Development Director
The development director is responsible for creating and then implementing the overall fundraising plan for the organization.
This involves a lot more than applying for grants, though grant writing is often an important part of the job. The development director is one of the few positions that do not require daily interaction with other staff members, making it ideal for telecommuting. Files and hard copies of applications should be kept in a central office, but the actual work can be done anywhere there is a computer with access to the Internet.
More than any other position in the organization, the development director must be completely comfortable talking to strangers, colleagues, other organizations, and business groups about the organization and development efforts. In light of the global economic crisis, many of the usual rules and methods for nonprofit development are being revised, requiring a development director to be able to adjust and adapt.
There is going to be confusion, particularly among the board members, about the differences between fundraising and development. The board's role needs to be to assist with fundraising and ask for money based on a development plan drawn up by the development director.
Nonprofit development has become a highly sought-after position, with people learning the intricacies for many years before taking on the full responsibilities. It is also a position with tremendous responsibilities. If general operating funds are in jeopardy, it may fall to the development director to seek out new funding sources. The position involves the following tasks:
Plans and administers all fundraising programs and activities.
Oversees the development department, ensuring staffs and systems operate smoothly and within budget.
Administers annual membership of the organization, including membership drives and solicitations.
Develops and coordinates all capital campaigns for building, expansion, and other programs.
Produces and provides regular detailed accountability reports on finances and fundraising operations.
Offers creative and active leadership for the organization at large.
Spearheads efforts to identify and obtain individual, corporate, and foundation contributions.
Produces proposals, sponsorship invitations, and requests for grants for procuring funds for organizational efforts and causes.
Oversees preparation and production of all promotional mailings, printed pieces, and web communications related to fundraising.
Solicits and cultivates strategic donors.
Devises and executes annual fundraising plans, special events, and programs.
Directs appreciation mailings for all donors.
Serves as a fundraising liaison with the organization's board of directors.
Oversees special events such as auctions and house parties (further discussed in Chapter 11).
