Job Abstract

With a primary focus on developing the philanthropic participation of the Fairfield County market, the AVP of Development will work in collaboration with the Development, Corporate & Foundation Relations, Philanthropic Events and Stewardship & Donor Relations teams. This role will work to build a strong network of supporters, donors and community advocates to grow our philanthropic base within the region, as it aligns with the organization’s strategic plan. The role will craft and implement create and data driven fundraising and engagement strategies to grow our success in the Fairfield County region.

Essential Duties:

• Drive philanthropic activity within Fairfield County to support Connecticut Children’s strategic growth.
  Identify, cultivate and solicit prospective and current donors capable of making major gifts ($50,000+) to Connecticut Children’s.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of 125-150 high-quality, long-term relationships with past and potential donors that maximize their capacity to provide financial support to Connecticut Children’s.
• Engage and support Board Members, Executive Management Team members and physicians when appropriate in developing donor relationships and the Fairfield County market.
• Create and maintain relationships with key members of assigned Medical Center divisions to maximize grateful patient family referrals, engagement and philanthropy. Stay up-to-date on division developments and needs.
• Achieve annual activity and outcome goals, including set number of personal visits, major gift proposals submitted, major gifts closed and dollars raised.
• Through personal contact and donor research, identify and analyze both the capacity and inclination of these relationships to provide financial support and determine areas of interest that would inspire them to make major gifts to the Medical Center. Determine areas of donor interest and develop and implement written strategies that lead to major gift closure.
• Keep detailed records of the strategies, steps and progress of every relationship using the Salesforce database.
• Collaborate with other development professionals within the Foundation to effectively design and execute engagement, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• Actively participate and engage in a variety of cultivation, solicitation and recognition events as appropriate.
• Perform additional activities related to development efforts as required
  

Education and/or Experience Required:

• Experience Required: Five to seven years of a successful track record in philanthropy, including at least three years of experience in major gifts. Direct experience fundraising in the Fairfield County region required.

Education and/or Experience Preferred:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Experience Preferred: Direct experience in fundraising for a children’s hospital or academic medical center preferred.

License and/or Certification Required:

• Required: Driver’s license and motor vehicle to be able to attend relationship meetings throughout the New England region, specifically in Fairfield County.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and to successfully prioritize and complete an array of tasks and projects concurrently. Attention to detail and meeting tight deadlines are critical for success.
• Exceptional judgment and ability to exercise discretion handling confidential financial and personal information.
• Demonstrated ability to work with optimism and enthusiasm in a team environment, achieving one’s personal goals, while supporting others in their goals and working together on shared goals.
• Superb interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop relationships with a broad range of personalities.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills that allow you to make a compelling case for Connecticut Children’s mission and investment priorities.
• Knowledge of Salesforce or similar CRM will be helpful to any successful candidate.
• Flexible schedule that includes working some nights and weekends