title="Director, Development - Polk State College Foundation"> Director, Development - Polk State College Foundation

Polk State College • Spokane, WA

76d

About The Position

If you are passionate about giving back, creating, nurturing, and sustaining donor relationships, you could be a valuable member of the Polk State College team. The College is looking to expand its team of professionals dedicated to one-on-one friend-raising, building affinities, and cultivating donor relationships to enhance critical resources for both students and the institution. Polk State College is seeking a Development Director to coordinate and organize various complex activities that support the College and the Foundation's philanthropic efforts. Reporting to the Vice President of Resource Development/Executive Director of the Polk State College Foundation, the Director of Development (DOD) will bring vision, drive, and creativity to meet ambitious fundraising goals, focusing on revenue growth, donor engagement, and building a robust stewardship program. The DOD will serve as an enthusiastic advocate for Polk State College. They will collaborate closely with the Executive Director of the Foundation, the Polk State College President, and the Foundation Board of Directors. The DOD must be a highly skilled and effective fundraiser with a proven track record. Additionally, the DOD will be a visible and engaging presence at all major Polk State College events.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in managing relationships with individuals and corporations, including donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and donor management systems, with preferred experience in Raiser's Edge and the ability to analyze and track digital data.
• Proven effectiveness in all aspects of resource development, including the planning, implementation, and evaluation of fundraising direct mail campaigns, as well as print and digital production and events.
• Initiative, curiosity, and persistence in developing and strengthening donor relationships.
• Proven track record of successful mid-level gift solicitations.
• Sound judgment when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgment, suitable for exercising discretion and maintaining professionalism when interacting with board members, donors, constituents, partners, alumni, students, faculty, and staff.
• Outstanding organizational skills, as well as strong oral and written communication abilities to effectively convey the needs, interests, and achievements of Polk State College to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of concepts, methods, and procedures related to higher education development and advancement is preferred.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects concurrently, meet deadlines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
• A valid Florida driver's license is required, as driving is an essential part of this role.
• Strong preference for candidates residing in Polk County (local knowledge) to enhance collaboration with local stakeholders and donors.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, public relations, nonprofit administration, communications, or a related field.
• Master's degree in business administration, marketing, public relations, nonprofit administration, communications, or a related field preferred.
• CFRE Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the annual fund program with a focus on donor relations, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ensure effective recognition of donors within the annual fund program, which includes managing donor data, generating donor reports, and maintaining donor communications.
• Collaborate with the Foundation's Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director to engage the College's leadership team and board in effective donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, communication, and stewardship activities.
• Lead and coordinate tours and awareness events to introduce potential donor prospects and community stakeholders to Polk State College.
• Support the Foundation Board's Development Committee and involve committee members in executing the overall development plan.
• Manage, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects, employing best practices in moves management to establish a robust major gifts pipeline.
• Assist the Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the Foundation, as well as the College President, in managing, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors and prospects.
• Conduct ongoing donor research, discovery, and analysis.
• When appropriate, arrange meetings between donors and the Vice President of Resource Development, the Executive Director of the Foundation, the College President, and/or board members.
• Collaborate with the Communications Manager to produce communication materials that adhere to donor-centered best practices.
• Collect donor stories and testimonials to showcase the impact of giving.
• Create an annual fundraising calendar that includes schedules for the annual fund, donor communications, and the publication of the Impact Report.
• Develop messaging for donor correspondence and other donor-focused communications.
• Ensure the efficient operation of all systems and processes necessary for an effective fundraising program.
• Partner with the database manager to ensure timely and accurate entry of gifts, acknowledgment, and analytical reporting to support Polk State College's revenue goals and strategies.
• Stay informed about national trends, strategies, and best practices in fundraising for human service organizations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Short-term disability.
• Paid holidays and sick leave.
• Vacation (excluding faculty positions).
• Retirement benefits for eligible employees.
• College fee waivers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree