Director of Development and Communications, Abilities First

Our Mission: Abilities First empowers children and their families living with Autism and different abilities to celebrate their strengths and reach their unique and highest potential by providing comprehensive care and support in an inclusive learning environment. We are currently seeking a Director of Development and Communications.

Summary: Responsible for implementing marketing and development strategies that will increase the organization’s profile in the community and grow sustainable philanthropic support for it’s mission services.  Lead a variety of targeted and coordinated activities including use of social and other media, major and planned giving, corporate and foundation giving, and donor stewardship. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Research donor prospects and strategically grow the prospective donor base through participation and networking in the community.
• Solicit major gifts and event sponsorships.
• Oversee the research, writing, and submission of grant proposals and ensure donors receive timely and informative reporting.
• Ensure prompt and accurate gift processing, gift acknowledgment, and donor recognition.
• Develop and implement the organization’s social media plan and ensure effective ongoing use of social media marketing strategies.
• Develop strong media relations and prepare news releases in a timely manner when indicated.
• Lead teams of volunteers for event coordination and other development activities. Some evening and weekend work may be required from time to time.  Flex time is available.
• Educate prospective and existing donors about appropriate planned giving options.
• Conduct agency tours and make presentations to various community groups.
• Prepare annual department budget, evaluate the return on investment for various marketing activities.
• Assist board members and volunteers as needed in the planning of special events.
• Provide oversight and coordination of the agency’s volunteer program for individual, group and corporate volunteers.
• In cooperation with other relevant staff, develop effective collateral materials to promote mission services and increase enrollment.
• Model the organizational values of customer focus, continuous improvement, integrity, transparency, compassion, and accountability.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders, focusing on exceeding customer expectations of the services provided.
• Lead and/or participate in meetings, committees and agency events to promote continuous improvement and Abilities First community image.
• Attend seminars and conferences for professional growth and present this information when appropriate.
• Publish regular outreach documents including but not limited to the Annual Report. Newsletters, and update/outreach docs. 
• Set and achieve clear goals in collaboration with the Executive Director.  Maintain a self-directed, proactive, and goal-oriented mindset toward the role, not relying solely on direction or supervision. 
• Perform all other duties deemed necessary by the Executive Director.

Job Specifications

Formal Education /Training

Bachelor degree (preferred) in communications, marketing or other related field.  

CERTIFICATION, REGISTRATION AND/OR LICENSURE

CFRE preferred.
Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, transportation and ability to drive (per regulatory and agency policy stipulations) OR availability of alternate, regular personal means of transportation to and from job-related activities and events.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

A minimum of 5 years relevant experience and a proven track record of achieving year over year increases in fund development revenue required. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) required. Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher required. Knowledge of CRM Software a must. Desires to be a participating member of an organization which values employee involvement and diversity. Desires to be a participating member of an organization which values employee involvement and diversity.

Competencies

Attentive to detail, excellent problem solving and decision-making skills, service oriented, sound working knowledge of licensing guidelines and billing systems, empathetic, trustworthy, ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with other professionals, ability to encourage and inspire employees, highly diplomatic & respectful, flexible with work schedule and comfortable working collaboratively as well as independently.  

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, use of email and Internet. Familiar with a database. Understands and speaks English fluently.  Flexibility with hours worked and ability to move freely at all levels within classroom and playground settings; lift and position children weighing up to sixty (60) pounds.

Ability to provide support and direction to employees and colleagues in stressful situations, modeling behaviors that de-escalate confrontation or stress, self-motivated, lifelong learner, highly ethical.