Director of Development

Job Summary

The Director of Development (DoD) is responsible for significantly expanding the quality and size of MLFA’s prospect pool while leading all external fundraising efforts. This role will be central to growing MLFA’s private philanthropy efforts nationwide, requiring extensive travel to cultivate donor relationships, develop strategic initiatives, and drive the organization’s fundraising activities. The DoD will manage a portfolio of approximately 65 high-value donors and prospects while supporting the leadership team with the stewardship of the organization’s top-tier donors. Additionally, the DoD will oversee Development staff and contribute as a key member of the executive board’s fundraising committee.

Essential Duties

The following reflects the essential duties for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Strategic Donor Cultivation and Management: Build and manage a portfolio of 65 major donors and prospects capable of contributing $10,000 or more.
• Develop and execute strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward these donors effectively.
• Fundraising Planning and Execution: Design and implement comprehensive fundraising initiatives, including annual campaigns, regional events, donor appeals, major gift programs, monthly donor programs, planned giving, and stewardship activities.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Serve as an active member of the executive board’s fundraising committee, contributing to strategy development and offering insights on fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Marketing, Board members, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Staff Development and Training: Lead and mentor Development staff through regular training, knowledge-sharing sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Prospect Database Management: Oversee and ensure the accuracy and timely updating of donor strategies, contacts, and outcomes in the prospect management database.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Comprehensive understanding of fundraising principles, including prospect cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Knowledge of tax laws affecting charitable giving, personal assets, and estates.
• Exceptional oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and trustees.
• Experience working independently and collaboratively across teams.
• Willingness to travel for donor cultivation, with a goal of conducting 140 face-to-face visits annually.

Experience and Education

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: At least four years of individual gift fundraising experience, including cultivating and soliciting gifts of $10,000 or more. Proven track record of leading successful fundraising and marketing campaigns.
• Experience: Salesforce