It is the policy of Pathways Vermont that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment in employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identification, or disability. Pathways Vermont is committed to a diverse workplace that reflects the communities we serve and is particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of people including people with military experience, individuals with disabilities, and people of color.
The Company: Pathways Vermont is a dynamic nonprofit agency which believes in transforming the lives of individuals experiencing mental health and other life challenges and permanently ending homelessness. Pathways offers a great benefits package including dental and health insurance, generous paid time off and 8 paid holidays.
The Role: Pathways Vermont seeks an ambitious, dynamic, and experienced fundraiser, storyteller and ‘donor-engager’ to serve as our Director of Development and bring their energy and creativity to take our development efforts to a new level. The Director of Development will play a central role in increasing investments in Pathways Vermont, which believes in transforming the lives of individuals experiencing mental health and other life challenges and permanently ending homelessness.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development has primary responsibility to secure funding from private philanthropic sources and to grow community engagement and awareness of all of Pathways Vermont’s programs and services. The Director of Development, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, is responsible for setting the vision and strategy for Pathways Vermont’s development efforts, including its major gifts program, and contributing to the organization’s overall message and communication efforts. The position requires a high performing professional capable of managing multiple priorities while managing and guiding a team of fundraising professionals in a high-growth, collaborative organization. The Director of Development must also have outstanding interpersonal and communication skills and must be able to work effectively across organizational and functional boundaries.
Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership and Growth (15%):
- Plan, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategic plan to maximize the annual development goals through public and private philanthropic support, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
- Create the annual department budget and assume responsibility for its administration; Play a key role in the development and stewardship of organizational and program budgets.
- Develop and maintain departmental metrics, which measure advancement towards goals as outlined in the annual budget and strategic plans.
- Attend and contribute to all Board of Directors meetings and provide timely, written reports on fundraising activities.
- Stay abreast of nonprofit fundraising trends and best practices to help strategically position organizational and departmental efforts and activities.
- Develop a culture of philanthropy through the mentorship and training of staff, volunteers and Board of Directors
- Represent Pathways Vermont’s priorities and interests as the state government liaison and ambassador at the statehouse including members of the legislature and the Governor’s office.
Individual Donors (50%):
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward all donors, especially major and planned gifts, providing an exceptional experience that enhances giving, attracts new supporters, and regularly engages donors in organization’s work.
- Manage the strategy for all major gifts relationships, including a personal portfolio as well as those assigned to the Executive Director. Develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for each donor, ensuring regular personalized contact.
- Oversee the drafting of donor correspondence and maintain primary responsibility for developing messages, strategy memos, talking points, and donor materials.
- Oversee the maintenance of database of all donor, foundations, government and private contributions.
- Ensure the timely and accurate acknowledgement of all gifts and pledges.
- Oversee the planning and management of all fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events for donors, prospects and partners, including the annual fundraiser.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors Development Committee in the development and implementation of special events and major gift fundraising.
Grants and Institutional Support (25%):
- Develop and supervise the monitoring of grants calendar to ensure that deadlines are met.
- Supervise the preparation and submittal of letters of inquiry, proposals and reports for funding.
- Conduct extensive research to explore various funding opportunities and calls for proposals.
- Identify, cultivate and solicit corporate gifts.
- Provide support and consultation for any special requirements of the funder.
General Administration (10%):
- Supervise, mentor and manage two direct reports
- Source and manage the use of external vendors and contractors when required.
- Organize volunteers to help with fundraising campaigns and special events.
- Carry out other general activities as may be delegated by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Results-oriented individual with demonstrated experience closing gifts and working effectively with a diverse group of donors at a variety of levels of engagement.
- Exceptional management, leadership, presentation, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to rally support, spearhead initiatives and work as both a member of a dedicated team and as an independent self-starter.
- Strong organizational skills, including financial oversight and planning capability, and ability to troubleshoot, multitask and manage several projects at once.
- Excellent time management skills, ability to prioritize, work well and be collegial under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening
Qualifications:
- 5-7 years of fundraising experience and progressive leadership, including significant experience in major donor fundraising or equivalent development experience. Knowledge of the Vermont philanthropic community a big plus.
- Demonstrated success in five-and six figure major gift solicitation for an advocacy or community-based organization. The ideal candidate is highly motivated and eager to connect with new and existing donors on a personal level and to solicit gifts.
- Strong technical, computer and software skills; experience with Bloomerang (or a similar donor database) is a requirement.
- Passion for making a transformational difference in the lives of men and women experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges
- The ability to work occasional evenings and weekends. Ability and willingness to travel (statewide) when necessary; must possess a valid driver’s license or driver’s privilege card and a reliable vehicle.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
- Almost constant operation of a computer and other office machinery.
- Regular, repetitive movement of hands and fingers including substantial movements of wrists, hands and fingers for typing and/or writing, grasping paperwork, using technology equipment and other tasks.
- Frequent talking and participation in exchanging ideas through spoken word as well as ability to hear and receive detailed information through oral communication.
- Mostly sedentary work in a seated position.
- Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling or crouching, reaching with hands and arms and light lifting.
- Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
- Frequent utilization of close visual acuity and reading from a computer screen, must be able to read information captured in type and free hand form.
Benefits:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Long Term Disability/Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off (accrual of 210 hours per year to start)
- All-Staff days off
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Longevity Recognition Rewards
To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to [email protected].
