Director of Development

Position Type:
Development & Communications/Director Developement & Communications

Date Posted:
11/6/2024

Location:
Development Position: Director of Development
Classification: Supervisory, Full-time 12-month position, Exempt (Salaried).
Reporting to: Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer

Job Overview: The Director of Development reports directly to the CEO/Executive Director and is the lead contact for the Development and Communications Committee of the Board of Trustees. This position is the primary administrator responsible for
promoting philanthropic giving and coordinating the submission of competitive governmental and foundation grants. The Director of Development supervises individual staff members focused on various development functions.

Essential Functions:
Philanthropic Relations

• Overall administration and execution of fundraising programs targeted at raising general operating support as well as restricted support for both programs and capital needs
• Genuine commitment to the School's mission and compassionate culture of nurturing students' needs.
• The formulation and attainment of fundraising goals and strategies as approved by the Board of Trustees, including efforts to increase funding from current and past donors, and the expansion of fundraising efforts directed at new constituencies
• Oversight of major prospect solicitation activities, including individuals, businesses and foundations
• Strategizing, coordinating, and overseeing capital campaigns
• Supervision of multiple personnel whose responsibilities span grant research and writing, special event planning and execution, and donor acknowledgment and database maintenance for all existing and prospective donors
• Planning, writing, and managing OSB's direct mail efforts for philanthropic purposes
• Regular interaction with key prospects and stewarding existing donors
• Oversight of prospect research and rating process
• Support and, when needed, coordination of CEO/ED fundraising activities
• Staff liaison to the Development and Communications Committee of the Board of Trustees
• Support and, when appropriate, define appropriate fundraising efforts for Trustees
• Oversight of proposal development and preparation, including proposal writing/editing and budget development
• Development of print and other fundraising materials
• Coordinating and implementing fundraising strategies for competitive government grants as directed by the CEO

Required Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree is required in business administration, non-profit management, education or a related field. At least seven years experience in fundraising in the non-profit sector.

Qualifications:

• Engaging interpersonal skills conveying ease and grace in a variety of social and political environments, including demonstrated success closing one-to-one donor solicitations
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with the Philadelphia area and philanthropic community
• Experience overseeing fundraising for major capital projects, including capital campaigns
• Demonstrated experience as a team leader, supervising and carefully delegating tasks to departmental staff
• Demonstrated strategic thinking in conceiving and implementing creative initiatives, including solving complex issues in coordination with other key personnel

Physical Requirements: The Director of Development is required to sit, stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee must be able to lift and carry 20 lbs. These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Director of Development job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position.

Expected Hours of Work: Primarily day-shift with nights and weekends as necessary. Infrequent overnight travel is necessary.

Additional Duties: This Position Description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Director of Development. Duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement and Compliance: In all matters concerning the supervision of employees and their terms and conditions of employment, the Director of Development shall adhere to the OSB's nondiscrimination policy in all matters involving the supervision of employees, which is as follows: The Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing, and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state or local laws.

Location: Elkins Park, PA, US

Posted Date: 11/25/2024