Mission Statement:
Project SAGE creates social change to end interpersonal relationship violence by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms and by advocating for victims and survivors.
About Project SAGE (formerly Women’s Support Services)
According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three women and one in four men in the United States have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner. With a powerful mission to create social change that ends interpersonal relationship violence, Project SAGE challenges attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms and advocates for victims and survivors. Serving six towns in the Northwest Connecticut community, the agency supports survivors, raises awareness through education and training, and challenges community businesses, providers, schools, and others to do better by victims and survivors in all they do.
For over 40 years, Project SAGE has worked towards their vision of a world in which everyone can be themselves and have healthy relationships. Last year, Project SAGE provided:
Project SAGE is located in Lakeville, CT. Part of Litchfield County, Lakeville is one of the best places to live in Connecticut. It's known for its peaceful atmosphere, scenic beauty, beautiful vistas, pristine lakes and historic charm. It’s convenient to the Appalachian Trail, mountains for hiking and skiing, lakes for fishing and canoeing, and numerous art and music venues.
Lakeville is a 45 minute drive to the Berkshires, an hour and twenty minutes from Hartford and a two hour train ride to New York City.
Project SAGE is one of the 18 members of CCADV, the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Statement of Principles
Cooperation and Mutual Respect
Project SAGE is committed to the development of each person’s full potential and the dignity and worth of each individual’s talents and contributions. Relations among staff, between staff and Board, and with volunteers will be guided by cooperation and mutual respect.
Collaboration and Communication
Project SAGE strives to maintain a supportive and collaborative environment where each person can bring their best to the work and mission of Project SAGE. Project SAGE values honest, direct, and respectful communication among staff, volunteers, and Board members.
Strength in Diversity
Project SAGE believes honoring diversity and striving for inclusiveness are values of strength that contribute positively to the work and mission of Project SAGE.
About the Position
The Director of Development oversees all Project SAGE fundraising efforts. They are responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, grants and special events. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and volunteer committees to develop fundraising goals and strategies, and will manage a team of fundraising professionals.
Project SAGE works 37.5 hours a week. This is a full-time exempt position.
This position reports directly to the Executive Director and directly supervises the part-time Development Associate and full-time Events Coordinator (position to be filled later in 2024).
Philanthropy Context:
With a current annual budget of $1.5 million, Project SAGE has recently experienced significant growth and has a strong foundation—both in terms of reputation and revenue generation—on which to continue to increase their impact.
Last year, the agency raised 36% of its revenue from individual and institutional donors, 35% from state and federal funding, and 29% from their nationally acclaimed annual event called Trade Secrets, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in May 2025. Project SAGE’s committed Board of 16 members actively engages in fundraising, with 100% Board participation in giving and willingness to reach out to their networks and assist in the thoughtful identification, cultivation, and stewardship of donors. In addition to partnering with the full Board of Directors on fundraising, the Director of Development will also collaborate closely with two active committees, the fund development committee of the Board and the Trade Secrets Underwriting committee, as well as be involved with other volunteer committees.
In February 2022, Project SAGE moved to a new space with increased capacity for client services and staff needs. They are now embarking on the second phase of the building renovation and plan to continue to leverage the enthusiasm for the project, which will be a focus of fundraising in the coming year. Given compelling fundraising opportunities and a significant base of donors and prospects, Project SAGE is poised to strengthen philanthropy in both the near and long term. The Director of Development will play a critical role in this growth and in supporting a philanthropic culture of hospitality and generosity.
Key Responsibilities
Special Requirements:
General Requirements
Key Qualifications
Key Experience:
Mission Statement:
Project SAGE creates social change to end interpersonal relationship violence by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms and by advocating for victims and survivors.
About Project SAGE (formerly Women’s Support Services)
According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three women and one in four men in the United States have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner. With a powerful mission to create social change that ends interpersonal relationship violence, Project SAGE challenges attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms and advocates for victims and survivors. Serving six towns in the Northwest Connecticut community, the agency supports survivors, raises awareness through education and training, and challenges community businesses, providers, schools, and others to do better by victims and survivors in all they do.
For…
Project SAGE has a comprehensive benefits package, including a 4% retirement match, expansive health insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, 12 paid holidays and four weeks of vacation annually.
Project SAGE has a comprehensive benefits package, including a 4% retirement match, expansive health insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, 12 paid holidays and four weeks of vacation annually.
How to apply:
Please send your resume and a short cover letter or video explaining why this position appeals to you at this point in your life and career to careers@project-sage.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will begin to be reviewed immediately.
How to apply:
Please send your resume and a short cover letter or video explaining why this position appeals to you at this point in your life and career to careers@project-sage.org…