Director Development & Engagement

WATERFORD COUNTRY SCHOOL INCORPORATED•Quaker Hill, CT

3d•$110,000 - $150,000•Onsite

About The Position

Waterford Country School is seeking a dynamic Director of Development & Engagement to join its leadership team. This role is responsible for building essential donor and community relationships and developing sustainable fundraising strategies to support the agency’s mission of enriching the lives of children and strengthening families. The position champions a culture of philanthropy, cultivates partnerships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community stakeholders, and leads comprehensive development initiatives to expand the agency's impact. Key responsibilities include planning, implementing, and overseeing all fundraising activities such as major gifts, grants, and special events, with a focus on cultivating partnerships to advance the cause and provide children and families in need with comprehensive care. The Director will collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and community partners to increase philanthropic support, elevate the agency's visibility, and secure financial resources. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, results-oriented professional with exceptional relationship-building, communication, and leadership skills, passionate about creating opportunities for investment in meaningful change.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree required.
Experience in major donor cultivation, public relations, successful federal and local grant writing, capital campaigns, endowment building, event planning, and multi-faceted fundraising.
Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal communication and computer skills experience required.
Pass State Police Bureau of Identification(SPBI) check.
Pass Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check.
Pass Department of Motor Vehicle record check.
Hold valid Connecticut driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel on occasion.
Must be able to work as a member of a team.
Passion and commitment towards child welfare and special education.
Ability to build consensus and work collaboratively.
Ability to think outside of the box and be open-minded.
Accurately document and complete paperwork within prescribed deadlines.
Proficient at Microsoft Word, graphic design software, and donor database.
Strong attention to detail.
Must be dependable and flexible.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Comprehensive understanding of fundraising, engagement, and volunteer recruitment and coordination.
Strong problem solving skills and the ability to think outside the box.
Able to maintain professional boundaries.
Knowledge of working with children and families.
Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic status of persons served.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Flexible ability to work remotely as approved by a direct Supervisor, or in the event of a weather or other emergency. Telework should be performed in accordance with the Remote Work Policy in the WCS Personnel Handbook.

Nice To Haves

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Serve as lead for seeking and tracking grant funding for agency programs and services.
Direct and support the work of the Development & Engagement Coordinator in creating a calendar of agency communications and marketing activities, organizing special events and fundraisers, and providing leadership and support to various components of the development program.
Identify and cultivate potential stakeholders and donors for the purpose of growing philanthropic contributions, including private individuals, businesses, and grant funders.
Coordinate the School's participation in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) and any other annual community and/or governmental funding programs.
Promote the understanding of child welfare and special education in the community.
Build, enhance, and accurately maintain the agency’s donor management system.
Create meaningful acknowledgements and stewardship plans for donors.
Provide leadership and facilitation of the agency’s social media content plan, website updates, and general press releases and media outreach.
Direct and support the work of the Development & Engagement Coordinator in donor recordkeeping and cultivating, gift processing, solicitation, and various campaigns.
Educate the giving community, including corporations, foundations, and individual donors, about the work of Waterford Country School.
Work with the Chief Executive Officer and the Development Committee of the Board to develop a realistic fundraising plan that is effective at raising and increasing sustainable funds.
Chair event committees for fundraising events including the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and community members; work with community partners in planning and implementing fundraising and engagement activities as appropriate.
Collaborate with agency leadership to generate compelling content for agency communications and solicitations.
Oversee and implement annual fund solicitations activities, including the Year End Appeal, Corporate Sponsor program, and various direct appeals throughout the fiscal year.
Provide support to community members and partners who initiate fundraising or visibility events.
Lead the creation of the agency’s Annual Report.
Inform staff of fundraising calendar and oversee their involvement at fundraising events.
Represent Waterford Country School in the community as appropriate.
Participate and/or lead various agency committees.
Provide support to Chief Executive Officer in keeping the Board of Trustees informed and engaged in fundraising activities.
Staff the Development Committee, prepare agendas, minutes, and other paperwork materials and communicate with committee members.
Identify and promote specific functions and responsibilities for the Board of Trustees.
Support Board of Trustees in creating and achieving fundraising goals.
Recruit, hire, counsel, mentor, and discipline department employees.
Write and deliver annual evaluations for department employees.
Enforce agency Policy & Procedures, providing feedback or counseling as needed and appropriate.
Provide or oversee department orientation and ongoing training of department employees, interns and volunteers.
Keep the Chief Executive Officer informed of all program business and/or activities.
Serve as a member of the leadership teams.
Ensure compliance with external regulatory agencies including grant requirements, contracts, etc.
Stay current with trends, developments, and advancements in field through professional development.
Participate in staff meetings, management team meetings, trainings, long-range planning, fundraising, and other agency activities and events.
Assist in the training and orientation of new staff and volunteers.
Participate in at least one internal agency committee or working group.
Follow safety plans and protocols as directed.
Maintain ethical and professional standards.
Maintain knowledge of and follow Agency policies and procedures as contained in the WCS Personnel Handbook, WCS Procedure Manual, and departmental manuals.
Function as a positive role model for all students and staff at the Waterford Country School.
Maintain an awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic differences present among the service population and fellow staff members of WCS, ensuring that cultural needs are respected and supported through the delivery of services and the development and implementation of agency programs and policies in a manner that is free from discrimination and bias relating to race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence or religious beliefs.
Maintain and clean and professional workspace.
Other duties as assigned.