Director of Development

THE OPPORTUNITY

Since 1949, Freedom House has been a leader in programs and services that champion educational equity and economic opportunities for Black and Brown youth throughout our communities. We see education as a pathway toward economic opportunities. We focus on college access and post-secondary success to increase college graduation rates and career readiness by providing comprehensive services focused on holistic youth development to our students. As Freedom House embarks on an exciting period of growth, the need to focus fundraising strategy on individual giving has become more important. In our seventh decade of operations and we are positioning ourselves to serve 10,000 students by 2030. To meet this goal, we must increase our annual operating budget by $1 million. As the primary member of the Development Team, the Director of Development will play a critical role in this growth by diversifying the organization’s revenue base, expanding networks, and deepening relationships with community and multi-sector donors. You will build and manage the organization’s individual giving portfolio to ensure budget goals are met and exceeded; and implement strong systems and processes to ensure a positive donor experience.

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Donor Management

• In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, manage Freedom House’s individual giving portfolio from prospect to stewardship, successfully meeting the organization’s $2.0MM annual revenue goal
• Develop and implement solicitation and stewardship strategies and best practices to provide a positive donor experience that yield high engagement, increase donor retention, upgrade existing donors, and secure new donors
• Manage a portfolio of 500+ prospective and current donors, executing annual plans to cultivate, solicit, steward, and increase revenue
• Schedule regular in-person and online meetings with supporters and prospective supporters to achieve monthly goals for prospect and donor visits; prepare visit reports and follow up correspondence; use database to record all moves and activities with prospects and donors.
• Drive planning and execution of a calendar of cultivation and stewardship events for supporters and prospects offered throughout the year. Works with external vendors and internal team members, to manage, produce, and successfully execute these events.
• Maintain donor information and moves management in Salesforce system

 

 Annual Giving

• Manage Freedom House’s individual annual giving campaign program, including developing strategies to garner new donors and increase sustaining gifts, retention rates, and average gift amounts
• Draft and prepare direct mail appeals, integrated email appeals and campaigns, cultivation correspondence, and donor materials with a high degree of customization, coordinating with relevant stakeholders as necessary
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the direct marketing agency, mail house, graphic designers, and other agencies/consultants to ensure delivery of services

 

Data Analysis

• Work with the Chief Development Officer on a moves management strategy, and plan a calendar of activities to deepen donor engagement and increase investment annually
• Track moves management in Salesforce to identify donor trends and track donor engagement, while utilizing donor analytics to inform targeted strategies
• Prepare donor intelligence reports for the Development Committee and Chief Development Officer to review to track and manage funding opportunities

 

Development Communications

• Plan and execute integrated, multi-channel individual engagement strategies, offline and online messages, donor-facing print and digital fundraising collateral, ensuring a seamless engagement experience that deepens over time
• Partner with program team to gather content for compelling investment opportunities and messaging that will motivate donors to invest in Freedom House’s mission and priority needs

 

Additional duties as assigned

 

QUALIFICIATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Success at Freedom House and in the Director of Development role will require a deep commitment to Freedom House’s mission and core values, cultural humility, emotionally intelligent leadership, and a desire to cultivate long-lasting relationships. Freedom House has a strong organizational culture characterized by mutual respect, honest feedback, and an ever-growing thirst for excellence.  Professional dispositions that excel in this environment, have a teachable spirit, honor colleagues, assume positive regard and transparently identify missteps and unforeseen challenges proactively. The ideal candidate will also bring the following skills, attributes, and experiences:

• Bachelor’s Degree, plus a minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, preferably for mission-driven nonprofit organizations or in a comparable business development or advocacy environment
• Experience managing or assisting in the management of an individual giving program, specifically including crafting multi-channel communications and fundraising appeals
• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to leverage current resources and relationships while envisioning new ways of working and meeting goals
• Self-starter with a high level of intellectual curiosity that executes independently and takes incredible pride in their work; willingness and ability to learn new concepts
• Demonstrably persuasive and powerful written and oral communicator
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• High level of attention to detail
• A collaborative approach and team orientation
• Passion for Freedom House’s mission of building economic, racial and social equity in our communities through education and leadership development
• Commitment to Freedom House’s core values of Legacy, Progress, and Persistence; Education; Diversity, Culture and Inclusion; Leadership; Integrity and Accountability; Positive Intent
• (Preferred) Experience with Salesforce and Community-Centric Fundraising
• (Preferred) Working knowledge of Constant Contact and Canva

 

Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

 

Location: This position will be based in our Grove Hall (Boston) office with remote work flexibility offered through Freedom House’s hybrid work model. Hybrid work arrangements are subject to change at any time depending on public health conditions and/or the organizational needs.

 

Desired Start Date: January 2025

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position is primarily a sedentary role; however, it involves some interaction with high school and college-aged students, as well as active participation in organization and program events. The person in this role will engage with both internal staff and program participants, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment where working in isolation is not suitable. Occasional movement throughout the office may be necessary to liaise with staff, access files, use office equipment, and operate the copier/printer.

Freedom House is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, Freedom House will ensure that reasonable accommodations are provided for persons with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact [email protected].

 

 BENEFITS

• Hybrid Workplace and Flexible Work Arrangement policies
• Medical and dental benefits for employee and immediate family
• Retirement savings account
• Fifteen paid holidays plus three weeks’ paid vacation in first year of work; four weeks in subsequent years
• Professional development opportunities for growth

 

Freedom House does not sponsor applicants for any kind of work visas.

 

Freedom House is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 At Freedom House, we believe that diversity of background, thought, beliefs and personhood. Historically, people of color, women, transgender, GNC/NB, and individuals with disabilities face significant barriers when engaging with employers and recruiters. At Freedom House, we understand that talent is not bound to a single story and that our intersectional identities add immense value to our organization and the community we serve. Freedom House is committed to building and supporting a diverse, highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff; and investing in fostering leadership from historically marginalized communities. If you share a passion for our mission and values, we encourage you to apply to join our team!