Director of Development

About Us:

The GenderCool Project is a youth-inspired movement with a simple mission: to help replace misinformed opinions with positive, powerful experiences actually meeting transgender and nonbinary young people who are thriving.

GenderCool is seeking a passionate, inclusive individual interested in joining our team as the Director of Development. Please visit https://gendercool.org/ to learn more about our organization.

About the Role:

GenderCool’s work centers on replacing misinformed opinions with powerful, positive experiences, highlighting transgender and nonbinary young people who are thriving. Through innovative programs and impactful storytelling, GenderCool Champions—transgender and nonbinary youth and young adults aged 12 and older—have achieved remarkable milestones. They’ve authored a book series, introduced the President of the United States, testified in front of local, state, and national legislatures, presented at major conferences, been featured in an hour-long ABC/Hulu special, and appeared in outlets like USA Today, The New York Times, People, Self, Teen Vogue, and The Advocate.

In this key role within GenderCool, the Director of Development will spearhead initiatives to grow and sustain GenderCool’s financial and strategic partnerships, ensuring the organization has the resources needed to amplify its mission. The Director of Development will report to the Deputy Executive Director and supervise a part-time Development Associate.

A successful candidate will have 5+ years of fundraising experience, including success cultivating and stewarding major donors. With an entrepreneurial attitude, the Director of Development will work closely with the executive team, funders, and partners to secure transformative gifts, expand donor relationships, and position GenderCool as a leader in the nonprofit and LGBTQ+ advocacy spaces. By emphasizing storytelling and compelling communication, the Director of Development will not only build and maintain relationships but also create a deeper emotional connection with donors and partners, inspiring long-term support for the mission. By building on GenderCool’s strong foundation, this role will ensure the organization can continue its vital work of uplifting transgender and nonbinary youth and creating meaningful change.

Responsibilities include:

Fundraising Strategy and Execution:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, focusing on major gifts, grants, and event management.
• Collaborate on the development and implementation of annual and multi-year fundraising plans.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and fundraising benchmarks to meet or exceed annual goals.
• Collaborate with leadership and the board to drive fundraising initiatives and meet revenue goals.
• Supervise the Development Associate, ensuring operational efficiency in development processes.

Grant Management:

• Lead grant research, writing, and reporting, ensuring compliance with funder requirements.
• Collaborate with program staff to align funding needs and grant opportunities.
• Foster relationships with decision-makers and representatives of foundations through personalized and meaningful interactions, showcasing a deep understanding of their values, priorities, and past initiatives.
• Cultivate relationships with grant officers and representatives from corporate and foundation partners to enhance the organization's visibility and funding prospects.

Individual Giving and Stewardship:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors at all levels through personalized communication and thoughtful engagement strategies.
• Develop and implement comprehensive donor cultivation and stewardship plans tailored to individual donor segments, ensuring a personalized and impactful donor experience.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate all donor solicitation campaigns aligned with giving holidays such as Giving Tuesday, Year-End Giving, and other seasonal fundraising initiatives.

Event Planning and Logistics:

• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, including galas, virtual campaigns, and donor appreciation activities.
• Work with vendors, volunteers, and staff to ensure events align with organizational goals and budgets.
• Oversee and manage GenderCool’s third-party fundraising program, which includes coordinating with external organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Database and Systems Management:

• Manage and optimize the use of Raiser’s Edge NXT to track donor engagement, improve reporting, and identify growth opportunities.
• Ensure data integrity and efficient processes for donor acknowledgment and stewardship.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

• Serve as a mentor to development staff, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Partner with marketing and communications staff to create compelling campaigns and donor-facing materials.

Miscellaneous

• Additional responsibilities and occasional duties as needed to support the organization