Development Director Job Description

Hanford Challenge

Seattle, WA

Reports To:   Executive Director
Employment Status:  Full-time, will consider 3/4 time

Supervises:  No one

Summary:
The Development Director position is responsible for Hanford Challenge’s fundraising efforts as a regional public interest organization focused on creating a future for Hanford that secures human health and safety, advances accountability and promotes a sustainable environmental and economic legacy for the Northwest region. The Development Director will provide administrative and strategic oversight for Hanford Challenge's fundraising program. The job includes fund development, information management, financial administration and fiscal reporting while implementing fundraising activities for our program. The Development Director reports directly to and works closely with the Executive Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

Development Program: Plans, directs and implements a comprehensive development program that generates individual donors, foundation, philanthropic and various artistic and corporate support

1.     Directs a fund development program that includes the annual fund plan, foundation and corporate gifts, special events and planned giving

2.     Oversees and implements strategies that will grow annual revenue, writes proposals and secures funding from corporate and foundation donors

3.     Leads strategies and research to identify, prioritize, cultivate, solicit, recognize and steward all donors and prospects

4.     In coordination with Hanford Challenge staff, builds and sustains relationships with current, new and potential grant-giving organizations and individuals

5.     Maintains an accurate grants calendar and transmits this information monthly to the Executive Director

6.     Manages individual donor campaigns, including renewals and special appeals

7.     Manages organizational membership database – creates profiles and tracks donors and prospects; and, in coordination with staff, issues email announcements as necessary

8.     Develops, markets and implements a planned giving program to ensure Hanford Challenge’s long-term financial health

9.     Collaborates with staff and consultants to ensure that publications and website include donor-focused content

Communications: Works with staff, consultants, and board to ensure strong communications across all program areas to strengthen Hanford Challenge’s overall effectiveness

1.     Collaborates with staff, consultants, board and grantees to gather stories and statistics that demonstrate the organization’s work to grantees and donors

2.     Along with staff and Board, represents Hanford Challenge at public events, conferences, workshops and media events

Management: Performs general management responsibilities, including annual plans, budgets, reports, and evaluation and oversight of gift tracking systems

1.     Prepares annual development plan to corresponding budget outlining revenue and expenses; monitors progress against goals and produces monthly reports

2.     Works as an effective and proactive team player

Education and Experience:

• Minimum three years experience in charitable fund development
• Demonstrated success in securing major and annual gifts from foundations and corporations
• Demonstrated success in meeting annual fund goals, development management, grantwriting, sponsorships and special events
• Demonstrated success in working as a member of a team and developing effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and donors
• Excellent written/oral communication skills
• Demonstrated track record with respect to detail orientation and accuracy
• Computer literacy and competency with electronic donor tracking systems
• Commitment to Hanford Challenge’s mission and work
• Knowledge of both the Pacific Northwest and national philanthropic communities
• Demonstrated success in successfully soliciting and securing major gifts from individuals

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising
• Ability to lead multiple long- and short-term projects simultaneously, meeting all related deadlines; ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage own work; ability to work unsupervised and make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively and creatively
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Excellent verbal communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills to effectively work with a variety of people and personalities; ability to communicate clearly in person and in writing
• Ability to manage and share pertinent information with staff and board
• Proven ability to work effectively with board members, colleagues, donors and volunteers
• Ability to present, inform and motivate individuals and groups about Hanford Challenge’s mission and work  
• Goal-oriented, persistent and persuasive in the contact, follow-through and completion of acquiring donor gifts
• Thorough, organized and detail-oriented approach to work
• Understands the confidential nature of fundraising efforts and donor information, and maintains confidences