What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Development position at Easterseals Oregon?
The Director of Development is part of the Leadership Team at Easterseals Oregon and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing major gifts and corporate and foundation relations strategies to meet Easterseals Oregon’s fundraising goals. This position is responsible for setting event fundraising strategies, leading cross-functional planning, optimizing sponsorship and donor engagement, and using data to drive continuous improvement. The Development Director supervises the department, including the Volunteer & Event Manager and temporary positions, supporting the successful execution of fundraising events and volunteer-supported initiatives, while maintaining a clear focus on securing philanthropic support and expanding the donor base.
This leadership position requires the ability to set, focus, and report monthly on progress towards achieving strategic outcomes. The role requires collaboration and sharing of information to set Easterseals Oregon up for success.
Experience in:
Donor Relations & Major Gifts Fundraising
Setting and achieving successful outcomes with ambitious but achievable fundraising goals for nonprofits.
Positive, motivational leadership skills and an ability to build trust and work well with stakeholders.
At least 5 years’ progressive experience
Education:
Bachelors Degree in Marketing, Business, Nonprofit Management or related field, preferred
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred
Fundraising and Donor Cultivation:
Ø In coordination with the President and CEO, develop and implement annual fundraising strategies focused on individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
Ø Manage a portfolio of major and planned gift donors and prospects; develop relationships and manage all aspects of individual giving cycle.
Ø Lead identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects.
Ø Conduct one-on-one donor meetings, prepare proposals, and make asks for support to meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
Ø Engage ESO staff, board members, and key supporters to advance donor relationships.
Ø Maintain relationships with past and current donors, ensuring regular touchpoints and recognition.
Ø Lead event strategy and partner with the Volunteer & Event Manager on fundraising events, supporting donor and sponsor cultivation, messaging, and attendance.
Ø Maintain a collaborative relationship to ensure event-related tasks and donor relations are aligned but not duplicated.
Corporate and Foundation Relations:
Ø Create and manage sponsorship benefits and proposal packets and ensure timely recognition and deliverables.
Ø Identify opportunities to network with corporate sponsors.
Ø Research and pursue grant and sponsorship opportunities in alignment with the mission and strategic goals.
Strategic Communications & Stewardship:
Ø Create donor communications including thank-you letters, stewardship updates, and campaign materials.
Ø Contribute content for organizational communications and marketing materials.
Ø Collaborate with Marketing and the Volunteer & Event Manager to ensure coordinated messaging for campaigns, fundraising events, and donor engagement efforts.
Ø Interface with Easterseals national office, including attending annual trainings and meetings
Supervision:
Ø Lead, coach, and inspire the development team to meet and surpass revenue and engagement goals.
Ø Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
Ø Coordinates on-going training and staff development activities.
Reporting & Database
Ø Ensure accuracy and integrity of major donor data in donor CRM, with support from the Volunteer & Event Manager for gift processing and acknowledgement.
Ø Use donor data to inform strategies and track key performance indicators.
Ø Review development financial reports and reconcile fundraising income with Finance.
Administration & Leadership:
Ø Prepare reports and updates for the President and CEO and the Board of Directors
Ø Participate actively in director and leadership meetings.
Ø Maintain accountability to administrative systems and procedures, including submitting expense reimbursements, credit card reconciliations, invoices, timesheets, and so on by the deadlines assigned
Ø Represent ESO publicly and professionally at donor meetings, community events, and related functions.
Ø Travel to ESO offices, off-site events, donor visits, and annual out-of-state affiliate meetings.
Ø Ability to provide own car, insurance, and valid driver’s license and travel (mileage will be reimbursed)
A high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations is required in this position. Additionally, this position must be able to interact and communicate with individuals at all levels of the organization. Requires being able to handle obstacles and difficult people with diplomacy and tact. Quarterly metrics are reviewed and annual evaluations are completed based on performance measures.
Position does require ability to periodically work more than 40 hours per week as needed, with occasional travel inside and outside of Oregon.
Please submit cover letter and resume to humanresources@or.easterseals.com