Development Director

As a fund development professional, the Director of Development provides essential leadership to the Wilson Center team. The Director of Development is responsible for planning and coordinating the engagement, cultivation, and strengthening of donor relationships, including individuals and sponsors.

Key Responsibilities:

· Under the direction of the Executive Director, creates a comprehensive development plan each year that includes long-term goals, annual milestones, and specific strategies for increasing contributions to the annual fund, capital needs, grant writing, special events, arts education, and performances.

· Manages the Development budget and oversees all fundraising event-related income and expenses.

· Responsible for achieving the revenue and goals of Sponsorships, Annual Fund, and Special Events.

· Serves as the primary resource in researching grant opportunities, writing, and editing letters of inquiry, formal proposals, and reports for submission to corporate and private foundations as well as governmental funding agencies.

· Works with the Development Committee to develop strategies to achieve fundraising goals.

· Engages in relationship-building activities through in-person visits, virtual and phone meetings, events, and through written and email correspondence.

· Works with staff and volunteers to organize the donor reception (Crump Circle) before each Performing Arts Series performance.

· Effectively manages timelines and schedules for event-related teams, including volunteers, sponsors, and vendors.

· Works with Rentals Manager to assist in directing all special fundraising events, including the Golf Classic, Literary Luncheon, and Big Event gala.

· Responsible for securing sponsors, donations, and auction items for events, with assistance from the Development Committee and the Board of Directors.

· Works with Executive Director in selecting key stakeholders at events to cultivate and steward.

· Utilize existing CRM system to enter and track all activities, actions, call reports, critical donor information and deadlines.

· Work with the SLWCA staff in a team-orientated environment.

Personnel/Administrative

· Direct fulfillment of annual giving plan

· Steer the planning team consisting of Executive Director, Marketing Director, Rentals Manager and other key individuals to coordinate fundraising events for the Center.

· Process all donations, reporting and record keeping

· Compile and report Fund Development status verbally and in writing

· Provide staff leadership and support to the Development Committee

· Other duties as assigned

Essential Skills/Qualities

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

· Documented evidence of continuing pursuit of current development practices

· Evidence of successful stewardship strategy and planning

· Demonstrated ability to cultivate increasing donor engagement and funding growth

· Demonstrated ability to lead development strategy fulfillment

· Track record of fund development goal achievement

· Track record as a team member who successfully navigates the roles of contributor or leader as the challenge requires

· Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, openly, and simply, both verbally and in writing

· Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

· Demonstrated ease with computer functions, including Word and Excel

· Excellent knowledge of CRM systems, familiarity with Tessitura a plus