Director of Development

Virginia Beach Neptune Festival

Director of Development

The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is seeking an experienced, results-oriented, creative, and highly motivated team member to fill the full-time Director of Development position. The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, producing more than 40 events per year. With an annual operating budget of $3.1 million, the organization contributes to the charitable, educational, cultural, recreational, and economic development of the Hampton Roads region. Its flagship event, the three-day Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend, alone annually generates $26.1 million in total economic impact.

This position requires professional sponsorship sales and fundraising experience, a flexible schedule to work some evenings and weekends, the physical ability to perform wide range of event production duties, and the ability to work in an outdoor environment.

Candidates must possess superior skills and experience in the areas of corporate partnerships and fundraising, donor relations, innovative promotions, sponsor activations, public relations and public speaking, creation of presentations, budget management, and be proficient with a range of modern computer programs and platforms. Preferred candidates should also have experience with individual donor acquisition as well as annual and planned giving campaigns.

The Director of Development will report to the President and CEO.

Position responsibilities include:

• Personally achieving and managing an annual budget of major and presenting level sponsorships, donations and grants; cultivating and maintaining current and prospective sponsors and donors; and delivering all sponsorship and donor benefits.
• Setting and managing a corporate fundraising goal in excess of $1.3 million.
• Managing, directing, and organizing the overall Development efforts and associated documentation, reports, accounts, income and expense budgets, and other associated activities.
• This person will foster strong relationships with board members, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• This person will be a member of the Event Staff requiring on-site leadership and participation in all special event productions.

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational and time management skills; resourcefulness and creativity in problem-solving; demonstrable proficiency in customer service and donor relation skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact via spoken and written words to a wide variety of people and personalities
• Proficiency in office software (MS Office Suite) and strong general computer literacy
• Availability to work weekends and evenings as required
• This position routinely lifts and moves materials weighing up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods of time, and occasionally working in an outdoor environment under varying weather conditions

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in large scale fundraising for nonprofit organizations or a related field
• Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of relevant experience
• Proficiency with administrative tools such as CRM platforms and point of sale systems (Bloomerang, Square, Eventbrite)

Requirements for Employment

Candidates must have clear criminal and driving records and will be required to complete a criminal background check and DMV record review. A valid driver’s license is required.

Applicants must be physically able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and meet the physical demands associated with the position, including:

• Working event days of up to 12 hours
• Walking and standing for extended periods

Flexibility to accommodate work-related activities on weekdays in addition to occasional weeknights and weekends.

How to Apply:

Applications will be accepted via EMAIL ONLY. Candidates should submit cover letter and resume to careers@neptunefestival.com, subject “DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR– APPLICANT LAST NAME.”

Salary Range: $80,000-85,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience