Development Officer

Position Summary

The Development Officer will be charged with growing the community of Champions for Jobs Partnership, utilizing an approach that will engage new and existing donors in sustaining and growing the reach of the organization and our impact in the community. This position will focus on developing individual Champions who become a primary means of advocacy for the work of Jobs Partnership. 

Reports To:

Essential Functions

1. Strategy
2. Work with leadership to develop short term and long-term goals for deeper engagement of JP supporters utilizing a model that will encourage advocacy of the mission.
3. Develop a strategy that encourages individuals to fully engage with JP through a continuum of participation and engagement that leads to ownership and advocacy for the JP mission.
4. Strengthen and extend JP’s presence and goodwill in the community through participation in civic, government, religious and educational organizations and events.  Utilize public speaking and networking opportunities to build awareness of JP and identify potential supporters that can be cultivated into Champions. 
5. Actively engage in development team efforts including internal planning, budgeting, and prospect strategy sessions. 

• Donor Development and Retention
• Establish and maintain rapport with current donors. Cultivate relationships and identify opportunities to deepen their commitment to the JP mission through prayer, service, learning, giving, and sharing. 
• Ensure appropriate recognition and gratitude for all donor contributions. Build a sense of community for all Champions.   
• Identify, invite, and cultivate prospective Champions and support them in connecting with the organization. Conduct relationship building activities for engaging potential donors on the path to becoming a Champion. 
• Coordinate/conduct “point of entry” events and tours for prospective donors. 
• Work closely with other development initiatives to ensure effective coordination and collaboration with prospective supporters.
• Develop a framework for donors to grow in their generosity to the JP mission and execute strategy for converting current volunteers and partners into Champions and donors for the organization. Convert an agreed upon percentage to financial donors. 
• Identify opportunities for In Kind donations and coordinate with Director of Partnerships and Director of Operations.
• Fundraising, Events and Other Activities
• Establish annual targets for each segment of funding:  New Donations, Repeat Donations and Fundraising Events. 
• Lead and execute annual fundraising event(s) to include timelines, goals, and objectives. Cultivate relationships with one-time donors to develop JP Champions.
• Identify technology based fundraising platforms and opportunities (i.e., Facebook, GoFundMe, Amazon Smile) to generate new donors and Champion prospects.
• Develop additional fundraising efforts as directed or opportunities present themselves.
• Additional Funding Support
• Support the Director of Partnerships as needed in converting newly established relationships with Church and Business Partners to identify individuals within these organizations and invite them to become Champions. 
• Work with Director of Partnerships as requested to ensure ongoing support for annual gifts from existing foundation partners.  Provide reports and data as requested to support applications. 
• Assist with the grant writing process as requested by leadership. 
• Identify other “awards” or “recognition opportunities” in the private or public sector to bring awareness (and potential financial support) to Jobs Partnership and bring to the attention of leadership. 
• Database Management and Record Keeping
• Utilize database platform to document and track relationships and giving from all donors.
• Ensure appropriate follow up and recognition occurs for financial contributions.
• Utilize database to track lapsed donors and follow up to reengage them with JP.
• Develop and maintain donor reports to monitor progress against goals and develop new strategies.
• Communication
• Communicate with all stakeholders in a professional, friendly manner that reflects the core values of the organization, including the integration of faith and work.
• Serve as a credible spokesperson and ambassador for JP at community events and speaking engagements.  Actively seek out opportunities to “tell the JP story”. 
• Develop presentations and written collateral that reflects and builds the JP brand.
• Publicize and promote the activities of the organization, its programs and goals.  Work with subject matter experts to develop materials to ensure a clear and compelling message about the organization. (Annual report, web copy, fact sheets, social media.) 
•  Teamwork
• Contribute actively to the mission of Jobs Partnership by assisting team members as needed with current priorities. 
• Be open to the acceptance of other duties as assigned. 

Position Requirements

1. The ability to articulate a clear passion to serve JP’s target audience: men and women who are under/unemployed and the obstacles/challenges they face as low-wage workers.
2. Previous experience in building relationships and managing projects/initiatives to successful completion.  
3. A servant leader who understands the integration of faith and work coupled, with a desire to help others grow in that understanding.
4. Strong relationship building skills.
5. Strong Presentation/Platform skills.
6. Strong Influencing/Sales Skills.
7. Strong Communication Skills – written and verbal.
8. Able and willing to work a flexible schedule to include frequent evening and weekend functions and responsibilities.  
9. Proven organizational skills coupled with the ability to handle multiple priorities concurrently. 

Desired Skills, Abilities and Prior Experiences

1. Experience in meeting goals in development and fundraising.
2. Experience in the business and/or non-profit arenas.
3. Functional and current with technology platforms and demonstrated ability to master new platforms.  
4. Experience in a Sales or Influencing Role
5. Experience with Social Media
6. Experience with non-profit fundraising
7. Event Planning Experience Desired