ACT is seeking a dynamic and committed Director of Development to take the organization to the next level of sustainability and impact, increasing the number of donors and financial contributions, and raising awareness of the organization’s mission and activities in the greater Alexandria community. The ideal candidate will be creative and entrepreneurial, with proven success in database management, event coordination, and marketing & communications; seeking a position that offers significant opportunities and responsibilities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is responsible for building upon ACT’s current base of support and improving and implementing a development plan in accordance with the organization’s strategic plan that generates support from individuals, corporations, governments, and foundations.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategic plan encompassing all facets of development including, but not limited to, annual giving, individual gifts, corporate and foundation gifts, government grants, direct mail and online donations, deferred gifts, special events and project sponsorship.

2. Identify and research public and private support and identify possible foundation, governmental, individual, and corporate funding sources; cultivate new relationships; organize, conduct and follow-up solicitation visits.

3. Manage ongoing individual giving program campaigns using various strategies including an effective use of technology.

4. Manage existing mailings including the annual appeal, quarterly wealth advisor e-letters and a monthly e-newsletter.

5. Cultivate relations with new prospects and conduct ongoing stewardship of existing individual donors and institutional contacts and increase the average levels of giving.

6. Develop and submit grant proposals in response to opportunities; develop and disseminate materials to solicit sponsorships for events and activities; manage compliance with grantee requirements; develop all project reports prior to submission to funders.

7. Oversee the annual fundraising event and wealth advisor council seminars/receptions. Plan, organize and execute creative, innovative special fundraising events and activities and solicit sponsorships and individual contributions.

8. Handle donor correspondence, proposals, grants and reports required to support ongoing fundraising activities and coordinate gift reporting. Manage compliance with fundraising laws and regulations.

9. Assist with preparation of printed materials and personalized messaging related to development including the annual fundraiser, donor events, advisory board meetings, newsletters and web pages.

10. Oversee data management, event planning, marketing, public relations and communications specific to fund development.

11. Leverage the Chair’s and Executive Director’s time in cultivating donors and prospects. Organize and assist board members in ongoing and special fundraising activities.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Prefer applicants with 5+ years development and/or communications experience
• Experience managing databases
• Previous interaction with high profile donors and a record of securing significant gifts
• Familiarity with a community foundation structure preferred, but not essential
• Previous experience creating and/or implementing a strategic plan for development, marketing and communications
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; extraordinary attention to detail
• Highly developed organizational skills
• Ability to multi-task, working both independently and as part of a team, and be able to anticipate the needs of his/her colleagues
• Positive attitude, sense of humor, willingness to roll up one’s sleeves
• Familiarity with Alexandria a plus