JOB DESCRIPTION

General Responsibilities

The Director of Development works closely with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and staff members to secure the funds needed to advance the mission-driven programs of the Dallas Wind Symphony. Areas of responsibility include the planning, organization, implementation and evaluation of annual campaign activities, special events, capital campaigns and establishing a planned giving program. The Director of Development has primary responsibility for representing the organization to donors and prospects and involving volunteers in such contacts. This individual must believe in the Dallas Wind Symphony’s mission and act in accordance with the organizations policies and procedures. This is a full-time, exempt position.

Specific Responsibilities

Fund Raising and Planning

1. Works with Executive Director, Development Committee, and Board to create long and short-range development plans.
2. Plans, guides and directs a comprehensive, strategic fund raising program.
3. Represents the Dallas Wind Symphony to prospects and donors; is personally involved in the identification, nurturing, solicitation and gift renewal of prospects and donors. Maintains a high level of activity contacting prospects and donors.
4. Provides staff support for the DWS Development Committee.
5. Works with development volunteers to establish reasonable, yet challenging income goals based upon the Board approved annual budget.
6. Accesses new markets for potential corporate, foundation and major individual donors.
7. Stimulates growth in the donor universe by expanding the number of donors at all giving levels.
8. Evaluates the success of past fund raising efforts and incorporates resulting information into future fund raising plans.
9. Allocates time among areas of responsibility as determined on an annual basis in consultation with the Executive Director.
10. Plans, implements and evaluates special events and fund-raising activities. Screens requests for participation in events.
11. Develops a time line for researching and executing grant proposals and applications.
12. Works with program personnel to understand program goals and priorities.
13. Notifies program personnel of grant opportunities and works with them to develop specific requests.
14. Develops strategies for and writes high-quality, effective proposals to prospective corporate, foundation, and individual donors. Prepares follow-up reports in a timely manner.
15. Notifies development volunteers about contacts to make on behalf of funding requests with foundation trustees or funding decision makers.
16. Researches potential funding sources (individuals, corporations, foundations, government, civic organizations, etc.) and collects data needed to analyze gift potential and create solicitation strategies.
17. Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Community Relations, Communications and Marketing

1. Works with Director of Marketing and Communication to design marketing strategies to support and ensure the success of all fund raising endeavors and secure targeted recognition in the community.
2. Assists the DM&C in implementing development related components of the marketing plan, including newsletters and development collaterals.

Donor Recognition

1. Develops and implements an appropriate donor appreciation/recognition plan.
2. Develops and implements an efficient gift acknowledgment process.

Database Management

1. Oversees Development related maintenance of the Customer Resource Management database.
2. Gives oversight to (and is fully knowledgeable about) the posting of donations to the CRM database, including balancing, and creating monthly and annual income reports.
3. Gives oversight to and is fully knowledgeable about generating needed donor and financial reports from the CRM database.
4. In accordance with the Dallas Wind Symphony’s team philosophy, carries out or assists with other tasks in addition to those listed in the job description.

Job Specifications

1. Preferred: A Bachelor’s Degree with CFRE credentials and a minimum of five years progressive fund raising experience.
2. Preferred: Prior experience in cultivating donors and prospects and managing a development program, current involvement in a fund raising organization such as the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP.)
3. Extraordinary interpersonal skills necessary to work closely with board members, donors and volunteers.
4. Demonstrated understanding of fund raising, communication and marketing principles.
5. Demonstrated ability and willingness to solicit funds through personal contact with donors and prospects.
6. Demonstrated ability to relate positively to persons in a multi-cultural, pluralistic community.
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and clearly both verbally and in writing.
8. Strong organizational and financial management skills.
9. Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office and database management software.
10. Reports to: Executive Director

Remuneration

1. Salary to be negotiated. Fringe benefits include flexible hours and paid vacation
2. The Dallas Wind Symphony is an Affirmative Action/Disabled/Equal Opportunity Employer.
3. The work environment is smoke free and includes a full-time resident office cat.