Position: Director of Advancement
Reports to: Executive Director
Type: Full Time
Application Deadline: May 6, 2020
College Degree Required?: Yes
Salary Range: Competitive
Email Resume to: l.maloney@friendsassoc.org
Phone: 610-431-3598
Supervises: Grant Writer, Volunteer Coordinator, Communications Assistant


ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
For almost 200 years, Friends Association (FA) has been dedicated to providing holistic, family-centered services to children and families experiencing homelessness in our communities. Bridging Housing First best practices with individualized community case management, FA effectively and efficiently partners with families as they overcome challenges, and build stability in their housing and in their lives.

Friends Association offers an inclusive culture and values creativity, individuality and new ideas.

DESCRIPTION
The Director of Advancement serves as the primary strategic architect of a comprehensive development program that will advance Friends Association’s mission and goals. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Director of Advancement leads the design and implementation of a comprehensive, results-oriented development plan that includes annual fundraising, major and planned giving, campaigns, and special events. The Director will take a lead role in establishing a vision for fundraising at FA—including goals, strategies, benchmarks, and timetables—in order to identify new donors and deepen relationships with families and individual, corporate, and foundation leaders.

JOB DUTIES
Fundraising Strategy
• Take responsibility for the integrated functioning of a comprehensive advancement program, with goals of assessing FA’s fundraising potential and of creating short- and long-term development plans
• Promote and guide the adoption of best practices and innovative approaches to individual major giving, corporate and foundation grants, planned giving initiatives, annual appeals and events
• Establish and monitor key metrics to make forecasts and evaluate ongoing performance, ensuring the department will meet and exceed annual fundraising goals
• Work with Executive Director and Capital Campaign Committee to identify, cultivate and solicit principal gift donors to the Phase I Capital Campaign, while developing long-term donor relationships for Phase II of the campaign
• Clearly articulate and promote a strong case for support that grows the donor base and giving levels
• Write and manage department budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and return on investment

Department Leadership
• Build, motivate, lead, and retain advancement staff that currently includes two members; aligning structure with fundraising and organizational strategy
• Establish annual goals, provide regular performance reviews and recognition, and support ongoing professional development opportunities
• Ensure the adoption of a thorough and wide-ranging prospect research program that maximizes opportunities to engage new donor communities
• Steer the development of a best-in-class moves management and donor stewardship program designed to strengthen relationships with high-value and high-net-worth donors
• Oversee the development and implementation of policies and procedures for gift processing and donor acknowledgement, database management, and financial reporting
• Attend FA events and activities and foster pride and excitement in fundraising efforts

Board and Staff Engagement
• Create and sustain a culture of philanthropy that ensures an optimal fit between the advancement program and FA’s services and anticipates opportunities to expand program services
• Work to position advancement opportunities and integrate messages in news articles, publications, grant submissions, reports, and collateral materials, work collaboratively
• Serve as liaison to the Board’s Marketing and Development Committee; engaging members in the fundraising process, overseeing ongoing training, and supporting and managing philanthropic activities
• Develop a plan to leverage the Executive Director, senior leaders, and staff in the identification, qualification, and cultivation of strategic, high-value prospects, ensuring that all participants understand their roles and are fully briefed for meetings with prospects and donors

SKILLS REQUIRED
Background
• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressively responsible experience in a comprehensive non-profit fundraising program, including at least 2 years in a position with staff management responsibilities
• Prior experience with major gifts is a plus

Skills and Experience
• Demonstrated ability to set and monitor the strategic direction of a complex advancement program and to ensure its alignment with organizational goals
• Experience establishing strong relationships with executive leaders and volunteer Boards/committees and of leveraging them effectively in the fundraising process
• Track record of personally securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from all constituencies, including individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Experience in at least one successful capital campaign
• Working knowledge of advancement best practices, emerging trends, and tools and technologies to support a variety of initiatives, including prospect research and digital campaigns
• Ability to effectively utilize database systems within a data-driven and evidence-based organization; experience with Donor Perfect software is preferred
• Evidence of excellent leadership skills and knowledge of how to motivate and mentor a fundraising team to increase performance levels
• Familiarity with the philanthropic community of Chester County, PA is useful.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree is preferred
• CFRE Certification is preferred

Personal Characteristics and Work Style
• Commitment to excellence, innovation, collaboration and inclusivity consistent with FA’s approach to program development and implementation
• Sincere passion for and understanding of FA’s mission and commitment to families without or with inadequate housing; ability to be a compelling ambassador for the organization’s values
• Collaborative and engaging communication style in working with people of many backgrounds, including families, leaders, staff, volunteers, and donors
• Ability to multitask and balance multiple priorities in a complex and multi-faceted development program
• Unfailing discretion in dealing with sensitive material about both families and donors