Director of Development

POSITION TITLE: Director of Development

EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: President and CEO

SUPERVISES: Development and Administration Manager, Grant Consultant

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or a related field preferred but not required.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related fields, with a proven track record of successfully securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.

Each team member shares responsibility for achieving Aspire’s mission to develop confident, capable individuals--from early childhood to adults pursuing careers-- who value learning as a gateway to a better life. Together we accomplish this by creating a welcoming environment that supports learning by nurturing strong relationships between team members and with all stakeholders.

About Aspire: Aspire is a non-profit organization dedicated to adult education, offering a range of programs including Family Literacy; English as a Second Language (ESL); Adult Basic Education (ABE); High School Equivalency preparation (aka GED); Career Pathways; and workforce development. Our mission is to empower adults through education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for personal and professional success.

Position Function/Purpose: The Director of Development at Aspire will play a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission by leading fundraising efforts and developing strategic partnerships. This position reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and donors to secure funding and support for Aspire's programs and initiatives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy and Execution:

a. Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans and strategies to support the financial sustainability and growth of Aspire.

b. Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies for financial support.

c. Plan and oversee fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at increasing revenue and expanding donor base.

d. Utilize donor management software to track interactions, manage donor relationships, and analyze fundraising data.

Grant Writing and Management:

a. Research and identify grant opportunities that align with Aspire’s mission and programs.

b. Assist in writing compelling grant proposals and applications, ensuring all deadlines and requirements are met.

c. Manage grant reporting and compliance, ensuring accurate and timely submission of reports to funders. Donor Relations and Stewardship:

a. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring high levels of donor engagement.

b. Develop and implement stewardship strategies to recognize and retain donors, including personalized communications, acknowledgments, and recognition opportunities.

Strategic Partnerships:

a. Identify and pursue strategic partnerships with community organizations, businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to support programmatic and fundraising goals.

b. Collaborate with program staff to leverage partnerships for mutual benefit and program enhancement.

Marketing and Communication:

a. Collaborate with the Marketing and Community Engagement Director to develop marketing materials, messaging, and campaigns that effectively communicate Aspire’s mission and impact.

b. Represent Aspire at community events, conferences, and networking functions to enhance visibility and support fundraising efforts.

Budget Oversight and Reporting:

a. Work closely with the CEO to develop and manage the development budget.

b. Provide regular reports on fundraising progress, financial projections, and key performance indicators to the CEO and Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong understanding of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience in grant writing and donor communications.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, board members, staff, and community partners.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Including:

· Proficiency in donor management software. Demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills and software.

· Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.

· Commitment to excellence and high standards and continuous improvement.

· Acute attention to detail.

· Strong interpersonal and presentation skills.

· Passion, enthusiasm, focus, creativity, and a positive and welcoming outlook.

· Professional appearance and demeanor.

· Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.

· Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.

· Ability to travel by personal vehicle.

· A valid driver's license and proof of insurance are required for this job.

· Demonstrated ability to work a flexible schedule when required, including evenings and/or weekends.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The 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 will be made if necessary:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands or finger,

handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must routinely lift and/or exert force of up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities. Additionally, the minimum level of education notated as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) or license(s) as determined by the hiring manager.

• Nonprofit Adult Literacy and Workforce Training

Full-time