Careers at RESPOND

Development Director

RESPOND, Inc., located in Somerville, MA, seeks a Development Director to develop and implement a fundraising and communications strategy that will increase revenue streams as well as promote the profile of the agency.  The Director of Development reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, serves as a member of the executive team and provides strategic vision and leadership that ensures the continued delivery of services to the community RESPOND serves.

 

About RESPOND:

RESPOND, Inc., a pioneer in the movement to end domestic violence, is New England’s first domestic violence agency and the second oldest in the nation. Since its inception in 1974, RESPOND has provided safety and support to over 100,000 victims of domestic violence including adults, teens and children. Through its Community Program, RESPOND provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling, advocacy, support groups and children services. The Shelter Program provides safe, confidential housing and comprehensive supportive services to 8 families or 21 individuals at a time. More information about RESPOND, Inc can be found at www.respondinc.org

 

About the Opportunity:

The Development Director will be responsible for leading the overall fundraising messages and strategies for REPOND. Responsible for a department comprised of one full time Development Associate, a part-time Grant Writer and a team of many volunteers, this leader will provide visionary direction in all areas of fundraising and donor engagement.  This is a unique opportunity to join a team of specialized executives working to end domestic violence in Eastern Massachusetts and beyond. The Director of Development will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work closely with the rest of the Department Heads, including Chief Programs Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  This position is part of a collaborative team that provides organizational oversight to ensure effectiveness and growth of the agency.

 

Responsibilities:

Provide oversight of all development staff and resource development programs, including:

• Fundraising Leadership: Create an active pipeline of prospective donors to secure major gifts, create and manage a portfolio of prospects through solicitation, and engage others in the cultivation and solicitation process. Maintain and develop new contacts with funders, both individuals and institutions, and build the involvement of the CEO and Board members in the solicitation and donor stewardship processes.
• Expand corporate and foundation support: work with the Development Associate and the Grant Writer to expand and improve the current Foundation Grants, Corporate and Institutional Giving strategy.
• Communications: Develop and publish fundraising related materials (including annual report, newsletters, brochures, website content) and materials including special events, honorees and spokespersons, cultivation and marketing opportunities.
• Communicate development strategies to, and develop clear talking points for, the executive staff and board of directors. Provide materials in advance of meetings and events.
• Oversee the recruitment and selection process of staff, consultants, and volunteers as required to carry out the goals and objectives of the department
• Direct mail and on-line giving
• Special Events, including Gala and other major events with the public
• Provide staff leadership to the Board of Directors and the Events Committee
• Oversee the implementation of data management systems and fundraising records for all fundraising activities in coordination with the Finance Department.
• Prepare an Annual Plan that outlines goals and objectives for the department
• Supervise Development Department staff, consultants and vendors as required.
• Work closely with the CEO to assess fundraising needs as determined by strategic plan goals, annual plan priorities and operating needs.

 

Qualifications:

• Minimum 7+ years direct fundraising experience. Proven leadership in development areas of major giving, events, corporate giving and communications.
• Advanced analytical and problem solving skills, including identifying issues and prioritizing competing priorities.
• Advanced project-management, team-management and donor-management skills. Ability to achieve results with only general supervision.
• Experience supervising key internal and external stakeholders and relationships. Proven ability to collaborate across departments to implement processes and achieve results, as well as to work collaboratively with a small, dedicated team. Track record of building and maintaining productive relationships with multiple stakeholders.
• Highly organized, with ability to prioritize, multi-task efficiently and respond to a high volume of ongoing requests in a timely fashion.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment. Must have a sense of humor!
• Personable style with effective presentation skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to articulate RESPOND’s mission to a wide range of audiences in a variety of ways.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and skill set essential.
• Familiarity with software, including donor or related databases, presentation software and social media platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Moderate travel in Massachusetts required—reliable transportation essential.

 

At RESPOND, we work hard and play hard.  We have excellent time off-benefits, a collaborative work environment.  If you have a passion for raising money to fund programs that help people affected by domestic violence, you might be a fit for our team!

To Apply

Due to the fast pace of this search, candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, but not later than September 28, 2018.  Resume and a letter of interest including a statement of how you would advance RESPOND’s Development and Communication efforts should be sent to HR@respondinc.org.

 

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