SAILS Fundraising Director

Duties of the SAILS Fundraising Director

The SAILS board Fundraising Director is an officer of the board of directors. It’s an important position because it will manage fundraising efforts of our organization in an effective and impactful way. This position will work closely with the Board President to identify fundraising needs and fill those needs via grants, sponsors, donations, or other fundraising opportunities.  

The SAILS Fundraising Director will organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.  May also include developing a fundraising campaign, conducting research on potential donors and meeting with them, and screening and training fundraising volunteers, organizing events, such as charity walks/runs, galas, and donor appreciation events.

Duties

Summary of primary duties: 

• Develop initiatives to grow annual giving and overall fundraising, regularly evaluate all fundraising programs to ensure they are considered best practice and make adjustments as necessary
• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
• Project manage and chair special events, including annual fundraising along with a designated Board Member
• Manage relationships with donors and oversee the annual fundraising appeals and campaigns
• Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.
• Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, history of charitable donations, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.
• Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data.
• Recruit and develop major corporate partners for a nonprofit organization 
• Develop reports for Board of Directors meetings
• Maintain details related to grant processes, including all information on institutions and grant recipients
• Oversee the organization's annual grant cycle
• Compose outreach letters and announcements to advertise the organization's funding opportunities
• Solicit and maintain high-level corporate sponsors by developing year-round cultivation plans ensuring superior customer relations

Qualifications

Experience

• Prior experience in fundraising and development, preferably in a nonprofit.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Familiarity with Google Workspace
• Promoting events effectively, acquiring sponsors for events, developing a salesforce, and securing donations for fundraising raffles.

Skills

• Valuable time management and prioritization skills
• Ability to build relationships with donors and motivate
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Effectively facilitate discussions, inspire confidence and trust in face to face communication, and effectively engage in public speaking.

Time Commitment

• Two Year Term (24 months)
• Attend Board Meetings once a quarter (2 hrs)
• 10-12 hours per month (board meetings, work sessions, special projects, prep, learning/advocacy/events)
• Annual Board Retreat in October- 7 hours

Other Requirements

• Committed to serving the community with a minimum of one-year previous community service experience.
• “Give or Get Policy:” Committed to making a personal donation or raising a minimum of $500 annually.
• Fundraise and generate funding opportunities;
• Serve in an advisory capacity;
• Commit to the Mission of the organization;
• Provide input into the strategic planning process;
• Represent the agency to constituents while promoting and publicizing the organization;
• Share relationships and secure in-kind resources to support the vision of the organization;
• Maintain confidentiality related to organization business and intellectual ideas; and
• Be prepared and willing to work towards expanding our visibility in the community.