Senior Director of Advancement

MISSION STATEMENT

“The Mission of George Mark Children’s House is to provide compassionate care to enhance quality of life for children with serious medical conditions and their families.”

LEADERSHIP VALUES STATEMENT

Our values as a Leadership Team are to create a diverse, people-first work environment that inspires trust, transparency, respect and equity, and one that empowers and invests in the growth and development of all George Mark Children’s House employees.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Senior Director of Advancement leads George Mark's fundraising and external relations efforts. As a key member of the Leadership Team, this role is responsible for developing strategic initiatives, leading a high-performing team, and managing a robust personal portfolio of 50 to 75 major and planned gift prospects to secure resources that support GMCH's operational budget and strategic priorities.

This position oversees an Advancement team of five with direct management of the Assistant Director of Advancement, Communications and Grant Writer, Lead Salesforce Database Administrator, and Marketing Manager. This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position based in our San Leandro, CA administrative offices, with the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate is a proven leader with the ability to inspire confidence and respect, demonstrate exceptional communication skills, and manage a high-performing team. An experienced frontline fundraiser, the person in this role should have a demonstrated track record of navigating six- and seven-figure solicitations and building comprehensive campaign and donor pipeline strategies. GMCH is looking for a human-centered, data-driven, strategic thinker who is highly organized, solutions-oriented, and can serve as an articulate, empathetic, enthusiastic, and visible spokesperson for the organization. This position necessitates a high degree of professionalism and tact, and skills in fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB

1.Lead Advancement strategy and serve on the Leadership Team.

• As a member of the Leadership Team, develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and external relations program to support George Mark's strategic plan, annual operations, special initiatives, and long-term financial stability.
• In collaboration with the CEO, Board, and senior leadership, establish and achieve annual and long-term goals and strategies for annual campaigns, special events, foundation and corporate relations, community outreach, endowments, and planned giving.
• Oversee direct appeals as well as special fundraising campaigns and initiatives to ensure successful achievement of goals in alignment with the strategic plan.
• Collaborate across all internal departments to ensure seamless coordination and build a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
• Work in partnership with the Compliance Officer to ensure all policies and procedures for the Advancement department are updated and compliant.
• In partnership with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), build and manage the annual department budget.
• Collaborate with the CFO and Finance team to provide critical donor, gift, and grant data for the annual financial audit. Ensure fundraising processes comply with fund accounting standards, and donor restrictions, supporting clean audit opinions.

2.Lead and supervise the Advancement team.

• Mentor, supervise, and coach a high-performing Advancement team, fostering opportunities for professional growth and inspiring performance and engagement.
• Lead donor pipeline meetings with a focus on moves management, revenue projections, and strategy for all donor segments.
• Support and collaborate with the Assistant Director of Advancement, Advancement team and the CEO in donor strategy and portfolio success.
• Oversee the Communications and Grant Writer to guide grant research, grant writing, stewardship of foundational support, and external storytelling that communicates organizational impact.
• Supervise the Marketing Manager to direct corporate partnerships and giving, the annual gala and other events, community outreach, and all external marketing and communication efforts.
• Oversee the Salesforce Database team in managing donor relations and stewardship activities, database management, reporting, pipeline and data integrity, and donor tracking policies, to ensure a meaningful experience for all supporters of George Mark Children's House.
• As needed, oversee any consultants, including periodically assessing performance, to support various development activities.
• In partnership with the CFO, audit and organize all Advancement contracts. Evaluate vendor capabilities to assess opportunities for cost savings or improved service. Negotiate and manage contracts and relationships with vendors and service providers.

3.Manage major gift portfolio and donor pipeline.

• Personally manage a major gifts portfolio of 50 to 75 current and prospective donors.
• Partner with and coach the CEO and fundraisers on cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for their assigned portfolio.
• Identify and engage new and prospective donors and funding partners.
• Prepare well-written correspondence, visit briefings, strategy documents, solicitation proposals, and stewardship reports.

4.Partner with the Board of Directors.

• Present Advancement strategy, progress toward goals, and key initiatives at regular Board meetings and communicate updates as requested.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, providing ongoing fundraising and stewardship training.
• Serve as the primary Advancement liaison to the Board and assist in Board recruitment, the potential Board Fundraising Committee and engagement efforts in partnership with the Board Chair and CEO.
• Coach and train the Board around external relations and fundraising efforts, as requested.

5.Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO and GMCH Board of Directors.

REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent knowledge, skills, and training.
• Minimum seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with a proven track record in securing leadership annual, major, and planned gifts.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, community and public relations, public speaking, and/or marketing at nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated personal integrity and passion for George Mark’s mission, the ability to engender trust, credibility, and confidence with a variety of constituencies.
• Supervisory/management experience is required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Must be able to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to work comfortably in a sub-acute healthcare setting serving children who are seriously ill and/or dying, and their families.
• Must have personal, reliable transportation, a valid California Driver's License, a good driving record, current insurance, and the ability to travel.
• A background check will be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree and/or equivalent knowledge, skills, and training preferred.
• Ten years or more of progressively responsible fundraising experience, with a proven track record in securing leadership annual, major, and planned gifts.
• Experience using a CRM database, with a preference for Salesforce.
• Demonstrated ability, growth mindset and comfort in leveraging data analytics, technologies and AI to inform strategic decision-making, optimize moves management, and drive philanthropic revenue growth.
• Commitment to philanthropy and continuous learning. Collaborative and adaptable.

BENEFITS

• Be part of an organization with a meaningful cause.
• Work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment which focuses on personal development and skill-building.
• Annual range: $175,000 -$195,000 (the stated salary range reflects the typical pay for this role; actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications).
• Up to 12 paid holidays per year.
• 100% employer-paid premiums for employees, 25% for dependents (Health, Dental & Vision plans).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program.
• 403(b) retirement account with a 2% employer matching program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued per pay period at a rate of 9.23 hours (30 days per year).
• $1,500 per year continuing education/personal development fund after 90 days of employment.

If you're passionate about delivering exceptional service and want to contribute to an organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply on the career page https://georgemark.org or directly at hr@georgemark.org.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran or disability status.

• Be part of an organization with a meaningful cause.
• Work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment which focuses on personal development and skill-building.
• Annual range: $175,000 -$195,000 (the stated salary range reflects the typical pay for this role; actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications).
• Up to 12 paid holidays per year.
• 100% employer-paid premiums for employees, 25% for dependents (Health, Dental & Vision plans).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program.
• 403(b) retirement account with a 2% employer matching program.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued per pay period at a rate of 9.23 hours (30 days per year).
• $1,500 per year continuing education/personal development fund after 90 days of employment.

Exceptional oral and written communication skills in English, with the demonstrated ability to serve as an articulate and empathetic spokesperson for the organization.