Director of Development
Full-time; Exempt Status
Reports to: President + CEO
The Director of Development is responsible for creating and overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive development plan to support the mission, programs, and long-term sustainability of Waterville Creates. In close collaboration with the leadership team, the Director of Development will directly manage individual giving programs, including annual giving, memberships, and planned giving, and provide additional support for foundation requests, corporate solicitations, and fundraising events. The Director of Development will work closely with the leadership team to identify and support funding needs and priorities and work with the Director of Marketing + Communications to ensure that all fundraising messaging is consistent with the Waterville Creates brand and fully integrated with its organizational storytelling.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
· Working closely with the leadership team, develops and oversees implementation of comprehensive annual and long-term development plan; monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of strategies and adjusts plans as needed to ensure goals are achieved.
· Provides strategic leadership to further develop a robust individual giving program to support ongoing organizational sustainability and capital projects; designs strategies to increase donor engagement and annual giving at all levels, including major gifts and legacy giving, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization.
· Works with the Executive Assistant to manage and maintain accurate donor records and ensure timely acknowledgements.
· In consultation with the President + CEO, manages outside fundraising consultants to ensure success in meeting established timelines and goals.
· Works with the leadership team and program staff to seek and prepare foundation, federal, and state grant proposals.
· Works with the leadership team, the Marketing + Development Coordinator, and the board of directors to identify, assess, cultivate, solicit, and steward viable prospects, donors, sponsors, members, grant-makers, in-kind supporters, and partners.
· Works closely with marketing staff and leadership to advance organizational storytelling and create compelling campaigns that effectively communicate WC’s mission, programs, and case for support to current and prospective donors and members.
· Works with the Director of Marketing + Communications to develop external communications, including but not limited to fundraising appeals, annual reports, and donor acknowledgement materials.
· Works with leadership and program staff to develop and implement special fundraising projects and campaigns.
· Develops and nurtures a strong working relationship with the President + CEO and board of directors, presenting regular reports and sharing information to support their involvement in fundraising.
· Serves as a visible ambassador for the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
· Other duties as assigned; duties will require occasional weekend and evening work.
Experience Requirements
· Demonstrated capacity to achieve contributed revenue goals in alignment with WC’s mission, vision, and values. A confident fundraiser, the Director will be knowledgeable of strategies and best practices to secure strategic gifts from individuals and institutional donors.
· People-oriented leader who enjoys engaging and communicating with multiple constituencies.
· An innate multi-tasker, the successful candidate is highly organized, has excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize and adapts to changing situations with ease and enthusiasm.
· Proven ability to build trust, create a sense of purpose and direction, and influence the team to take action towards a common vision and goal.
· Excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Exceptional interpersonal skills with capacity to leverage relationships with donors, handle sensitive issues with tact and discretion, and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.
· Accepts new ideas and approaches, adapts to situational demands by stepping outside of comfort zones, evaluates how certain obstacles impact results, and focuses on positive results.
· Willingness to evaluate personal action, learn from mistakes, and accept personal responsibility for outcomes.
· Qualified applicants must have 3 or more years of development experience with a nonprofit organization. Leading candidates will have demonstrable experience in individual and major gifts portfolio management, as well as a proven track record of achieving contributed revenue targets.
· The ideal candidate will also have a passion for the arts and community-centered initiatives.
· This position is eligible to work remotely in alignment with WC's remote work policy.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Waterville Creates (WC) seeks qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply for the opportunity to join our team. WC is committed to building a more equitable work environment that includes a wide array of voices. We believe a diverse workforce strengthens our organization by increasing representation, expanding access, and building a strong creative coalition for the work we undertake. Waterville Creates is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Waterville Creates
Waterville Creates connects artists, organizations, and the public with arts and cultural events and programs happening in our community. Supporting and promoting arts education, exhibitions, theatre, film, music, and dance that is accessible to all, Waterville Creates is leading the effort to make Waterville an exciting cultural destination and a thriving, vibrant community. For more information about Waterville Creates, visit watervillecreates.org.
Annual salary: $75,000
Waterville Creates offers a comprehensive employer-paid benefits package that includes health, dental, and disability insurance, a Simple IRA match, and paid time off.
Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
To apply, please provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references. Only complete applications will be considered.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Ability to Relocate:
- Waterville, ME 04901: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
