Director of Development and Major Gifts

Position Type:
VFES Development

Date Posted:
8/24/2023

Location:
Valley Forge Educational Services
Are you looking for a career that makes your heart smile on a daily basis?
Come and work with our amazing students and staff at VFES The Vanguard School!

Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, VFES and the Vanguard School are dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach to each individual served by the continuum of educational, recreation, and employment services offered, VFES commits to helping all students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth in their communities in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.

Title: Director of Development and Major Gifts
Program/Dept: Development
Reports to: Executive Director
Work Year/Day: 12 months, 8 hours per day (including a 30-minute unpaid break)
FLSA Status: Exempt

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in business administration, non-profit administration, marketing, or a related field. Additional certification from fundraising or philanthropic professional organizations a plus.

Minimum of seven years' experience in non-profit fundraising, philanthropy, and donor development with demonstrated success and knowledge of the strategies and mechanics of general fundraising, major gift solicitation, grant making, and capital campaigns.

Minimum of three years non-profit leadership experience, preferably in an educational setting.

A record of accomplishment in securing major gifts generating $1 million plus in annual revenue from individual, corporate, and foundation donors for existing or new programs and/or building improvements.

Excellent presentation, writing, and analytical skills.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with tight deadlines.

Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all constituents (donors, staff, board members, students, parents, community leaders).

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, development database software, and online databases for prospect information. Experience with Abila fundraising database a plus.

Occasional evening and weekend hours for meetings and special events.

General Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Development and Major Gifts reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with Development Office staff and VFES Board of Directors to carry out VFES's various development initiatives aligned with the strategic plan and fundraising goals. This role requires leadership and management experience, as well as major donor strategy, donor management, annual appeal, grant making, special event, and capital campaign experience. He/she will be responsible for strengthening relationships with existing constituents as well as developing and cultivating new relationships with major donors. Responsibilities will also include strategic and operational planning as well as supervision of Development Office staff.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director will plan, establish, and track fundraising goals aimed at supporting strategic and organizational priorities. Develop, implement, and facilitate short- and long-range fundraising programs to meet fundraising goals and strengthen and grow VFES fundraising efforts.

Work closely with the Assistant Director of Development and Major Gifts and Development Coordinator to plan, oversee, and evaluate various fundraising initiatives, including the major gifts program, annual appeal, special campaigns and events, and grant submissions.

Contribute to the success of the major gifts program by cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major donors through personal visits and various communication channels. Facilitate major donor meetings with Executive Director, CFO, and Board members and provide donor strategies and communications materials.

Work closely with members of the Board of Directors to lead and facilitate a sub-committee of the Board directed at ongoing major gifts cultivation and Trustee fundraising efforts.

Collaborate with the Assistant Director of Development and Major Gifts and Director of Marketing & Communications to develop tailored major gift communications, solicitations and case statements.

Oversee all grant submissions managed by the Development Coordinator so that proposals are accurate, well-written, and submitted and reported in a timely manner. In addition, lead all federal and state agency grant submissions (e.g., PDE, PCCD) in coordination with VFES Leadership.

Oversee the accuracy of all daily, monthly, and fiscal year end development financial reports and ensure they are aligned with Business Office donation records. Develop and manage annual Development budget.

Oversee the donor database system managed by the Development Coordinator to ensure donor contact information, donations, and gifts are accurately recorded and promptly acknowledged.

Demonstrate competency in each of the VFES core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork.

Comply with all organizational policies and procedures including those stated in the VFES Policies & Procedures manual and additional verbal and written communications provided to staff members.

Maintain a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with all constituents (administrators, colleagues, faculty, parents, students, and others).

Attend and actively participates in staff meetings, in-service activities, training, and other meetings as required.

Perform related duties, special assignments and projects as assigned.

VFES offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees' 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!

VFES and The Vanguard School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know. We're excited to hear from you!