Development & Marketing Director

The Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is a leading animal welfare organization entering its 50th year of dedication to improving animals' lives. DAWS places over 900 animals annually in permanent homes while providing pet owners affordable veterinary care through its in-house clinic. Additionally, the organization is committed to raising public awareness of pressing issues related to companion animal welfare, such as animal overpopulation.

DAWS is a 501c(3) organization headquartered in Bethel, Connecticut that heavily relies on contributed income to sustain its life-saving mission with an operating budget of $1 million annually. The organization's development and marketing objectives include 1) fundraising 2) promoting DAWS events 3) increasing DAWS adoptions and 4) enhancing the organization’s visibility locally, regionally and nationally.

DAWS is currently seeking a highly skilled development and marketing professional with a proven track record of success, including but not limited to: expanding donor bases, increasing contributed income, growing planned giving, planning and executing special events, leading donor stewardship activities and managing teams.

The Development and Marketing Director will report to the Board of Directors and plays a crucial role in driving the continued success of DAWS. Candidates must have a minimum of five-years experience in development and marketing in a leadership, Director-level role. The chosen candidate will inspire and manage a team of three direct reports and volunteers to support these key functions. The ideal candidate will have outstanding leadership qualities, a deep understanding of donor cultivation, and extensive experience in marketing and development. The Development and Marketing Director will also be responsible for overseeing the final phase of the capital project for the renovated shelter.

Development responsibilities include:

• Develop, execute and report against a development and marketing strategy with measurable targets for sustaining and increasing revenue.
• Identify, educate, steward, and cultivate a portfolio of major individual donors, legacy donors and corporate supporters.
• Plan and oversee the Development Budget responsible for raising over 600k annually.
• Lead development and marketing efforts for the final phase of DAWS’s capital campaign.
• Research and apply for grants; ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
• Supervise processing and donor acknowledgment/recognition process for all giving.
• Oversee management of Donor Perfect database CRM, accountable for data quality and relevancy.
• Oversee management of GiveSmart Event/Auction Software, CRM, accountable for data quality and relevancy.
• Grow Legacy Society with Planned Giving.
• Plan and manage fundraising events, including an annual gala and annual golf event, with team and committee assistance.
• Plan and manage Donor Ribbon-Cutting Event for Grand Reopening of Renovated Shelter and other 50th Anniversary celebrations.
• Create and refine opportunities and special events to secure new donors and raise awareness within the region.
• Work with DAWS’ Bookkeeper and Director of Operations on financial reporting needs, including revenue accounting.
• Provide organizational leadership collaboratively with the Operations Director.
• Oversee third-party fundraising opportunities such as donation drives with community, school, and civic groups.
• Build partnerships with local business owners, chamber of commerce(s), etc.

Marketing responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement mail, online, social media and event-based campaigns in support of its objectives
• Build and maintain Media relations, including pitching stories and serving as a spokesperson as for the organization.
• Write copy for and coordinate the design of advertising and print collateral.
• Lead the organization’s e-mail marketing initiative through Constant Contact and oversee monthly e-newsletter distribution (currently 9,000 subscribers, with growth targets)
• Oversee social media management, Facebook/Instagram/TikTok as well as YouTube
• Responsible for DAWS’s website messaging and updates.
• Monitor Google Reviews, provide timely response, and strive for 5 star-rating.
• Oversee the organization’s Events Calendar, such as adoption events and opportunities for visibility in the Greater Danbury region.

The Development and Marketing Director will engage and motivate staff and volunteers, and perform supervisory duties including formal employee reviews. The Development and Marketing Director will develop a monthly report on Development and Marketing initiatives, progress against established targets and other relevant updates; the Director will present this report at a monthly meeting with the Board.

Flexibility in Schedule required, occasional evenings and weekends.

Job Type: Full-time, exempt, 40 hours per week

Schedule:

· Monday to Friday

· Weekends/evenings as needed

Experience:

· CRM software at Director-level: 3 years (Required)

· Special event coordination at Director-level: 3 years (Required)

· Non-profit fundraising at Director-level: 5 years (Required)

· Grant writing: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

· Driver's License (Required)

*Work Location: Hybrid remote in Bethel, CT 06801

*The Shelter's location is at 147 Grassy Plain Street in Bethel, CT. This role includes exposure to dogs and cats of all sizes and temperaments, both at our shelter and at off-site events.