Senior Director Fund Development and External Relations

YWCA Central Alabama is a social justice organization dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  YWCA Central Alabama’s vision is to create a more caring community.  We work every day to make a positive change in the lives of individuals and the community.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Director Development and External Relations is a key member of the executive management team and will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.  The incumbent is responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and controlling all fund development strategies, fundraising initiatives, capital campaigns and major gift programs, grant development, community relations, corporate partnerships, donor, volunteer engagement and special events. 

In addition, the incumbent provides oversight for grant development by ensuring a robust grants development lifecycle: design of grant opportunities, establishment of grant structures and effective proposal writing. Responsibility to effectively collaborate with leadership and the Board of Directors in strategic decision-making and operations, as YWCA Central Alabama continues to enhance and improve its quality programming and operational capacity.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead the annual fundraising events, programs and special initiatives, while building sustainable external partnerships and legacy initiatives committed to the ongoing mission of YWCA Central Alabama.
• Oversee and monitor the Capital Campaign initiatives, while working in tandem with the Senior Director Finance to ensure clear budgetary objective.
• Evaluate and advise on long-range planning, the introduction of new strategies, and opportunities to sustain the financial viability of the organization.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Sr. Finance Director in cultivating relationships with potential donors and key stakeholders to advance supporters for YWCA Central Alabama.
• Monitor and coordinate all fund development and external relations for YWCA Central Alabama.
• Develop and implement comprehensive donor solicitation plans focused on corporate and individual segments. Strategies must include special events/touchpoints, direct mail solicitations, e-campaigns, grants, major and planned gift solicitations, and fundraising efforts that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs. 
• Conduct research to identify net worth, history of charitable donations, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, and general donor markets. 
• Oversee grant procurement grant funding activities and projects. Ensure continuous strategy, vetting and submission of grant proposals through personal foundations, business foundations, government agencies and other organizations to receive funding that aligns with the mission and direction of the organization.
• Update and implement all necessary business policies and procedures; review and update the department's overall policies and procedures manual, as needed, and ensure procedures are adhered.
• Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data for fund development programs. 
• Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs. 
• Effectively communicate and present fund development goals and objectives to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Represent YWCA Central Alabama at special events, community meetings and national events and programs.
• Oversee financial transactions relating to all fundraising events.
•  Proven ability to effectively manage day-to-day workload while prioritizing major projects, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Focused on digital engagement of constituents, strategic collaborations and increasing impact and innovation within organizational programs, development and communications. 
• Develop a comprehensive communication plan to promote the organization to its donors and maximize public awareness of the fundraising activities of the organization.

• Must possess personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of the YWCA Central Alabama.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• The candidate will possess the ability to act decisively and support all aspects of the organization, and set challenging individual, department and organizational goals.
• Technology savvy with experience managing fund development, grant or relevant software programs and vendors.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with the ability to prioritize, negotiate, and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Select, train and lead employees, ensuring efficient daily operations by assigning tasks providing guidance, monitoring performance, addressing issues, and fostering a positive work environment and promoting staff development.
• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.
• Advanced degree in law, public policy, or related field.
• Relevant work experience in marketing, communications, public relations, government or related fields requires strong communication and networking skills.
• Minimum five (5) years' relevant fund development, lobbying, communications or other related experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience including management experience. Ideally experience with responsibilities interacting with executives and board.
• The candidate must possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess and ensure successful fundraising outcomes.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) highly desired.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work for this position takes place in an office environment, requiring working at a computer or desktop for long periods of time.
• Full time, salaried position with standard working hours Monday through Friday,
  8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or its equivalent, and evenings and/or weekends as required to participate in various events. 
• This position functions primarily in an office environment but must be willing to travel as required.
• This position requires the ability to use standard office equipment, including a computer, telephone, and copier for multiple hours each day.  The incumbent will be required to move within the building to attend meetings or other functions.  Responsible for personal travel to remote office locations as needed.  May be required to lift to 20 lbs. 
• Valid driver’s license in good standing and willingness to use properly insured personal vehicle to travel to remote office and/or other events in the community or secure personally funded remote travel.