idealist.org

JOB DESCRIPTION

Development and Communications Director
(25 hours week with possible opportunity to increase to full-time)

Overview:

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) is seeking a part-time (25 hours week) Development and Communications Director to play a key role in planning and implementing fundraising initiatives for the organization.

The MDSC is a vibrant non-profit (501c3) organization whose mission is to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given the opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.

The MDSC recently transitioned from an all volunteer organization to one that is run by a professional five member management team. Since bringing on this team, MDSC has experienced significant growth and is searching for a professional with a strong background in Development to work with the Executive Director to build the long-term financial stability of the organization.

Fundraising events planned for 2009 include:

• Boston Marathon and Cigna Falmouth Road Race numbers for non-profit programs.
• Annual Buddy Walk and Family Picnic held during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise awareness and funds for MDSC. Over 1,800 people gather at Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield, MA, to further the mission of the organization.
• Boston Bruins Alumni vs. the MDSC All Stars benefit hockey game held at the New England Sports Center, Marlborough, MA

Definition of Position:

The Development Director reports directly to the MDSC Executive Director and is responsible for managing and implementing fundraising initiatives designed to build the long-term financial stability of the organization. Responsibilities include the solicitation of corporate sponsorships for events, direct mail campaigns, grant writing, fundraising event planning, and other activities to ensure the organization meets its financial goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Work with the Executive Director to create a strategic and diversified fundraising plan that will guide the organization to meet fundraising goals, maximizing opportunities around corporate, foundation, individual and event fundraising.
• Work with the Executive Director to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with existing and prospective individual, corporate, foundation, and government funding sources.
• Research and evaluate funding opportunities for potential sources of support to the organization.
• Establish and monitor annual calendar for fundraising and resource development.
• Plan and implement high-impact special events to promote the MDSC mission.
• Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of direct mail campaigns.
• Prepare high-quality proposals, grants, reports, newsletters, mailings and acknowledgements required to support ongoing fundraising activities.
• Oversee development, maintenance, and expansion of the MDSC website.
• Create system to maintain accurate donor records and database.
• Manage fundraising budgets.
• Perform public relations activities to ensure press coverage for programs and events including writing press releases, sending out press kits, developing relationships with the media, and securing media sponsors.
• Engage and motivate volunteers to support development activities in the organization.
• Secure in-kind donations for events including silent auction items, food and beverages, and give-a-ways.
• Respond to donor and prospect requests for information.
• Other duties as required.

Strong candidates for this position will have:

• Seven plus years of documented work experience as a fundraiser, building and maintaining a development function in an entrepreneurial non-profit environment.
• Knowledge of all aspects of fundraising including corporate and foundation relations, grants, special events, and individual giving programs.
• Commitment to helping the organization implement systems and structures to support significant growth.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to inspire donors.
• Strong project management and event planning skills with highly developed attention to details.
• Ability to build a new development function in a fast growing small non-profit organization.
• Ability to engage and motivate the MDSC membership as volunteers in the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work and manage multiple tasks in both an independent and collaborative setting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint and strong database management skills.
• Ability to work from a home office during the first year of employment
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.

Send cover letter, resume, and two writing samples by September 30 to:

Maureen Gallagher, Executive Director
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
at mgallagher@mdsc.org