Director of Development

Firelight Foundation

The Firelight Foundation, a private foundation that works to support and advocate for the needs and rights of children who are orphaned or affected by HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa, seeks a Director of Development to play a critical role in implementing the vision and direction of the Foundation’s fundraising strategy. The Director of Development will work with the Executive Director, CEO, staff, board members, and advisors as well as manage a development team.  The Director will be tasked with raising approximately $3.5 million annually. This position is located in Santa Cruz, CA.

Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Implementation

•Expand Firelight’s donor base/pipeline by crafting and implementing a comprehensive development strategy to raise funds from individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

•Develop and implement annual work plans related to financial sustainability to ensure integration of strategies with the rest of Firelight’s departments.

•Support the Executive Director and Board Members on all major fundraising initiatives.

•Monitor all donor information; provide and present statistical analysis to board and senior leaders.

•Oversee reporting to donors on the use of funds.

Research and Relationship Management

•Lead broad research and engagement strategies for new funding sources.  Ensure that Firelight is positioned ahead of major funding changes or trends.

•Write persuasive proposals and correspondence to prospective and prior funders.

•Take primary responsibility for key funder relationships and ensure effective communication, involvement, and appreciation for each funder.

•Identify and implement strategies to strengthen, grow, and leverage each relationship, including connecting to other prospects.

•Communicate with colleagues across the organization to understand funder objectives, requirements, and related program activities, and to ensure fulfillment of commitments.

Communications

•Work with a Director of Communications to develop and implement a variety of communications strategies to support development and fundraising initiatives, including donor solicitation materials and an annual report.

•Help effectively position, market and build the Firelight brand.

•Work with the Director of Programs, Director of Communications, and the grantmaking team to develop materials that highlight the successes of Firelight’s grantee-partners.

Leadership, Management

•Collaborate with the Executive Director and CEO to: ensure the well-being of the organization as a whole; model effective leadership to all staff; set the tone for the organization’s inner workings; listen and provide guidance to staff; and articulate Firelight’s vision, values, and strategies

•Recruit, train and supervise several staff.

Qualifications:

•Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required; an advanced degree is strongly preferred

•5-7 years of demonstrated success in fundraising

•Impressive track record of deepening relationships with funders or clients and personally cultivating and closing new relationships that achieve breakthrough results

•Maturity to work with highly visible civic, philanthropic, and business leaders nationally and internationally

•Results-driven; excellent time and project management skills

•Strong team orientation, ability to provide and accept feedback, and ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people

•Highly developed interpersonal skills, excellent oral presentation and written skills

•Ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors, and build long-term relationships

•Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives

•Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and donor database software such as Filemaker Pro and Raiser’s Edge.

Characteristics:

The ideal candidate should be:

•Dedicated to upholding the values and approaches that define Firelight’s work and passionate about its mission;

•A team builder with a record of success working in partnership with a staff and board of diverse personalities and talents;

•An outstanding relationship builder, with ties to a broad and diverse range of communities;

•Intelligent, able to conceptualize fundraising strategies, originate ideas, and anticipate and act on events that may create opportunities for Firelight; creative, strategic, and resourceful;

•A straightforward and direct communicator; an active, keen listener; discreet and professional;

•Someone with a sense of humor to maintain balance and perspective.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary is commensurate with experience, and includes excellent benefits.

The Firelight Foundation 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.

About Firelight:

Firelight strives to increase the resources available to grassroots organizations that are strengthening the capacity of families and communities to care for children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS. Since making its first grants in 2000, Firelight’s approach to grantmaking has been child centered, family focused, and community based.  Firelight believes that children grow best in families and that the most effective strategy for addressing the needs of children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS and poverty is to strengthen the capacity of families and communities to provide for their care. To learn more about the Firelight Foundation, please visit: www.firelightfoundation.org.