Development Director

The TROT Development Director’s primary responsibility is to create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, encompassing individual, major, corporate, foundation, planned, recurring gifts, grants, and special events. This includes:

• Identifying and cultivating all gift prospects. Planning and executing special events to engage donors and raise funds. Collaborating with the Executive Director and Board to align fundraising goals with the organization’s mission and values. Managing TROT merchandising, social media platforms, and community engagement activities.

Essential Job Duties and Primary Tasks: Serve as the primary contact for donor inquiries. Use marketing, PR, and digital tools to support and expand fundraising, grow the donor base, and create major/planned gift pipelines. Coordinate comprehensive giving programs and secure gifts from donors. Research and pursue new funding opportunities, including corporate sponsorships and grants. Identify, cultivate, and steward donors to increase visibility and reputation. Design and execute donor events, manage donor contact, and maintain records in Salesforce. Oversee fundraising activities, special projects, and events like the annual Gala. Develop and submit grant proposals, prepare budgets, and stay updated with fundraising trends. Manage external communication materials, conduct philanthropy tours, and coordinate development research. Manage TROT’s merchandising program and catalog merchandise with the office manager and bookkeeper. Typical Duties

• Increase TROT’s visibility and develop strategic partnerships through external events. Engage volunteers in fundraising, develop roles, and coordinate participation. Organize donation campaigns and special events. Maintain and evaluate donor records and fundraising success. Keep TROT in the public eye via social media, website updates, and branded merchandise. Ensure accurate donor records, timely data entry, and updated information. Acknowledge and report on donor gifts and their impact. Accurately document donation allocations in donor management software. Build trust with constituents through cultivation and stewardship plans. Oversee and maintain donor management databases and records. Develop and manage external communication materials, including website, marketing materials, newsletters, and social media content.

Knowledge

Technical Abilities

• Budget Management: Creating and managing financial plans. Project Management: Planning, executing, and overseeing projects. Database Management: Maintaining accurate donor records and using donor management software.

Interpersonal Abilities Leadership: Inspiring and guiding teams towards achieving goals. Communication: Clearly conveying ideas and engaging with donors and stakeholders. Strategic Thinking: Planning for long-term goals and organizational growth. Relationship Building: Cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with donors and partners. Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges and finding effective solutions. Required Education & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English, social work, or business. Degrees in other subjects or commensurate work experience may also be acceptable Technology Skills experience: Customer relationship management software (e.g., Constant Contact, Salesforce, WordPress). Social media and webpage publishing software (e.g., Forms Assembly, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Publisher). Graphics or photo imaging software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in English, business, psychology, social services, or other relevant subjects. Bilingual in English and Spanish

Other Relevant Experience

• Internships and Previous Work Experience: Gained practical skills and insights through various roles. Fundraising Strategy Development: Collaborated with team members to create effective fundraising strategies. Donor Identification and Outreach: Identified and contacted potential donors via phone and in person. Event Planning: Created and organized events to generate donations. Grant Writing: Developed and submitted grant proposals to secure funding. Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.