Director of Advancement (LF)
The Library Foundation seeks a dynamic, strategic, relationship-driven fundraising professional to serve as Director of Advancement, a newly created role designed to expand the Foundation’s philanthropic impact.
This is an ideal opportunity for a fundraiser who thrives on building relationships face-to-face, enjoys the discipline of managing a robust portfolio, and brings strategic thinking to donor engagement. The Director will primarily focus on cultivating and securing gifts at the $10,000+ level and managing a portfolio of approximately 100 prospective and current donors.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Serve as a senior-level advancement leader, contributing to the overall fundraising vision, strategy, and execution for the Library Foundation
- Develop and implement strategic plans to grow mid-to high-level giving with a focus on $10,000+ gifts
- Balance big-picture thinking with detailed execution identifying opportunities to strengthen the donor pipeline and increase revenue
- Partner with Major Gifts leadership to inform and support strategy, pipeline development, and donor movement across giving levels
- Operate effectively in a fast-paced and evolving environment using sound judgment to make decisions and drive results with minimal oversight
Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
- Serve as a frontline fundraiser and primary relationship manager for a portfolio of approximately 100 prospects
- Grow the Library Foundation major gift program by actively soliciting and closing gifts of $10,000+ through direct, in-person engagement and tailored strategies
- Maintain a strong external focus prioritizing donor relationship-building activities
- Identify donors with capacity and cultivate them; building relationships while consistently advancing them through the fundraising pipeline
Program Management
- Design and execute individualized donor strategies to achieve revenue goals and portfolio growth
- Ensure alignment between development efforts and broader Foundation and LFPL priorities, programs, and campaigns
- Maintain accountability for achieving benchmarks and outcomes adjusting strategies as needed to meet goals
Data Analysis and Reporting
- Utilize dashboards, metrics, and reporting tools to track performance, measure progress, and inform decision-making
- Apply data insights to refine strategies, prioritize activities, and improve overall fundraising effectiveness
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and activity tracking.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Serve as a member of the Foundation's leadership team, contributing to fundraising strategy, planning, and organizational success.
- Partner with colleagues, board members, and volunteers to strengthen donor relationships and advance fundraising goals.
- Provide regular updates on fundraising activity, pipeline development, and progress toward goals.
Community and Institutional Engagement
- Serve as an ambassador for the Library Foundation building relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and community leaders to expand the Foundation’s reach and influence
- Represent the Foundation at meetings, events, and engagements, strengthening its presence and reputation
- Travel and occasional evening or weekend work required for donor meetings and events
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising within a nonprofit organization
- Demonstrated success in securing annual and leadership-level gifts at the five-figure level including direct donor solicitation and relationship management
- Proven ability to manage and analyze data to inform strategy, measure outcomes, and drive results
- Experience personally managing a portfolio of donors and conducting face-to-face solicitations
- Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs and fundraising analytics tools
- Understanding of donor pipeline development and moves management strategies
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, mission driven environment bringing a solutions-oriented mindset
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The Library Foundation is prepared to offer a competitive salary in the range of $75,000 - $90,000 commensurate with education and experience. A benefits package includes full medical insurance coverage for the employee. In addition, employees benefit from a robust retirement plan with an employer contribution equal to 15.1% of salary with immediate vesting. The Foundation also offers 10 days of vacation annually and two weeks of paid time off.