Title: | Development and Communications Manager - The Open Door |
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ID: | 1481 |
Job Title: | Development and Communications Manager - The Open Door |
Client: | The Open Door |
Application Deadline: | N/A |
Summary Job Description: The Development and Communications Manager (DCM) is an integral part of a team dedicated to ending local hunger in Dakota County. The DCM works with the Executive Director to lead a small and dedicated team committed to generating community support for one of the most dynamic hunger relief organizations in Minnesota. Working in collaboration with the Executive Director, Development Committee of the Board, and the Communications Committee, the DCM will support their team’s efforts to tell the story of suburban poverty and the innovative ways our team brings people together to make fresh and healthy food a reality for more than 14,000 people each month.
An ideal candidate will be someone who looks to empower others, believes dignity is something afforded to everyone, and is invested in helping others succeed. An ideal candidate will be comfortable with change, embrace creativity, and open to growing with an organization that has more than doubled its impact in the past 24 months.
The Development and Communications Manager will lead a staff of 4 and have primary responsibility for:
- Management of Development and Communications staff and interns
- Oversight of all internal and external communications
- Donor stewardship
- Management of the donor database
- Management of annual partner program
- Grant tracking, research, and composition
- Coordination of Development Committee, Communications Committee and other ad hoc committees as needed
The Manager will also be responsible for assisting the Executive Director with direct mail solicitations, donor stewardship, event support, and development of a Major Gifts Program.
All interested candidates should have:
- a commitment to and interest in ending local hunger and increasing access to healthy food for underserved community members
- a sincere appreciation for volunteers and other team members
- a commitment to work with people from diverse educational, socioeconomic, family, and cultural backgrounds
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee Database Management including ensuring accurate records for grants, contracts, individual donors and events
- Work with Finance Manager and Development Assistant to process, record and acknowledge all gifts
- Prepare various financial and donor reports and analyses
- Develop and support execution of Fundraising and Communications campaigns including production of mailings, including newsletters, direct mail campaigns and event invitations
- Collaborate with finance manager to ensure completeness and accuracy of donor data and funds raised
- Assist with the stewardship plan to ensure appropriate recognition of donors at all giving levels and to cultivate Major Gifts.
- Research, cultivate, solicit, and steward donations, from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government institutions.
- In collaboration with the Executive Director, initiate contact and follow up with individual prospects, as appropriate.
- Work with the Executive Director to prepare for meetings with donor prospects
- Draft thank you letters and manage other ongoing correspondence with individuals
- Assist with special stewardship projects including: follow up letters after VIP events, holiday card mailings, invitations to special events, personal calls to donors, etc.
- Support annual fundraising events – Empty Bowls (March) & October Zest (October) & 5k (August)
- Support annual stewardship events – State of The Open Door, Grow Hope, Sustainers Circle
- Research and draft grant proposals
- Assist in completing on-going individual and foundation prospect research
- Assist in drafting and coordinating all direct mail solicitation appeals each year.
- Track individual giving levels, expenses and response rates of appeals.
- Draft thank you letters and manage other correspondence with individuals.
- Maintain current records in database and in paper files.
- Pull lists and prepare donor reports from database for mailings and analysis.
Board & Committee Support
- Set agendas in partnership with committee chair, schedule, set up, and attend Development Committee and Communications Committee meetings
- Prepare documents and reports for Board and Development Committee meetings
- Assist the Executive Director to manage development budget and track ongoing expenses
- Assist with other development department projects as requested
Qualifications:
- Commitment to ending local hunger
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required
- Prior volunteer or work experience with The Open Door preferred
- At least 3-5 years prior development experience preferred
- Excellent people skills and an upbeat, enthusiastic, and positive attitude
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel, as well as with donor databases such as Nonprofit Easy, Raiser’s Edge, or e-Tapestry and with spreadsheets and reports
- The ability to handle large amounts of detailed information with accuracy
- Strong work ethic and the desire to do the best job possible
- Strong writing, proofreading, and organizational skills, as well as the ability to speak clearly and persuasively
- The ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced team environment, while simultaneously managing a large number of projects
- Resourcefulness in trouble-shooting and solving problems on projects
- A track record of professionalism, as well as follow-through on projects and prompt responsiveness to internal and external stakeholders
- The ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and manage projects independently
- An ability to develop in and adapt to a growing and changing organization
- A willingness and ability to work with a variety of individuals and constituencies, including volunteers, families, media, major donors, board members, etc.
- Ability to honor private and confidential information
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- To apply, please submit a thoughtful cover letter and resume