Director of Development

Classification: Exempt

Salary Grade: Negotiable

Reports to: CEO

Tender Mercies transforms the lives of homeless adults with mental illness by providing security, dignity, and community in a place they call home. We provide permanent housing and supportive services in a residential setting in 6 buildings in Over-the-Rhine and the West End. At any one time, we can serve 199 adults with histories of mental illness and homelessness. To prevent a return to homelessness, we provide a safe, comfortable home along with a variety of supportive services with the goal of helping residents regain dignity, independence, and stability.  

Summary
The Director of Development is responsible for the successful planning, implementation and evaluation of Tender Mercies’ fundraising strategies, special events, and endowment.  The Director of Development is highly accountable for establishing and maintaining interpersonal working relationships with internal and external stakeholders of Tender Mercies.  The position is highly visible and may at times represent the agency including but not limited to television, print publications, and radio appearances.  Due to high visibility, the person in this position will be required to quickly recover from adversity, move past unforeseen obstacles without unnecessary delay, recover quickly from personal setbacks, and handle criticism and rejection from others with objectivity.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate and work effectively with the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees and other volunteers to reach annual and long-range fundraising goals for capital, annual operating and endowment priorities.
2. Create, implement and oversee strategies and events to raise funds from individual and institutional prospects and donors to support the priorities of Tender Mercies.
3. Initiate and work with the CEO to set annual campaign goals, including building, maintaining, and soliciting an active portfolio of donors and determining target constituencies throughout the tri-state for fundraising; primarily responsible for fulfillment and stewardship of the portfolio.
4. Work in partnership with the CEO, including preparing the CEO for fundraising meetings, accompanying on calls, representing the CEO at meetings and/or public appearances.
5. Design and coordinate stewardship plans for major donors by maintaining personal contact and ensuring that donors (corporate and individual donors) are appropriately acknowledged, engaged, and recognized, including but not limited to personalized mailings, phone calls, and recognition events.
6. Manage the budget for Development activities and supervise, hire, evaluate, mentor and oversee Development staff.
7. Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and support staff required for special projects or events to raise funds.
8. Prepare written materials including correspondence, solicitation materials, briefing materials, acknowledgements, marketing materials (including brochures, articles and press) for special events, fundraising projects, and the endowment to promote/enhance Tender Mercies’ brand.
9. Oversee all fundraising and donor awareness events, including the entire donor engagement process while tracking progress.
10. Identify, negotiate and administer reliable cost-effective resources, contractors and suppliers in conjunction with fundraising projects.
11. Identify, establish, and maintain corporate relationships and sponsorships for fundraising events and special projects.
12. Oversee all PR and Marketing activities of the agency, including media relationships, press releases, branding, and print media.
13. Manage the agency’s social media presence and supervise staff handling digital media.
14. Analyze event reports reflecting progress, adverse trends and make appropriate recommendations or conclusions to assure continued financial stability of the agency.  Oversee and assist with annual reporting requirements.
15. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned or as needed.

Expected Hours of Work
Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Occasional nights and weekends required as needed to support special events and meetings.

Education and Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree required in related discipline (Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, etc.) plus 3-5 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience; or 5-7 years of progressively responsible high-level fundraising experience.  Must have extensive experience planning and organizing events along with soliciting major donor gifts.  Minimum 3-5 years of direct supervision experience, strong communication (verbal and written), presentation & interpersonal skills. Skilled in Word, Excel, Raiser’s Edge and other computer programs related to duties. 

KSA requirements

Knowledge of successful fundraising techniques and grant preparation.  Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to effectively solve complex and practical problems.  Basic math accounting skills.  Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets and database software, advanced reading comprehension skills for interpreting documents like financial reports.  Advanced oral and written communication skills.  Ability to follow complex instructions, prioritize and organize work.  Ability to prepare projections and interpret financial reports.  Ability to occasionally work nights or weekends.  Culturally competent and able to move seamlessly among people of widely varying backgrounds, ethnicity, and orientations.  Knowledge of philanthropy within the Greater Cincinnati area.

Essential requirements

Must be a licensed driver with access to own vehicle.  Must be eligible to be insured under Tender Mercies’ vehicle insurance policy and carry own vehicle coverage meeting minimum state requirements.  Must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, standing, walking, breathing, concentrating, climbing stairs, bending, pulling, reaching, reading and interpreting, critical thinking, visual acuity, and performing manual tasks.

Benefits

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance

Employer paid LTD & STD

Paid Employee Parking

403b/401K

EAP

Tuition Reimbursement

Please submit a cover letter and resume to the following individuals. A cover letter is required. Candidates who do not submit a cover letter will not be considered. Winsome Wilson at wwilson@tendermerciesinc.org and Russell Winters at rwinters@tendermerciesinc.org.