Director of Development

Summary: The Director will serve as a key member on the OPARC Fund Development Committee, reporting to the CEO and leading the internal Development & Community Relationships Team. The Director will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual prospects. In partnership with the CEO, the Director will be responsible for creating the comprehensive yearly fundraising plan consisting of a variety of solicitation methods including direct mail, social media, e-communications, and other creative uses of technology employed to increase total annual gift revenue. The Director is expected to work closely with the Development & Community Relationships Team to strategically lead and manage relationships with individual donors to ensure effective administration of gifts through acknowledgement letters, pledge reminders, video updates, and donor recognition. As an ambassador for OPARC, the Director will collaborate with the CEO and the Board of Directors to strategically build and strengthen relationships within OPARC’s donor base. Essential Functions: Fundraising Strategy : Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet annual and long-term financial goals. Work with the CEO, Board of Directors, and internal Development & Community Relationships Team to strategize, set, communicate, and implement all plans, processes, and goals around institutional fundraising. Donor Relations : Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. Proactively identify, engage, and cultivate a robust pipeline of prospects that can make an annual investment, expanding donor pools at all levels. Maintain a portfolio of donors and prospects to meet annual revenue goals. Grant Writing : Oversee the research, preparation, and submission of grant proposals to secure funding from various sources. Event Planning : Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, including annual galas, community events, and donor recognition activities. Support events throughout the year that engage donors. Marketing and Communications : Collaborate with the Development & Community Relationships Team to develop marketing materials and campaigns to promote fundraising initiatives. Develop a variety of collateral for existing and potential donors. Board Engagement : Work closely with the Board of Directors to leverage their networks and expertise in support of fundraising goals. Develop and refine planned giving and major gift activities, with the support and involvement of the CEO and OPARC Fund Development Committee. Reporting and Analysis : Monitor and report on fundraising progress and use data to inform strategy and decision-making. Stewardship : Ensure the successful stewardship of current donor relationships by managing appropriate frequency of outreach, communication, appreciation, and involvement. Prepare individual profiles, as needed, for meetings and outreach with prospective funders. Leverage existing OPARC programs and events to meaningfully engage donors and prospects. Prospecting : Contribute to and participate in prospecting meetings and pipeline meetings. Supervises : Marketing and Communications Manager Supervised By : Chief Executive Officer Education Requirements : Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred. Experience Requirements : Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising and development, preferably within the nonprofit sector. Experience with disability services organizations is a plus. Skills and abilities : · Proven track record of successful fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation. · Strong grant writing and proposal development skills. · Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. · Ability to lead and inspire a team of staff and volunteers. · Highly organized with strong project management abilities. · Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems. Personal Attributes : · Passion for OPARC’s mission and values. · Innovative and strategic thinker. · High level of integrity and professionalism. · Ability to work collaboratively in a diverse and inclusive environment. Other Requirements : Must have reliable transportation. Able to lift up to 25 lbs. by self; standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending, and pulling are required; squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary. Hours : 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, includes a ½ hour uninterrupted and unpaid lunch