Development Director Job Description
About Virginia Organizing
Virginia Organizing is a statewide grassroots organization dedicated to challenging injustice by empowering people in local communities to address issues that affect the quality of their lives. We especially encourage the participation of those who have traditionally had little or no voice in our society. We are a multi-issue organization working for social, racial, gender, environmental, and economic justice. Our work focuses on the local level, but we run issue campaigns at the statewide and national level as well.
Dismantling racism and gender justice are fundamental to everything we do. Our board, staff, and grassroots leaders bring a variety of perspectives to the table, enriching and strengthening the work. Dismantling racism workshops have been an integral cornerstone of our organizing since our founding 26 years ago.
We have built a culture of fundraising at Virginia Organizing in which every staff member raises funds, as do our State Governing Board members and our grassroots chapter leaders.
Virginia Organizing takes pride in our supportive work culture. We work hard to make sure everyone feels included, has a voice in organizational decisions, and is empowered to do their best work. We support families by offering generous benefits, expecting staff to work within contracted hours, and providing flex time when necessary.
About the Job
After 26 years of successful fundraising, Virginia Organizing is creating a new Development Director position as we scale up our fundraising capacity, which will allow expansion of our organizing work.
The ideal Development Director will have a commitment to Virginia Organizing’s vision, mission, and culture. They will be a committed professional with a superior work ethic and creative ideas for increasing donations and growing our donor base. This person will be excited by the prospect of engaging with and building donor relationships, and will have a record of being a compelling and dependable representative to all stakeholders.
Specifically, you will:
• Personally engage major gift prospects and donors
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and implement a plan to increase opportunities for major donor identification and cultivation
• Vigorously implement use of the bequest, stock, IRA, and donor-advised fund tools to increase participation by donors in these ways of giving
• Build and nurture relationships with donors at all levels of giving
• Engage and support staff, board members, and chapter leaders in fundraising efforts
• Work with the Communications Director to implement a sustainable development strategy encompassing multiple channels of giving from individuals
• Work with the Executive Director and Communications Director to implement
messaging to donors, including donor cultivation and solicitation materials
• Work with the Executive Director on private foundation grants
• Maintain donor records on the database and track staff major donor work
• Ensure the integrity and confidentiality of all donor and financial data
• Travel, as necessary, to related events and activities
About You
Driven by a commitment to Virginia Organizing’s vision for a more just Virginia, you believe that people who are most directly affected by public issues should have a seat at the table. You are passionate about social justice and environmental issues. You want to use your critical thinking and interpersonal skills to build a more powerful statewide organization.
We are looking for an energetic, experienced fundraiser who wants to see more organizers in communities across Virginia and who works diligently to raise the funds to make that happen.
Successful applicants will also have the following:
Leadership Style
• Experience working with people across racial, economic, and cultural lines in a variety of organizational settings
• A strong commitment to diversity, inclusivity, equity, and justice
• Capacity to build warm, authentic connections with people of diverse backgrounds
• Welcomes collaborations and contributions and shares credit widely
• A good sense of humor, patience, and open-mindedness in working with others
• Highest level of personal and professional integrity
Skills and Accomplishments
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and best practices of non-profit fundraising
• Proven ability to develop strategies that expand a donor base and increase revenue from individual donors
• Track record of securing high-level gifts, with an emphasis on building and maintaining relationships with individual donors
• Ability to engage staff, board, and grassroots volunteers in fundraising
• Ability to work independently, which includes managing your own work schedule, setting priorities, and accomplishing long-term goals
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including strong listening skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong personal organizational skills
• Excellent computer skills
Background
• At least five years of progressively responsible experience in non-profit fundraising
• Proven track record of creating and executing fundraising strategies, with success in soliciting and closing 5- and 6-figure gifts from individuals
Compensation and Benefits
The starting salary is $50,000 or negotiable based on experience. Full-time employees receive generous benefits, including full health, dental, vision, and childcare benefits, in addition to paid vacation, sick, parental, and family leave.
We strongly encourage women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community to apply.
To apply, please send a letter of interest, a copy of your resume, and three references to Brian Johns, Executive Director, at bjohns@virginia-organizing.org
