Director of Development

Director of Development

Position Summary

Answers to: Executive Director

Full Time Position

Title: Director of Development

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Compensation: • Salary: $80,000 • Compensation Package: Generous annual holiday schedule; Expense account; health benefits package

Application Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025 @ 5 p.m.

The Director of Development (DD) is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive, strategic fundraising program that aligns with Play It Forward’s (PIF) mission and ensures long-term financial sustainability. The DD, in collaboration with the Executive Director (ED) and Board of Directors, leads all fundraising activities, including individual donor engagement, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and institutional partnerships, and private and public grants.

This role also oversees the planning and execution of events, maintains donor stewardship programs, and ensures proper tracking of donor data and financial contributions. The DD drives strategic initiatives to expand PIF’s donor base and fundraising capacity, supporting both annual operations and capital campaigns.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Donor Engagement

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate and business partnerships, grants, and special events.
• Increase Annual Fund revenue (currently $800K+).
• Build and manage a portfolio of major donors, fostering meaningful relationships that align donor interests with PIF’s mission.
• Oversee strategies for broadening the base of annual donors through appeals, campaigns, and donor cultivation events.
• Create and implement multi-year fundraising strategies, leveraging data for forecasting, activity tracking, and accountability.

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Lead grant management efforts, including researching, writing, and tracking proposals and reports for government, corporate, and private foundation grants.
• Cultivate relationships with institutional funders and identify new grant opportunities to support PIF’s expanding programs.
• Ensure compliance with all funding requirements, deadlines, and reporting obligations.

Events & Community Engagement

• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising events, including the annual gala, donor receptions, and special appeals.
• Develop and execute strategies to increase corporate sponsorships and business partnerships for events and program support.
• Represent PIF at community, corporate, and philanthropic events to strengthen engagement and build relationships.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop a communications and marketing strategy to ensure cohesive messaging across fundraising campaigns, public relations, and donor communications.
• Oversee the creation of fundraising materials, including digital, print, and video content for donor engagement.
• Ensure internal messaging and information sharing are clear and consistent across departments.

Board Relations & Leadership Development

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to engage board members in fundraising efforts.
• Provide leadership in board development and training, ensuring board members are equipped to advocate for PIF’s mission.
• Prepare and present fundraising progress reports to senior leadership and the Board.

Financial Oversight & Donor Data Management

• Develop and manage the Development Department budget, including revenue forecasting and expense tracking.
• Implement and oversee donor tracking systems (CRM) to monitor fundraising progress, measure donor engagement, and ensure donor retention.
• Regularly assess and refine fundraising processes and data management systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maintains pledge and bequest documentation, and oversees upkeep of donor records.

Team Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Lead, mentor, and empower the newly forming Development team, ensuring professional growth and skills acquisition opportunities.
• Set clear goals and expectations for team members, providing regular feedback and performance assessments.
• Foster a philanthropic culture by educating staff, board members, and volunteers about the impact of fundraising and their role in donor engagement.
• Participate in annual strategic planning and relevant projects at the senior level. Lead Development Team in strategic planning initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• 5-10 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related fields, including donor engagement, grant writing, and event planning.
• Proven track record in donor stewardship, securing major gifts, and managing special events.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors, volunteers, board members, and corporate partners.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and detail-oriented, with strong project management skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see the big picture while managing multiple projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience developing compelling donor materials.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and tracking fundraising revenue.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, both personally and professionally.
• Proficiency in donor management software (CRM), Google Suite, and prospect research tools.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, including board engagement and volunteer management.
• Experience in arts or education fundraising is a plus.

Key Traits & Characteristics

The ideal Director of Development will be:

✔ A visionary strategist who can drive fundraising growth and sustainability.

✔ An exceptional communicator, capable of crafting a compelling case for support.

✔ A collaborative leader, able to inspire team members, donors, and stakeholders.

✔ A creative problem-solver, adept at identifying new opportunities for fundraising.

✔ Passionate about music education, and committed to advancing Play It Forward’s mission.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to Robin Ruiz (robin@pifmusic.org). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Play It Forward

Play It Forward is a nonprofit dedicated to providing no-cost, high-quality music education to underserved youth. By offering group piano and guitar lessons in Title 1 schools, we remove financial and logistical barriers, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the transformative power of music. Through innovative instruction, dedicated mentors, and meaningful performance opportunities, Play It Forward empowers young musicians and strengthens our community.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Play It Forward is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, sexual preference, disability, condition, or any other group protected by law.