Development Director

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Development Director leads the Benedict Center’s individual donor relations, communications, and event planning efforts to support our mission of empowering women impacted by the criminal legal system. This role is essential to strengthening relationships with current and prospective donors, creating compelling messaging, and organizing impactful events to increase community engagement and financial support. This positions works as part of the Development Team including the Executive Director, Development and Communications Coordinator, Grant Writer, and Executive Assistant.

This role requires an outgoing, dynamic individual with proven experience in donor relations, communication strategies, and event planning. The ideal candidate is both strategic and personable, with the ability to organically attract new donors and build meaningful connections.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Donor Engagement and Fundraising

• Responsible for preparation of a comprehensive fundraising annual calendar, including an annual work plan, fundraising goals, and department budget. 
• Evaluate, monitor and report on results of these activities. 
• Oversee fundraising strategic plan goals. 
• Cultivate and manage relationships with a wide range of individual donors, with a focus on current donors and major donors as a primary source of support. 
• Develop and implement donor segmentation strategies for personalized engagement and outreach. 
• Coach staff and board members on effective, artful communication with major donors. 
• Identify peer-to-peer opportunities where current supporters can help engage new donors. 
• Strategize and execute donor prospecting efforts, addressing challenges of initial introductions.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Plan signature annual event focusing on donor education, acquisition and retention. 
• Secure and development relationships with event sponsors. 
• Plan and execute small donor-focused events to thank and engage supporters. 
• Organize major donor events, encouraging attendees to bring members of their networks. 
• Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to ensure events align with the organization’s mission and goals. 

Communications and Storytelling

• Craft compelling messaging and content for donor communications, asks, social media, and campaigns. 
• Highlight the impact of donor contributions through storytelling and consistent messaging. 
• Engage and expand the Benedict Center’s natural audience through targeted communication strategies. 

Board of Directors Relations

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to create and implement a fundraising plan. 
• Staff the Development Committee. 
• Furnish Board, Development Committee and staff with regular progress reports. 

Technical and Administrative Responsibilities

• Analyze donor data and campaign performance to refine strategies and demonstrate impact.
• Leverage social media and digital tools to enhance online fundraising efforts and community engagement.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience in individual donor relations and fundraising. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft impactful messages. 
• Working knowledge of donor databases and social media platforms. 
• Demonstrated success in event planning and execution. 
• Outgoing, personable demeanor with a natural ability to connect with people. 
• Knowledge of peer-to-peer fundraising and innovative donor engagement techniques.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with donor segmentation and targeted outreach strategies. 
• Experience in storytelling and creating content that inspires action. 
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.