Community Development Director | Camp Red Cedar

Camp Red Cedar•Fort Wayne, IN

33d•Onsite

About The Position

Benchmark has been connecting people and potential since 1960, committed to empowering individuals to live independently, be included in their communities, and reach their full potential. This mission extends to our employees. We strive to be a workplace that honors unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths, believing we are stronger when everyone can be their authentic selves. Camp Red Cedar, with its 57 acres of natural beauty, serves hundreds of children annually through various programs. Its mission is to encourage children and adults with disabilities to move beyond their boundaries through recreational activities, outdoor education, creative arts, and interaction with horses in an integrated environment for all abilities. We are seeking a Community Development Director to lead and shape the organization's philanthropic culture and activities. This role involves establishing and maintaining strong relationships with peers, key stakeholders, media, community organizations, industry associations, and local groups.

Requirements

Experience with gift processing and donor databases.
Demonstrated proficiency with social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, preferably with experience managing organizational accounts.
Knowledge of the concepts of community-centric fundraising concepts and a broad understanding of fundraising principles and successful development programs.
Ability to create graphics and ability to create compelling content in design programs like Canva.
Has the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Inspires and influences volunteers.
Displays an innate ability to show respect for and to honor the dignity of all donors, regardless of gift level, and communicates from a nonjudgmental perspective.
Has a passionate belief in the importance of philanthropy.
Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on leadership, not-for-profit experience, business, telecommunications, public administration, etc.
Development and philanthropic experience.
Not-for-profit leadership experience.
Maintain CPR, 1st Aid and Mandt certifications.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement fundraising plans, programs, and campaign initiatives to build, expand and strengthen Camp Red Cedar’s current base of philanthropic support.
Promote Camp Red Cedar through social media platforms, the organization’s website, media opportunities, tours, outreach activities, public speaking engagements, and community networking opportunities.
Support Camp Red Cedar’s programs and staff through regular involvement in camp and service activities as identified by the Program Director.
Educate Camp Red Cedar’s constituencies about development and fundraising activities.
Identify major gift prospects and coordinate cultivation and solicitation efforts with the CEO and Board of Directors.
Create a Case for Giving that connects donors to Camp Red Cedar’s core mission by identifying and sharing impactful stories.
Create and implement an Annual Fund Development Plan.
Evaluate annual performance and adjust goals and strategies as needed.
Identify, recruit, and oversee all group volunteer activities, including special events related to the Annual Fund.
Coordinate the donation acknowledgment process, including generating gift receipts and assigning and assisting with thank-you calls and notes to donors.
Maintain accurate and complete contact records in the organization’s donor database, including ongoing updates, data cleaning, and organization for optimal use.