Development & Community Relations Manager

JOB SUMMARY: The Development & Community Relations Director is a leadership position with Loaves & Fishes of Tompkins County  The overarching responsibilities of the position include implementing an annual strategic plan for fundraising and community relations; meeting revenue goals for fundraising through excellence in donor identification and partner development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; and heightening community awareness of Loaves & Fishes. This is a 35 hour per week position that is nonexempt and benefits eligible.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising

Annual Appeals

·      Manages two annual appeals including the production of electronic and print solicitations and collaborating with the Executive Director to develop themes

·      Develops and oversees system of gift acknowledgements to ensure timely and meaningful thank you letters, phone calls, and notes from the Executive Director and board member

Individual Giving

·      Builds relationships with new and existing donors and prospects, through excellent stewardship and opportunities for greater involvement as volunteers, fundraising committee members, and other possibilities

·       Identifies opportunities and develops plans for the Executive Director to engage meaningfully with donors and prospects. Provide briefings, advice, and staff support for the Executive Director’s work with donors

Events

·       Serves as the leader and project manager for Empty Bowls, Loaves & Fishes’ signature fundraising event. Including managing event sponsorship solicitations, ticket sales, and coordinating with committees and staff to recruit potters, restaurants, and other vendor contributions

·      Organizes additional events, such as small donor gatherings and special events

Community Relations

·      Represents Loaves & Fishes to community organizations and media, especially those who may not have a strong understanding of the organization’s mission and impact, including faith-based communities, businesses, community organizations and clubs.

·      Prepares press releases, follows up with representatives of the media and involves Executive Director and board in interviews, community event attendance and related activities.

·      Assists in the creation of marketing and social media plans to support fundraising and awareness of Loaves

·      Identifies opportunities for community engagement with the Executive Director and supports the ED, as necessary

·      Visits with guests and volunteers in the kitchen and dining hall as time permits

Board Relations

·      Prepares monthly reports for board meetings

·      Works with Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop annual fundraising goals and integrate them into the yearly budget

·      Leverages board expertise and co-leads the Fundraising Committee to support

QUALIFICATIONS:

·      5-7 years of professional fundraising experience preferred

·      Commitment to working in a mission-driven nonprofit organization

·      Experience developing and implementing strategic plans

·      Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

·      Demonstrated leadership in project management

·      Commitment to teamwork

·      Respect for varying points of view

·      Skills to manage multiple priorities and activities

·      Experience with CRM software

·      Knowledge of challenges and needs commonly facing people living in poverty such as being food insecure, unhoused, dealing with mental and physical health challenges, under employment, and major life transitions or crises

·      Commitment to cultivating a welcoming organizational culture which includes supporting members of the BIPOC and LBGTQ communities and a commitment to upholding anti-racism policies and procedures