Director of Development & Fundraising

ABOUT WRISE

WRISE is a mission-focused and results-driven non-profit organization working to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and equitable energy future by igniting the collective power of the community to address/remove systemic barriers for women and marginalized groups within the workplace.

POSITION SUMMARY

WRISE is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director of Development and Fundraising to lead our fundraising efforts, ensuring the organization meets its annual revenue goals while expanding and diversifying funding streams. This role is responsible for building and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, strengthening relationships with sponsors, and securing nongovernmental grants. The Director will play a key role in sustaining and growing WRISE’s financial health to support its mission and programming.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Growth

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with WRISE’s mission and long-term goals and achieves its target.
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new funding opportunities to diversify revenue streams, including corporate sponsorships, major gifts, foundation grants, and individual giving.
• Lead the execution of annual fundraising campaigns, including online appeals, donor engagement, and stewardship programs.
• Establish benchmarks and track fundraising performance, providing regular progress reports to leadership and the board.
• Track and manage all fundraising efforts using Salesforce to ensure accurate reporting and donor management.

Sponsorship and Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, and philanthropic partners.
• Develop sponsorship packages and proposals tailored to prospective funders and partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsorships ensuring deliverables and expectations are met.
• Foster ongoing engagement with sponsors to obtain insight on how WRISE can continue to provide value for their sponsorships and donations, as well as to encourage continued and increased financial support.

Grant Acquisition and Management

• Research and identify new grant opportunities to support WRISE initiatives.
• Develop and write compelling grant proposals and reports to secure and maintain funding from foundations and other grant-making entities.
• Track grant requirements and ensure compliance with reporting deadlines and deliverables.
• Collaborate with program and finance teams to align funding opportunities with organizational needs and priorities.

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Develop and implement a donor cultivation and stewardship strategy to retain and grow WRISE’s donor base.
• Plan and execute donor appreciation initiatives, including recognition events, newsletters, and personalized outreach.
• Maintain accurate donor records and manage donor communications in collaboration with relevant teams.

Board Relations

• Prepare and present fundraising reports for the Board of Directors, providing insights on revenue progress and strategic initiatives.
• Attend and actively participate in monthly meetings with the fundraising committee, ensuring alignment on fundraising goals and activities.
• Collaborate with board members to leverage their networks and resources for fundraising opportunities.
• Provide guidance and updates on sponsorships, donor engagement, and grant funding to support board-driven initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related field.
• Proven track record of meeting fundraising goals and securing diverse revenue streams.
• Experience managing corporate sponsorships and building strong relationships with funders.
• Strong grant writing and research skills with a history of successful grant awards.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in office suites, especially Excel and Powerpoint, donor management systems and fundraising software, including Salesforce.
• Ability to work independently, think strategically, and drive initiatives to completion.
• Passion for WRISE’s mission and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the clean energy sector.

Personal Specifications

• Visionary and strategic thinker with a proactive approach to fundraising and development.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and inspire donors, sponsors, and stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and adaptability to navigate a dynamic nonprofit environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills to work effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Commitment to ethical fundraising practices and donor stewardship.
• Passion for advancing gender equity and inclusion in the clean energy sector.