EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Position Description

Title: Senior Director of Development

Department: Development

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: No less than $68,000

Position Classification: Exempt  

The Senior Director of Development is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) fundraising programs for operations, capital and endowment, with specific focus on growing the individual giving area, including major gifts, annual appeals, and donor stewardship. This position will be expected to meet and grow current contributed revenue goals, along with future special campaigns. The Senior Director works directly with the Executive Director, members of the Board of Directors, and key volunteers and staff to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward gifts to support the GRB, while directing the tone, focus and frequency of the organization’s on-brand donor-focused messaging as represented through communications to patrons, donors, volunteers, and GRB School families. 

Development Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to create the GRB’s development plan in service of the organization’s mission, vision and strategic plan 
• Spearheads strategy development and implementation to meet the organization’s short- and long-term fundraising objectives 
• Lead organizational fundraising campaigns, including planned, annual and deferred giving appeals to individuals, institutional giving (foundations), and corporations 
• Create customized solicitation strategies that match the objectives of the organization and interests of donor prospects
• Supported by the Executive Administrator, maintain and update the database (Razors Edge and Research Point in the Blackbaud suite) of major gift donors/prospects and manage the fundraising strategy for these donors with primary responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship 
• Provide direct supervision for the Corporate Sponsors and Events Manager, and provide direction for the annual fundraising calendar, including annual gala, spring and year end appeals, and other key events, as well as additional fundraising campaigns with an emphasis on developing strategic partnerships with local and regional organizations
• Support the Corporate Sponsors and Events Manager’s work building and strengthening relationships with corporations to develop corporate sponsorship and other collaborative opportunities 
• Research and submit grant proposals and grant budgets, maintains grant calendar, ensures accurate reporting on all grants, and manages relationships with key funders
• Co-Chair the Board’s Development Committee 
• Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives 
• Work closely with the Executive Director on new funding opportunities 
• Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems

Communications Responsibilities

• Oversee creation of communications and publications to support development activities 
• Manage and complete the acknowledgment process for campaign gifts and pledges with support from the Executive Administrator. Craft formal thank you letters, pledge payment reminders and agreements, track payment schedules in CRM.  Track receipt of gifts/pledge payments and cash flow.  Draft personalized notes in the voice of the Executive Team and Board of Directors
• Provide vision and strategic input for core marketing collateral and media assets for the organization, including iterating on topline messaging and talking points, organizational voice and tone, identifying key audiences and corresponding messaging, and designing/maintaining org-wide external communications protocols
• Delegate the creation of new development campaign communications including an e-newsletter, website content, and campaign videos 
• Uphold the integrity of the GRB brand and identity 
• Oversee and provide vision for all institutional communications including annual report, collateral, videos, social media presence, etc. 
• Provide vision for social media marketing strategy as it relates to development efforts 
• Acts as a spokesperson for the organization with community members, the media, prospective funders and other key stakeholders

Position Qualifications and Abilities:

The ideal candidate will bring the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience building and managing comprehensive development strategies for not-for-profit organizations; proven success in leading and motivating high-performing, collaborative teams of fundraising staff and volunteers;
• Proven achievement and ability in the areas of capital campaigns, major gift programs, annual giving, planned gifts and in-kind contributions;
• Experience managing an individual major gift program and growing a major gift pipeline;
• An understanding of institutional giving including corporate, foundation and government grants;
• Proven success in engaging a Board of Directors;
• A strong professional network and knowledge of Grand Rapids ‘philanthropic community;
• Proven experience as an essential member of a not-for-profit organizations’ leadership team, including regular interactions with high-level board members;
• Excellent financial management skills with experience in budget analysis, forecasting and planning;
• Strong development communication skills.  Articulate with strong interpersonal and motivational skills, including ease and skill in conveying the mission of the organization to a wide variety of constituencies;
• Proven ability in verbal and written communications, including proposal development and reporting, and excellent presentation skills
• Understanding of marketing, communications and social media. Knowledge of new and digital media/communication strategies and digital fundraising platforms. Comfortable with data analysis and utilization of data to inform decisions and strategy
• Creativity and entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to develop new ideas and approaches
• Experience working with and contributing to creative teams
• Ability to build and strengthen relationships with people of culturally diverse backgrounds, ages and circumstances
• A passionate commitment to the GRB mission, vision, philosophy and values
• Ability to work in multifaceted, fun, team environment; high energy, strong work ethic and sense of humor. Ability to handle multiple projects at one time, and flexibility with work assignments and schedules
• High level of knowledge and comfort with the technology needed for fundraising
• Demonstrated experience with the prospect and donor capabilities of current applications such as Raiser’ Edge. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook are essential
• Bachelor’s degree or higher required

Physical Requirements of the Position: 

• Full-time position, (regular working hours), including mornings, evenings and weekends as necessary for attending meetings and events
• Occasional travel
• Valid driver’s license 

Unsure if you meet all the requirements? Confidence-gap research indicates that many people hesitate to apply for a job if they fail to meet 100% of the criteria, while others feel confident applying if they meet about 60%. We suggest that you use your cover letter to let us know why you’d be a great fit and value-add to the work we’re doing at the Grand Rapids Ballet.

Applications and Inquiries

Please submit a resume and cover letter to GRB executive director Mary Jennings at maryj@grballet.com, subject line: “Development Director Application”