The Director of Development will join a team that is committed to building and strengthening relationships with donors and prospective donors through meaningful and personalized experiences in order to maximize charitable giving and inspire continued investment in the mission of the Community Foundation. This work requires a commitment to excellent customer service, a collaborative work environment, passion for philanthropy and a high level of integrity.

 

Essential Functions:

Donor Development

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, which may include high-net-worth individuals, corporations, community leaders and multi-generational families.
• Help donors clarify and achieve their philanthropic goals.
• Collaborate with colleagues to stay current on the nonprofit community and provide donors with helpful information on emerging opportunities and the impact of their support.
• Analyze and manage assigned portfolio and work with the Vice President of Development and the development team to create and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for prospective donors and current fundholders.

• Provide prompt and personalized service and support for fund holders and prospective donors.  Respond to inquiries from fund holders requesting assistance with fund management, often involving cross-team collaboration.
• Prepare materials for meetings with fund holders and prospective donors and involve Community Foundation leadership in meetings when beneficial.
• Utilize donor development software.
• Participate in and support Community Foundation events as needed.
• Participate in and support the Development Committee and volunteer leadership as needed. 

 

Planned Giving

• Stay informed on legal and technical aspects related to charitable and planned giving. Advise the Board, committees, and staff on developments as necessary.
• Solicit and document planned gifts from donors, often while working in partnership with their professional advisors.
• Lead donor stewardship efforts related to the planned giving recognition society, the William Quarton Heritage Society. 
• Work closely with the Vice President of Development and Vice President of Marketing and Communications to:
  • Develop marketing tools for planned giving initiatives and communications.
  • Oversee the planned giving content of the Community Foundation website.

 

Professional Advisors

• Establish, cultivate and sustain relationships with professional advisors (attorneys, accountants, financial advisors and planners) to discuss giving opportunities and encourage their clients’ giving to/through the Community Foundation.
• Facilitate meetings and trainings with professional advisors and work in partnership to bring awareness of the Community Foundation and maximize charitable giving in Linn County and beyond. 
• Provide materials for professional advisors for their use, exchange up-to-date information on current best practices, and promptly receive and respond to referrals. 

 

 

Competencies:  

• Proven success in fundraising from individuals, corporations, private foundations and other potential contributors.
• In-depth knowledge of philanthropy.
• Ability to think strategically about donor development and how to effectively build and maintain relationships with a diverse group of donors and other constituents. 
• Strong knowledge of estate planning including wills and trusts, deferred giving vehicles and tax laws related to charitable giving. Experience in soliciting and documenting planned gifts is preferred. 
• Ability to work independently, communicate effectively, conduct research and analysis, and manage multiple priorities and projects. 
• Demonstrate sound judgment, high integrity and respect for confidentiality, approachability, initiative, and the ability to understand complex issues and challenges. 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

• Full-time
• Office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Limited evening hours on occasion.

 

Preferred Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of ten years professional experience in fundraising, development or a closely related field is required.  Prior nonprofit experience is preferred. 
• Certifications in fundraising or philanthropic advising and membership in estate planning organizations are strongly preferred.

 

Click apply now to email us today! Cover letter and resume must be emailed to be considered for the position.

Application review will begin on October 17th.

 

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT:

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, termination, and all other aspects of employment. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This commitment applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our mission. We believe that diversity enhances our ability to serve our community and enriches the experiences of our employees. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply for employment opportunities within our organization.