Director of Philanthropy Danbury, CT

Transcription

1 Director of Philanthropy Danbury, CT Providing hope, encouragement, and inspiration to millions of people across America and the world

2 The Organization Guideposts is a faith-based organization that touches millions of lives every day through products and services that inspire, encourage, and uplift. Founded in 1945 by Norman Vincent Peale, the author of the bestseller The Power of Positive Thinking, Guideposts runs a thriving network to help people connect their faith-filled values to their daily lives. From career changes to personal relationships to the need to take care of our own health, Guideposts focuses on the challenges encountered in everyday situations that often make it difficult to keep our bearings and determine what path to choose. A trusted partner on life s journey, it helps people in all situations to overcome their problems, achieve their potential, and help others. Comprehensive Publishing Enterprise Guideposts runs a uniquely comprehensive publishing enterprise whose readers participate in the effort to inspire millions. Its flagship magazines Guideposts, Angels on Earth, and Mysterious Ways reach a paid circulation of more than 7 million people. Its award-winning website and web-based clubs allow more than 400,000 readers each month to tailor content to their own stages in life and specific needs from what Yogi Berra can teach about the power of forgiveness to ways to focus on the beautiful aspects of caregiving for an aging parent or a special needs child. Guideposts book imprints complement these offerings with inspiring entertainment through faith-based mysteries, historical fiction, non-fiction, and best-selling devotionals. Network of Sharing Readers who experience the positive impact of faith, hope, and prayer share that impact with each other. More than 5 million web visitors each year request and receive individualized prayer from Guideposts prayer ministry, composed of more than 3,500 trained volunteers in 75 countries. A network of partners and chaplains distributes inspirational literature that Guideposts creates as a free resource for those in need of comfort, courage, and hope. Visitors to Guideposts website use its digital tools to easily share the stories that have touched them the most and, through these stories, to offer a friend to others who will know that they are not alone.

3 The Opportunity The Guideposts Foundation offers a unique development opportunity for a fundraiser comfortable working in a large, multi-faceted organization. Driven by its faith-based values and integrated publishing network, Guideposts fundraising model emphasizes the pursuit of holistic relationships with prospects and donors. The Director of Philanthropy will work with the SVP of Philanthropy to design strategies to foster these relationships and to create deep personal engagement in the organization in a way that expands the donor base and giving levels and ultimately enables new business development. Mission-Driven Leaders Guideposts leaders are consummate models of the life-long engagement that the Director of Philanthropy will seek to encourage among prospects and donors. Guideposts President and CEO John Temple has brought a unique blend of devout faith, nationally recognized marketing expertise, and an extensive professional network to Guideposts for the last 40 years. John holds a Master s of Divinity degree from McCormick Seminary in Chicago; served as a past Chairman of the Direct Marketing Association John Temple, President and CEO and is an inductee of the DMA Hall of Fame; and has served on the Boards of many organizations, including Highlights for Children Subsidiaries, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Putnam Hospital Center, and the Shakespeare Oil Company. The CEO and senior leadership team have offered their full support to the philanthropy department s leaders as they build a strong team and develop strategies to expand giving. Great Location Guideposts is headquartered in Danbury, CT, the 7 th largest city in the state covering 44 square miles. Danbury is situated along the New York border in the foothills of the Strong Finances Guideposts publishing sales create a steady revenue stream that provides the financial foundation to invest in the organization s future. Its extensive reach also point to a wealth of potential development partners. The fundraising program currently meets an annual goal of $9M through four distinct revenue streams, including individual giving, direct mail, and web-based giving, and Club memberships. Berkshire Mountains. The city served for decades as a commercial and industrial hub for surrounding communities, and its economy continues to grow and diversify. Close to major highways and just a quick train ride from Brewster/Northeast, Danbury is a convenient commute to surrounding towns and cities and a 66-mile drive from New York City. It is home to a culturally and socio-economically diverse population and to an abundance of local entertainment, amenities, and resources.

4 The Responsibilities The Director of Philanthropy will serve as a key partner to the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, helping to guide the development department through a transition that increases Guideposts philanthropic funding. The Director will have primary responsibility for developing and maintaining a sustained effort to identify, engage, solicit, and retain individuals who contribute annually to the Guideposts Foundation. S/he will create trusting relationships with a portfolio of current and prospective donors while also managing and mentoring a small team of frontline fundraising staff. In addition to designing and overseeing an effective end-to-end moves management process that builds lasting relationships with individual donors, the Director will provide day-to-day oversight for the overall functioning of an integrated development department in a large organization. Strategic Planning Create annual development plans designed to expand the donor base, increase giving across all donor levels, and meet a $5M individual giving goal. Oversee the tracking and analysis of data to support executive decision-making through reports on gifts and pledges received, progress toward goals, and departmental productivity. Determine cultivation and gift level opportunities for annual, multi-year, and planned gifts. Fundraising Develop a keen understanding of the unique philanthropic culture, donor passions, and Outreach programs at Guideposts. Provide personal management for an active portfolio of individual donors qualified for 5- figure gifts. Collaborate with a sophisticated marketing team and utilize innovative prospect research techniques in order to broaden and deepen Guideposts prospect pool. Develop and utilize a wide range of tools including database tracking, trend analysis, personal contacts, volunteer management, and staff collaborations to ensure the use of effective cultivation, moves management, and stewardship strategies for donors at all levels of funding. Establish CRM best practices and oversee their implementation department-wide. Monitor fundraising expenses, oversee reconciliation with the finance team, and ensure achievement of annual revenue targets. Staff and Volunteer Management Oversee a fundraising team that includes a Manager of Sustaining Gifts, Major Gifts Officer, Planned Giving Officer, and Donor Relations Coordinator. Provide day-to-day oversight and guidance for the 9-person development department. Collaborate with the SVP of Philanthropy to build the development team, ensuring cohesion and expertise and developing team member trust, motivation, and commitment. Ensure that senior leaders and Outreach team members are effectively utilized in donor/partner cultivation and solicitation. Work closely with internal personnel from the technology, legal, and other teams as appropriate.

5 The Candidate The ideal Director of Philanthropy will combine a sophisticated understanding of individual charitable giving with an acute and personal grasp of Guideposts strategic vision and core values, key donor touch-points, and critical growth initiatives. The successful Director will demonstrate the ability to establish the external relationships critical to fueling revenue growth; to support cross-functional collaborations within a large organization; and to help execute strategic funding initiatives. Experience and Skills Strong passion for Guideposts mission and Outreach ministry. 7 or more years of results-oriented experience in the development department of a non-profit organization. Evidence of the ability to work effectively within a large organization. Demonstrated success in all phases of major gift fundraising, including prospect research and database management as well as the direct engagement of donors. Proven track record of developing strategies that increase revenue, expand a donor base, and strengthen existing donor relationships. Record of securing 5-figure gifts from individual donors. Strategic ability to communicate effectively with donors and to balance the use of both personal and technological approaches to relationship development. Adeptness at integrating development functions, events, and communications to ensure a consistent case for support across all donor communications. Experience effectively engaging members of a leadership team and program staff in fundraising initiatives. Strong presentation and communication skills to influence audiences at various levels within an organization, including senior executives. Ability to spend approximately half of the time on local, regional, and national donor visits. Bachelor s degree is required. Personal Characteristics and Work Style Initiative and self-direction required to be a hands-on team member. Interpersonal savvy and ability to build rapport with staff and key constituents. Ability to inspire and motivate others. Ability to deeply and sincerely engage donors and volunteers from a variety of denominations in meaningful conversation about their personal faith journeys and their connection to Guideposts mission and programs. Impeccable ethical standards with the ability to lead by example. Support for a culture of accountability, trust, and high performance.

6 To Apply Director of Philanthropy Danbury, CT Questions, résumés, and CVs should be sent to All first-round interviews for this position will take place at at 1820 N. Fort Myer Drive, Suite 702, Arlington, VA 22209, (703) , or via telephone/video conference.