of the Vice President of Development and Communications, develop and implement a fundraising strategy specific to the Baton Rouge market for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of current and prospective donors (individuals, foundations and corporations) that helps to meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
• Leverage relationships and connections to cultivate, develop and maintain current donors resulting in securing new and/or increased financial support; and expand foundation and corporate giving.
• Prepare proposals, gift agreements and ongoing stewardship of donors with multiple methods of communication. 
• Along with the Vice President of Development and Communications, serve as the Development face of the organization to the Baton Rouge community, and liaison with Baton Rouge Advisory Committee, potential and existing donors.
• Work closely with Lighthouse’s Baton Rouge Advisory Committee to inspire participation and engagement in Development efforts, leveraging their resources, talents, and networks.
• Plan and implement all aspects of annual BR fundraising event, including recruitment and staffing of event committees, invitation and sponsor lists, auction and other event activities.
• Coordinate a minimum of two seasonal direct mail pieces and other projects as directed to help market and raise funds for the organization.
• Prepare grant proposals, letters of interest/inquiry, and related materials for proposal submissions that align with funder interests and organization priorities.
• Monitor application and reporting timelines and communicate them interdepartmentally to ensure the Lighthouse meets funding deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Manage 225 GIVES Campaign to increase community awareness regarding the Lighthouse and to increase donations year over year.
• Employ donor software, NetSuite, to collect, utilize and report on data to inform fundraising plans.
• Actively engage and coordinate with departments across the Lighthouse to understand the mission and programs of the organization.
• Collaborate with the Director of Baton Rouge Services, leveraging partnerships and networks to increase donor giving and raise awareness to Lighthouse initiatives and events. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education: Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, or similar field preferred.

2. Special Knowledge or Skills: Superior communication and presentation skills; willingness and ability to establish

rapport with mid to high-level donors, members of the Board of Trustees and committee members; competent in

Word and Excel; able to do productive work independently; strong customer service skills.

3. Experience: 5 years of direct fund-raising or related transferable experience in the solicitation and closing of major 

gifts.

4. Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

1. Physical: Ability to effectively perform the specified duties and lift up to 30 lbs. Able to travel throughout the facility to safely and effectively manage all work responsibilities, breaks, and emergency evacuations, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Able to manage all self-care needs and activities of daily living as required to support successful employment, with or without a reasonable accommodation. 
2. Personality Traits: Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to respond to directions and suggestions. Ability to assume responsibility for project completion. Ability to work independently and with a team. Ability to maintain focus on work in a dynamic environment. Ability to solve problems effectively and demonstrate good attention to detail. 

7. Working Conditions: Indoor office setting, with daily travel in the field, must have valid driver's license, insurance

and reliable transportation. 

8. Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.

Accomplishments in these areas of responsibility will be the basis of the employee’s evaluation, continuation of employment and change in compensation.