Posted on February 17, 2012

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Senior Director of Development

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. We welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools.

The Challenge

GLSEN seeks an exceptional, results-oriented Senior Director of Development to build upon its strong fundraising program to support the organization's growing momentum. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and accomplished individual with superior communication skills and the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with the National Board of Directors and executive team to meet the financial needs of GLSEN's strategic vision.

Primary Function

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Director of Development provides the strategic vision, leadership and coordination of GLSEN’s fundraising strategies and activities. The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring the stability and growth of multifaceted revenue streams that include Individual Giving (Major and Planned Gifts), Institutional Giving (Foundation, Corporation and Government) and Special Events (nationally recognized Respect Award galas in New York and Los Angeles and other special events); and a Direct Marketing Program (traditional direct mail, and e-philanthropy).

Reporting Relationships and Volunteer Support

The Senior Director of Development reports directly to the Executive Director and will oversee a staff of five, as follows:

• Manager of Major Gifts and Planned Giving
• Manager of Special Events & On-line Giving
• Senior Manager of Institutional Giving
• Major Gifts & Events Consultant (Los Angeles)
• Development Assistant

In addition the Senior Director is responsible for oversight of relationships with outside vendors that support GLSEN’s Respect Awards events and its Direct Marketing program.

With the E.D. and Senior Directors of: Programs & External Relations, Operations & Finance, and Research & Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Director of Development is a key member of the senior management team who provides the leadership and management of the organization.

GLSEN has a deeply committed National Board of Directors comprised of corporate, education and philanthropic leaders from across the US. Additionally, the Senior Director of Development will oversee a highly energetic and passionate National Leadership Council whose purpose is to support the acquisition of resources to fund the organization's strategic and operational plans.

Responsibilities

• Lead the efforts to raise annual operating revenue, currently $7 million with an eye on increasing multi-year support.
• Evaluate and establish the Development Department's staffing structure and assignments, and implement short-term and long-range plans to significantly increase annual funds.
• Significantly expand the organization's major and institutional donor cultivation efforts by providing comprehensive, timely and innovative stewardship of all gifts and implementing an effective ladder for donors to participate in GLSEN's growth.
• Grow cost effective direct, e-mail and other targeted solicitation programs and refine set of fundraising programs to attract new donors.
• Provide strategic and marketing oversight to all donor materials, and strategic support on external stakeholder communications.
• Effectively manage and organize the department's day-to-day operations, budgets and income forecasts.
• Use database and financial management systems to analyze progress against plans, to monitor expenses and fundraising efficiencies and ensure security of all donor records.
• Develop and nurture a diverse and high-quality staff that is well prepared to meet the goals of a rapidly growing organization.
• Develop clear processes and collaborate with other departments to create an understanding and appreciation for the development function.
• Foster an environment of cohesiveness and collaboration with colleagues across all departments and serve as a collegial and participatory member of the organization's executive team.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrated experience successfully managing a development program or department of comparable size with 7-10 years experience in nonprofit fundraising and an understanding of the current best practices and emerging trends in the sector.
• Strong track record of personal success in identifying, cultivating and soliciting major individual, foundation and corporate donors.
• The intellectual depth, entrepreneurial drive, maturity, self-confidence, interpersonal skills and warmth to build and maintain relationships with people at all levels of the organization, across a diverse range of educational and social backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills—both oral and written—with an ability to inspire others to support GLSEN and become fundraising agents for its mission.
• Proven analytical and strategic skills, with experience creating strategic fundraising plans and objectives, and the detail orientation and follow-through to implement those plans.
• Proven ability to build a cohesive, high-performing staff and work teams and to develop the skills and nurture the professional growth of staff members.
• Knowledge of national LGBT and/or Education funding communities.
• A Bachelor’s degree, with further study (CFRE, MBA, or equivalent) preferred.
• An appreciation for the mission and growth aspirations of GLSEN.

Application Instructions

This position is located in GLSEN’s New York City headquarters. For more information see GLSEN's website at www.glsen.org. To apply Please send cover letter with resume to:

GLSEN
90 Broad St. 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10004
Attn: Development Search
Or email to: Resumes@glsen.org

Please, no phone calls.

GLSEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people of color, of diverse gender identities, women and non-LGBT persons to apply.