Director of Development

The ADA Forsyth Institute was founded in 1910 as the Forsyth Dental Infirmary for Children (later, the Forsyth Institute), to provide dental care to the disadvantaged children of Boston. While continuing to serve children in need, yet recognizing the ultimate goal is to prevent dental disease, the Institute in 1915 began to focus on scientific research and is today the world's leader in oral health research. In October of 2023, the Institute joined with the American Dental Association to form the ADA Forsyth Institute, a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to improving people's oral and overall health and powering the profession of dentistry through cutting-edge basic research, creative translational science, innovative clinical technologies, and global public health outreach. Consistent with the Institute's founding mission, the ADA ForsythKids mobile dental program continues to serve children in need.

The Director of Development ("DoD") is a newly created full-time role focused on planning and directing the full spectrum of development programs to ensure all development activities support ADA Forsyth's ("AFI") mission and strategic objectives. These include securing annual operating support for ForsythKids, Forsyth Teens, ForsythCares, Forsyth Student Scholars, and Forsyth STEM.

The DoD is responsible for managing and expanding AFI's existing donor base through a variety of targeted programs and initiatives, including annual fund, events, corporate sponsorships, government and private foundation grants, campaign initiatives, planned giving, and more. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Wenyuan Shi, PhD , this new fundraising leader will design and implement major gift-giving programs and work closely with the CEO to cultivate and close major and principal gifts, as well as prepare reports and updates for the Executive Team and key stakeholders. .

The ideal candidate will be excited to work in an innovative, fast-paced environment, and be a strong development generalist, leading a one-person development shop in partnership with AFI leadership. With many noteworthy corporate supporters, the DoD will bring an executive presence and the confidence to be one of AFI's key external representatives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Direction

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plan, ensuring development priorities are aligned to meet and/or exceed goals
• Maintain and monitor Raiser's Edge system with necessary data and tracking plans
• Design metrics and measurements to identify trends; track and report progress, and pinpoint areas where proactive measures will make a difference

Fundraising

• Effectively engage and grow AFI's portfolio of individual donors, designing and implementing appropriate donor cycle plans for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Develop AFI's existing major gift program, and incorporate a planned giving component to ensure comprehensive and maximal solicitations
• Manage and solicit public and private grant opportunities
• Tailor and implement an effective development event cycle to support cultivation efforts

Leadership and Cross-Team Collaboration

• Partner with the CEO and Board on major and principal gift strategy, donor visit preparations, solicitations, and stewardship
• Work with Executive Team on overarching planning and goal setting
• Collaborate with the Director of ForsythKids and Community Programs on donor engagement opportunities
• With strong support from marketing and communications, ensure cohesive external communications to donors and prospects
• Provide subject matter expertise and support as needed

Key Qualifications

• Five or more years of fundraising in complex environment
• Self-driven to success and committed to the mission of AFI
• Track record of prospect identification and pipeline development
• Demonstrated ability to raise large gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
• A successful track record of identifying, cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts of 6-figures+ in partnership with senior leadership as well as through personal donor engagement activity
• Fluent and experienced with data/donor analytics and analysis to drive donor engagement, retention and fundraising performance
• Strong knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser's Edge or similar donor database system
• Ability to establish priorities and meet ambitious goals and deadlines
• Proficient at managing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding communication skills, e.g. presentation, verbal, and writing; ability to speak persuasively about the organization with diverse constituencies
• Experience in academic medical, research, higher education helpful and preferred
• Knowledge of and experience with the Massachusetts philanthropic community is highly desirable
• Expert in relationship management and relating effectively at all levels
• Flexible and adaptable; pivots and adjusts when necessary
• Experienced in budgeting, setting data driven strategies, and planning
• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred

AFI offers a competitive salary range for this position commensurate with experience and offers an environment of continuous learning as well as a comprehensive and generous benefits program. AFI is working with the Development Guild to fill this role.

ADA Forsyth is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions or any other characteristic protected by law.

To express interest, you may formally apply through our website by clicking below (include your cover letter and resume).