Posted on January 18, 2013

print

Director of Development

Who we are: The Association of Small Foundations (ASF) is the largest philanthropy infrastructure organization in the country, with over 2,500 members. Small staff foundations account for nearly half of all foundation giving in the United States. Small staff philanthropy is agile, responsive and rooted in personal passion. ASF’s mission is to strengthen and inspire the work of these philanthropists by providing donors, trustees, and professionals with peer learning opportunities and resources while celebrating and documenting the power and impact of their giving within and beyond the philanthropic community.

Our culture: ASF was created by small-staffed foundations for small-staffed foundations. Today, more than 17 years later and with members in all 50 states representing more than 16,000 trustees, we still have the same friendly culture. We continue to take pride in connecting our members with others in similar situations. In its staff members, ASF looks for highly collegial, ethical, bright, and ambitious people who have a commitment to quality work. ASF is an organization that values and rewards performance.

Development at ASF: A key portion of ASF’s annual operating budget includes grants and gifts from ASF members, above and beyond their membership dues, as well as support from non-member foundations. Member support comes through annual appeals and major gifts; non-member grants are often for specific initiatives, although some cover general operations. Corporate partners also provide financial support to ASF by underwriting specific publications and programs (e.g., webinars, teleconferences, seminars, conferences).

The board and management recognize the development department’s critical role and are committed to supporting the function.

The position: The director of development is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing ASF’s development program. Reporting directly to the CEO, the director of development is a member of the management team and is expected to be an active leader and participant in ensuring the association’s overall health and efficient operations. This includes helping to set its strategic direction and working across all staff teams. The director of development supports the ASF board and its development committee and, in collaboration with the management team, is responsible and accountable for setting and meeting ASF’s fundraising goals and objectives. The director of development is expected to lead comfortably and capably and represent ASF well internally and externally.

Responsibilities

• Ultimate accountability for meeting annual fundraising targets
• Oversee all aspects of the development department including research, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, reporting, and communications with donors
• Provide leadership, direction, and coordination of strategies and activities for the development department
• Develop, recommend, and oversee ASF’s giving programs, including annual appeals, foundation proposals, major donor prospects, and other types of philanthropic partnerships
• Lead specific cultivation and solicitation activities for a portfolio of prospects
• Manage and mentor development staff, consultants, and contractors, as well as recognize how the contributions of other ASF staff impact development
• Collaborate across departments to create an environment throughout the organization that nurtures major gift fundraising
• Work with the CEO to engage and inform the board of directors on development activities
• Draft written development materials as needed in support of ASF’s fundraising program
• Participate actively as a member of the management team

Qualifications and Experience

The director of development should have significant experience in building relationships with various stakeholders, be passionate about the power of philanthropy, and be an effective spokesperson for ASF and its members. He or she must be a strong team player, results-oriented, flexible, and responsive to the association’s changing needs.

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE desirable
• A minimum of 7 years fundraising experience with at least 3 years in a management/leadership role
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, major gift solicitations, and procuring foundation grants
• Experience with annual funds, major gifts, and campaign planning and implementation
• General management skills and specific experience in budgeting, planning, and staff and project management
• Outstanding oral and written communications skills; superior writing and editing talent is critical
• Excellent organizational and people skills
• The ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines
• Creativity, ability to generate ideas, and ability to be a self-starter
• Ability to maintain accountability and work independently while functioning as part of a cooperative and coordinated team
• Ability to openly share ideas and sound reasoning as part of the management team
• Ability to think strategically and move ideas to implementation
• Knowledge of private foundation governance, operations, and grantmaking highly desirable
• Highest level of integrity
• Ability to speak comfortably in front of groups
• Strong computer skills
• A sense of humor
• Experience with membership associations preferred

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. ASF offers a comprehensive and generous benefits package including vacation and sick leave, health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and transit subsidies.

Application Instructions

Applications received by February 15, 2013, will receive full consideration, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please send resume with cover letter including salary history/expectations to hr@smallfoundations.org. Although we value initiative, we cannot field phone calls regarding the position.

ASF is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.