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Job descriptions

Job Profile - Director of Development

Tools and Templates

Sample Job Descriptions

Other Titles:

  • Senior Development Officer
  • Director of Fund Development
  • Development Coordinator

Job Purpose

The Director of Development creates and oversees the implementation of a strategic approach to fundraising which may include major gifts, corporate donations, grant solicitation, and in-kind resources.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Directors of Development perform some or all of the following duties:

Plan fund development activities

  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to create a fund development plan which increases revenues to support the strategic direction of the organization
  • Implement the fund development plans in accordance with ethical fundraising principles
  • Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure that the fundraising goals are being achieved
  • Monitor trends in the community or region and adapt fundraising strategies as necessary

Organize fund development activities

  • Develop and manage timelines for various fundraising activities to ensure strategic plans and critical fund raising processes are carried out in a timely manner
  • Develop policies and procedures for the development department which reflect ethical fundraising practices
  • Prepare and submit grant applications as outlined in the fund development plan to generate funds for the organization
  • Oversee the planning and execution of special fundraising events as specified in the fund development plan to generate funds for the organization
  • Identify and develop corporate, community and individual prospects for the organization's fundraising priorities
  • Oversee the administration of a donor mailing list and database which respects the privacy and confidentiality of donor information
  • Coordinate in-kind donations and make decisions regarding the issuing of receipts

Staff fund development activities

  • In consultation with the Executive Director, recruit, interview, and select well-qualified fund development staff
  • Engage volunteers for special fund development projects using established volunteer management practices
See the job profile for the Manager of Volunteers for a description of the related duties and responsibilities when engaging volunteers.

Manage fund development budget

  • Develop and gain approval for an annual income and expenditure budget for the fund development program
  • Prepare regular reports on progress, budgets, receipts and expenditure related to fundraising and the management of the fund development activities
  • Monitor expenses and analyze budget reports on fund development and recommend changes as necessary

Promote the organization

  • Foster an understanding of philanthropy within the organization
  • Develop a comprehensive communication plan to promote the organization to its donors and maximize public awareness of the fundraising activities of the organization
  • Coordinate the design, printing and distribution of marketing and communication materials for development efforts
  • Build relationships with community stakeholders to advance the mission and fundraising goals of the organization

Qualifications

Education

  • University degree
  • A certificate in Fundraising Management is an asset

Professional designation

  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Proficiency in the use of computer for:

  • Fund raising software
  • Word processing
  • Databases
  • Spreadsheets
  • E-mail
  • Internet

Personal characteristics

The Director of Development should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

  • Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve the finances of the organization and to create new opportunities
  • Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure own behaviour and the behaviour of others are consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
  • Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
  • Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
  • Focus on Donor Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of donors to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
  • Foster Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problem, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
  • Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
  • Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
  • Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
  • Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
  • Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Experience

  • 3 to 5 years of fund raising experience

Working Conditions

  • Directors of Development work in an office environment
  • Directors of Development usually work a standard work week
  • Directors of Development may be required to work evenings and weekends during major campaigns and special events

Benchmark

NOC: 0014