The Assistant Director of Development supports the Director of Development in leading and managing all aspects of fundraising to advance the mission of Openlands. This role includes supporting the Institutional Grants Manager with grant opportunity prospecting and follow-through from private foundations, corporate philanthropies, and government agencies. The Assistant Director of Development will design and implement a planned giving program for the organization. Because communication is fundamental to this position, this person will lead the marketing and communication efforts of the Development function in partnership with the Director of Communications, expertly maintaining consistency with the Openlands brand guidelines and standard of excellence. The Assistant Director of Development is an emerging thought leader on the future of nonprofit fundraising with novel approaches and next-generation ideas.
For full consideration, interested candidates must submit a resume, cover letter, and references. Find application and full description here.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Execution (30%):
Assist the Director of Development in executing the overall fundraising strategy, including annual fund, major gifts, special events, and other revenue-generating activities.
Collaborate with the development team to ensure coordinated efforts in donor engagement and stewardship.
Institutional Giving Support (20%):
Support the Institutional Grant Manager in identifying and cultivating prospective funders in foundations, corporations, and federal sources.
Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and reports to ensure alignment with funders' interests and organizational priorities.
Planned Giving (15%):
Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive planned giving strategy to secure long-term support for the organization.
Educate and engage donors on the benefits of planned giving options and work with financial advisors and legal professionals as needed.
Donor Engagement and Stewardship (20%):
Utilize insights and takeaways from the campaign closeout to develop a strategy for engaging donors, including aging donors and the next generation of donors.
Ensure the development and implementation of personalized stewardship plans to enhance donor relationships and retention.
Marketing and Communications (10%):
Act as the liaison with the communications team to develop and execute a marketing/communications program that supports fundraising efforts.
Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all fundraising communications and materials.
Team Collaboration (5%):
Work closely with the development team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
Provide support to team members, contributing to the achievement of performance goals and metrics.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in development, with a proven track record of successful fundraising across various channels.
Strong knowledge of institutional giving, planned giving strategies, and donor engagement best practices.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, and staff.
Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and the ability to leverage data to drive decision-making.
Experience in supporting and collaborating with a team, with a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.