Development Director

Peninsula Metropolitan Park District (PenMet Parks) is searching for a Development Director to provide highly responsible oversight, leadership, and day-to-day management of the District’s development and fundraising operations. This position will manage all aspects of major gift fundraising, including campaigns. The Director of Development will collaborate with the District’s leaders, staff, and volunteers to identify prospective donors and ensure the implementation of timely cultivation and solicitation strategies to support fundraising goals. The Director of Development will be the driving force in creating a sustainable funding source and will play an integral part in leading the capital campaign to success. The position directly engages with the Board of Park Commissioners, staff, community partners, vendors, consultants, and the public.

Key Responsibilities of the Development Director:

• Creates and manages the vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan for the Development Department to align and support the organization's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and needs.
• Develops and executes a strategic plan to diversify, strengthen, and increase the District’s fundraising base and develop new funding sources.
• Develops and implements actions to advance the District’s philanthropic priorities.
• Works with staff, leadership, and volunteers to create and manage campaign and major gift initiatives prospect portfolios and develop cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Serves as the major gifts officer alongside the Executive Director to advocate for the District’s needs and vision by meaningfully connecting with, engaging, and cultivating community partners and donors.
• Manages development department operations and procedures such as creating gift acceptance policies, pledge forms, and thank you letters.
• Ensures the integrity, accuracy, and utilization of the donor and volunteer databases by developing a thorough working knowledge of the District’s fundraising software.
• Writes compelling, effective, and on-brand content for the organization’s fundraising needs, including grants, newsletters, direct mail, e-communications, advertising, and annual report.
• Prepares financial and other analytical reports concerning fundraising campaigns, goals, donors, and volunteers.
• Monitors and manages the development and fundraising budget.
• Manages fundraising events and ensure event expectations and goals are met.
• Oversees and implements effective donor appreciation and stewardship activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

What the Successful Candidates will have:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fundraising, business administration, communication, marketing, a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of knowledge and direct experience in fundraising techniques with requests to individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Have a proven track record with donor development.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Must have the ability to cultivate and maintain effective relationships with prospects, donors, and volunteers.
• Prioritizes and organizes work plans based on objectives and desired outcomes.
• Assesses situations proactively and effectively and takes initiative.
• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues, customers, partners, the Board of Park Commissioners, contractors, and the public.
• Possesses strong written, listening, and verbal communication skills.
• Handles sensitive situations and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Effectively applies a thorough knowledge of the organization and its policies, procedures, and regulations to all actions.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Creates an environment for employees to work cooperatively and collaboratively with internal and external colleagues, the Board of Park Commissioners, contractors, partners, and the public.
• Skilled in conflict resolution.
• Produces and delivers professional-quality written documents, fundraising materials, and reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe.
• Proficiency with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases is preferred.

PenMet Parks offers a robust benefits package, which includes:

• Health and Dental Benefits
• Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave
• State Retirement Program

If this position looks like a fit for you, submit your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to executivedirector@penmetparks.org. This is a limited term position of 18-24 months.