Director of Advancement and Fundraising

Director of Advancement and Fundraising

Organization: Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House

Location: 71 Cherry Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Salary: $80,000 per year

Benefits: Health and dental plan, two weeks paid vacation, paid holidays, and the ability to work from home one day a week.

Work Schedule:

• Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Tuesday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• One Saturday every other month: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Organization Overview:

Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House empowers individuals and families by fostering educational attainment and economic stability, addressing food insecurity, and promoting holistic well-being. As a cornerstone of the Cambridge community, we serve as a welcoming hub for connection, support, and growth, advancing equity and opportunity for all.

Position Overview:

The Director of Advancement and Fundraising is a dynamic leadership role responsible for building sustainable revenue streams and cultivating strong relationships with high-level donors, corporate sponsors, and community stakeholders. This position focuses on creating and executing strategic fundraising plans, elevating donor experiences, and enhancing the organization's visibility.

The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for social justice, a talent for storytelling, and a proven ability to secure significant gifts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising and Donor Engagement:

• Individual Donor Program: Develop and execute a robust strategy for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, including tailored annual campaigns and direct mail appeals.
• Major Gifts: Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals to secure transformational gifts and develop strategies for long-term donor engagement.
• Planned Giving: Launch and manage a planned giving program to secure legacy gifts.
• Donor Engagement: Create high-touch experiences for major donors, including exclusive events, personalized communications, and behind-the-scenes opportunities.
• Donor Recognition: Develop a comprehensive donor recognition program with public acknowledgments, personalized thank-you notes, and exclusive access to updates and events.

1. Corporate Sponsorship and Grant Writing:

• Corporate Partnerships: Develop customized sponsorship packages and build strategic relationships with businesses and corporations to secure financial and in-kind contributions.
• Grant Strategy: Lead the identification, submission, and management of grant proposals. Ensure compliance with reporting requirements and maintain strong relationships with funders.
• Data and Impact Reporting: Collaborate with program teams to collect data and craft compelling reports demonstrating the impact of contributions.

1. External Communications and Branding:

• Brand Development: Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms, aligning with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Storytelling: Develop impactful narratives that connect donors and partners to the organization’s mission.
• Public Relations: Serve as the primary spokesperson for media engagements and cultivate relationships with local and national media outlets.

1. Digital Marketing and Outreach:

• Digital Presence: I oversee the website, email campaigns, and social media channels to ensure that the content is engaging and aligned with fundraising goals.
• AI Campaigns: Leverage AI tools to design innovative donor engagement strategies that improve personalization and outreach efficiency.
• Analytics: Track digital engagement metrics and optimize strategies to increase donor conversion and retention rates.

1. Event Planning and Execution:

• Signature Events: Plan and execute major fundraising events, including galas, donor receptions, and corporate partner events.
• Donor Recognition Events: Host exclusive events to celebrate donors and provide insights into the organization’s work.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with local organizations to host co-branded events that elevate the organization's visibility.

1. Strategic Leadership and Collaboration:

• Fundraising Strategy: Work closely with the CEO, the Advancement Team, and the Board of Directors to develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy.
• Board Engagement: Provide strategic guidance and tools for members to participate actively in fundraising efforts.
• Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and empower volunteers to support fundraising events and campaigns.
• Team Management: Manage and lead the advancement Team to drive the strategic fundraising plan.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience

• At least 5–7 years of progressive experience in fundraising and donor engagement, with demonstrated success in securing major gifts.
• Proven track record in corporate sponsorship development, planned giving, and grant management.
• Experience leading cross-departmental teams to achieve fundraising goals.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in fundraising software (e.g., DonorPerfect, Salesforce, or Raiser’s Edge) and digital marketing platforms.
• Strong analytical skills to assess fundraising performance and develop data-driven strategies.
• Project management expertise, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.

Personal Attributes

• A passionate advocate for social justice and equity.
• Creative, results-driven, and detail-oriented.
• Skilled relationship builder with a collaborative leadership style.