DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT - Individual Giving and Strategic Partnerships

POSITION TITLE:  DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT – Individual Giving and Strategic Partnerships 

REPORTS TO:  Vice President of Development 

LOCATION: Albany, NY 

This position oversees the development, coordination and execution of a comprehensive individual giving program in support of the overall strategic programmatic initiatives of Special Olympics NY that include Training & Competition, Health, Athlete Leadership, Unified Champions Schools, and Young Athletes.  The successful candidate will lead individual giving efforts, work cohesively with program and development staff across the state to build relationships, cultivation, track and solicit gifts, as well as database administration.  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT:  Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university.  Minimum three years of nonprofit fundraising experience or business sales experience combined with general nonprofit experience.  Proven track record of achieving financial goals. 

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong writing skills, including a thorough command of proper grammar
• Ability to establish rapport with high-level donors and members of the Board of Directors
• Ability to cultivate and manage C-suite corporate relationships
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively, with efficiency
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues within the department and across the organization
• Public presentation capabilities for both small and large groups
• Demonstrated strategic thinking abilities and strong analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of the mission and function of Special Olympics New York, including sports training and athletic competition programs
• Experience working with a relational database, preferably Raiser's Edge NXT
• General computer proficiency and competence with the full Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong knowledge of and experience in both Upstate and metropolitan NY markets
• Experience with planned giving strategies
• Flexibility and patience with changing priorities and deadlines 

JOB SUMMARY: Implement and manage a comprehensive strategy to significantly increase individual giving state-wide as well as prospect and manage corporate relationships. Execute short and long-term plans for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a pipeline of prospects, including a portfolio of high-level donors. Grow the annual giving society with a goal to increase the number of annual unrestricted gifts in the range of $1,500-$100,000. Collaborate with staff in all regional markets to increase visibility and awareness of Special Olympics New York, particularly among high-level donors.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Grow the annual giving program for annual donor gifts of $1,500 and above
• Implement a strategic and aggressive moves management program to upgrade support from current donors
• Work with development staff across the state to identify and cultivate both new and existing donors with major gift capacity
• Manage a portfolio of high-level donors for annual fund support and major gifts with support from regional development managers
• Incorporate planned giving strategies into the overall individual giving effort
• Develop and implement a plan to reach new prospective donors
• Prepare and execute asks, proposals, and reports for targeted major gift priorities
• Research, coordinate, and implement sponsorship opportunities and grant proposals from corporations, foundations and other grantors 
• Collaborate with Executive leadership on unique engagement opportunities to steward current donors and cultivate new donors, individual and corporate
• Fundraise for other priorities as identified by Senior Leadership
• Liaise regularly with giving circle volunteer support and oversee the communication and scheduled meetings of those volunteers
• Inclusion, Unified Sports and the Unified Champion School programming are present and prioritized in the foundation of our core elemental movement, found embedded in our seasonal and annual calendar, and activity. All staff members hold responsibilities collaterally and fundamentally for inclusive mission and the Unified programming

 In addition to the responsibilities identified above, may be requested or required to perform other duties and/or responsibilities, by management on a non-regular basis. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:   Position requires working both standing and sitting.  Must be able to lift and carry light loads (5-30 pounds for short distances) 

WORK HOURS: Regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Travel assignments may be assigned.  Weekend/evening duties required. 

Please submit cover letter, resume, salary history and requirements to Special Olympics New York, Inc. at resumes@nyso.org.  Please reference job code “DDIG” in subject line.  No phone calls please.