Job Abstract

Current Opportunity:

The Director of Development leads all fundraising, marketing, and grant-writing activities. Under the guidance of the Chief Executive Officer, The Director of Development develops and implements fundraising strategies, cultivates donor relationships, manages marketing efforts and social media channels, and identifies and pursues grant opportunities. Additionally, this individual plays a key role in shaping the organization's strategic direction by collaborating with leadership to identify growth opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs and services. The Director of Development performs their fiduciary responsibility to the organization within the ethical guidelines set forth by BuildAbility's Core Values.

General Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans and strategies to meet organizational revenue goals.
• Collaborate with the senior leadership to identify and prioritize funding opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Create and maintain all development budgets, including overall department spend, specific fundraising events, and individual campaigns.
• Research, onboard, and maintain development platforms for more efficient and transparent tracking.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
• Engage Board Members in fundraising efforts by providing them with training, resources, and support to effectively solicit donations, cultivate relationships with donors, and participate in fundraising events.
• Increase the visibility of the organization through partnerships with local/state governmental agencies, politicians, community-based organizations, and major foundations.
• Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in nonprofit development to improve fundraising efforts continuously.
• Lead by example in promoting a culture of philanthropy, ethical fundraising practices, and donor-centered stewardship throughout the organization.

• Research and identify potential grant opportunities from government agencies, foundations, and corporations.
• Write clear, concise, compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and grant reports.
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements and deadlines, including budgetary and reporting obligations.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather relevant data and information for grant applications.
• Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and submissions and track grant outcomes and reporting requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with grant makers and foundation contacts.
• Participate in grant-related meetings, workshops, and conferences to stay informed about funding opportunities and trends.

• Cultivate and steward major donors and philanthropic foundations through personalized outreach and relationship-building.
• Develop and implement donor recognition and stewardship strategies to acknowledge and retain donors.
• Track fundraising performance metrics and adjust annual plans to maximize successful outreach/social media campaigns.
• Research and identify new funding sources, including major gifts, planned giving, and corporate sponsorships.
• Plan and execute targeted fundraising campaigns to engage donors and achieve fundraising goals.
• Coordinate donor cultivation events, including donor tours, appreciation dinners, and cultivation luncheons.
• Collaborate with board members, volunteers, and staff to leverage their networks and support fundraising efforts.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive donor prospect pipeline to ensure a steady flow of new donors and funding opportunities.

• Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to increase brand awareness and engagement.
• Provide oversight for all social media platforms, including content creation, scheduling, and community engagement.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content, including blog posts, newsletters, and press releases, to showcase organizational impact and drive donor engagement.
• Monitor social media analytics and website traffic to track performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, and promotional materials.
• Produce innovative and informative program/organization content for distribution to donors, clients, the public, and community partners.
• Coordinate with external vendors, such as graphic designers and printers, to ensure high-quality marketing materials.
• Stay updated with digital marketing trends and best practices to optimize online presence and reach.

Full-time

Exempt

Schedule:

Flexible work schedule

Location:

Sylmar, CA

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Life insurance, short-term disability,
• Paid vacation starting at 2 weeks per year
• Paid sick leave
• 12 paid holidays per year
• 403(b) retirement savings plan
• Employee Assistance Program

Working at BuildAbility:

We believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We are committed to providing the highest quality care and support to the individuals we serve, and we are looking for someone who shares our values.

Required:

1. Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, or relevant field.
2. At least seven years of experience cultivating fundraising strategies and grant writing in any sector (non-profit sector experience preferred)
3. At least five years of demonstrated project development and management/supervisory experience.
4. At least five years of experience developing and implementing marketing and communication strategies.
5. Extensive knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving.
6. An innovative approach to maximizing results with limited resources.
7. Demonstrated experience incorporating broader strategic organizational goals into plan development.
8. Ability to think analytically and discipline to adjust or abandon an idea that is not performing as expected.
9. Ability to communicate persuasively, both orally and in writing.
10. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

Preferred:

1. Demonstrated experience working and engaging with a Board of Directors.

COVID-19 Precautions

COVID-19 Update: BuildAbility’s Vaccine Policy requires that all new and existing employees provide proof of full vaccination (+ Booster Shot) or submit a request for accommodation based upon a medical condition or deeply held religious belief.

BuildAbility is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.