Director of Development

Job title:                 Director of Development 

Department:          Development

Reports to:             CEO

Salary:                    $80 – 95K

About Shelby Farms Park Conservancy

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy (SFPC) is the nonprofit that manages and cares for Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline in Memphis, TN. SFPC is responsible for daily management, fundraising to meet operational budget needs, setting the vision for the Parks future, and stewarding its natural resources. SFPC team members are committed to our vision of creating a celebrated 21st-century park that defines and shapes a great city and that provides inclusive, equitable, and free access for every resident of the Memphis area.

About Shelby Farms Park

At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. It features miles of trails, lakes and ponds, a buffalo herd, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the FedEx Event Center, a treetop adventure course, a sprayground, and an outdoor stage. It is a treasured asset for Memphis, offering inclusive and free access to all.

Position Summary

As a key member of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy leadership team, the purpose of this position is to successfully plan, implement and grow a comprehensive $1.5 million annual fundraising program that includes annual fund, corporate and foundation relations, government relations, major gifts, gift planning, capital campaign, constituent cultivation and stewardship efforts. This position is responsible for the recruiting, development and management of talented team members focused on achieving and exceeding organizational and fundraising goals. The Director of Development works closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors, maximizing their relationships and connections for SFPC. 

The successful candidate will display a record of leadership and accomplishment and will have a proven track record of fundraising success in a variety of giving programs. Strong strategic thinking, organizational, supervisory, leadership, communication and collaboration capabilities are required. The successful candidate will set a vision for the team, develop a strategy to achieve targets, and will create milestones and metrics to hold the team accountable in achieving the vision. Exemplary interpersonal skills with people from all walks of life are essential. The Development Director collaborates closely with all Park Teams to explore opportunities and build successful programs. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning Vision– Envision, develop and execute the annual fundraising plan to achieve established targets for contributions while managing the development budget and expenses.
• Grow Contributions through Fundraising Strategy - Responsible for all contributed revenue streams from donors, sponsors, government and foundation partners. Evaluate and strengthen prospecting program and pipeline development process. Evaluate existing giving programs and generate new giving programs that increase revenue and donor loyalty. 

Leadership – Ensure positive team culture in which all members are productive, customer focused, supported, collaborative and accountable. Communicate strategy, goals and expectations while providing tools and coaching for employees to be successful and feel valued.

Skills and Qualifications

• 8-10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with at least 4-5 years in a leadership or senior management role 
• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding multi-million dollar annual goals 
• Proven ability to manage a diverse team; experience in recruiting, developing and managing  talent team members
• Proven ability to close six-figure asks 
• Demonstrated ability to create and execute a strategic development plan that demonstrates best practices in annual, major, capital, special event, sponsor, foundation, government and planned gift programs to meet fundraising goals
• Ability to work strategically with board members, the CEO and Executive Leadership Team members
• Experience in ensuring effective process in all phases of the donor journey - prospecting, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Ability to use analysis of donor data and trends to establish goals and objectives for fundraising efforts
• Experience creating revenue projections and managing departmental expenses 
• Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills; ability to inspire others with our mission 
• Ability to serve as an ambassador for the Park in the community with individual donors, corporate and foundation partners, local leaders and friends of the Park to retain/build relationships that continue to link the community with the Park
• Ensure that the department works in concert with other Park departments and resources to achieve the best experience for Park supporters, friends and visitors

Personal Qualities

• Demonstrates values of collaboration, accountability, authenticity, trust, leadership and learning
• Commitment to the consistent production of high quality, detailed work
• Organizes, plans, and schedules in an efficient, productive manner
• Manages stress in a fast-paced, changing organization
• Collaborative spirit; works well with team members and volunteers of different races, backgrounds and experiences; willingly does whatever needs to be done
• Ability to delegate effectively; doesn’t micromanage; accepts responsibility for staff performance while sharing accolades with staff
• Elicits confidence and builds rapport
• Commitment to developing direct reports and leading by example
• Enthusiastic, dependable, self-motivated and self-aware 
• Manages stress in a fast-paced, changing organization 
• Demonstrates values of accountability, authenticity, trust and learning

Benefits

SFPC offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

•Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

•401(k) plan with organizational match

•Paid time off, personal days, and holidays

This job description outlines typical duties and responsibilities and does not limit management’s ability to assign or reassign responsibilities as needed.

Shelby Farms Park Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age (40 ), disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under applicable law.

Salary : $80,000 - $95,000