Delta Gamma Center – Development Director
Organization Overview
Founded in 1951 by DGC alumnae the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments (DGC) is a St Louis-based non-profit organization with the mission to help children who are blind or visually impaired reach their full potential through family-centered specialized services and community support. DGC’s goal is
to help families with children with visual impairments move forward with anticipation and hope. The combination of early intervention, parent education, and support for the entire family helps build a solid foundation for learning. The DGC currently works with children and families within a fifty-mile radius of St Louis, in both Illinois and Missouri. The organization currently has a $2M revenue budget. The organization has a strong balance sheet with board-governed reserves that enable the DGC to deliver critical services during economic cycles, business cycles, and strategic planning cycles. While a separate 501c3 nonprofit organization, DGC maintains close relationships to the DGC collegiate and alumnae chapters in the St. Louis area, as well as the DG
Foundation, which provides support for centers around the country.
Position Overview – The Director of Development (DoD) is an integral part of the DGC team and responsible for securing charitable contributions to support DGC mission, vision, and budget. The DoD fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout DGC and creates a donor- and community-centered organization through a comprehensive relationship-building program, including cultivation and communications.
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Grants and Foundations Specialist, Special Events Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Marketing Manager
Primary Responsibilities:
● Responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, stewarding, and closing gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations to support our $2+ million organizational budget.
● Prepare and ongoing monitoring of the annual development plan with monthly, quarterly, and yearly activity and progress goals.
● Design and implement fund development strategies that generate the resources necessary to support DGC mission, vision, and budget.
o Identify, develop, and steward current and new donor sources.
o Partner with the Marketing Manager to produce materials such as letters, brochures, and web content, that enable DGC to attract, retain, recognize, and inspire donors.
o Set donor and fundraising measurable targets to meet DGC revenue needs and develop and execute strategies to meet those targets.
o Help board members, Executive Director, fundraising committee members, and staff identify, cultivate, solicit, steward and close charitable gifts.
o Work with grant writer to create, write, and timely submit grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
o Work with special events coordinator to ensure successful execution of all fundraising events, including setting fundraising goals and event budgets, post event follow up and continual assessment of event success.
o Prepare and submit proposals to existing and potential donors in portfolio.
o Oversee database management, including gift processing, donor acknowledgment, accurate donor records, and reports.
o Conduct ongoing prospect research.
● Work in partnership with and in support of the Executive Director on major donor meeting preparations, donor solicitations, donor interactions and presentations as needed for the success of the organization and donor moves management.
● Serve as part of the senior leadership team, working to support and deliver the mission of DGC.
o Start, recruit for and manage DGC Fundraising Committee and support their efforts to identify new donors and steward current donors.
o Provide vital input in short- and long-term planning.
o Serve as an organizational ambassador, nurturing community relationships and identifying individuals for committee positions and board candidacy.
● Be an active leader and participant in all DGC fund development activities. Provide oversight and direction for the Development team.
o Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, code of ethical principles, and standards of conduct for fund development and fundraisers.
o Assures stability by creating a work environment that is rewarding to staff.
o Establishes personnel accountabilities for development staff and regularly evaluates
performance.
o Actively pursues professional development opportunities for self and development staff.
● Inform the Executive Director, board, and fundraising committee on the progress of the
organization’s fundraising plan and factors influencing trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities.
● Work with Marketing Manager to develop an annual marketing plan that reflects the overall organizational needs, fund development and programs.
Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
● Ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, and manage multiple projects and team members simultaneously.
● Authentic relationship builder who can manage diverse stakeholders and can inspire enthusiasm and a desire to support.
● Management skills including short- and long-term planning, evaluation, directing and motivating staff, oral and written communication skills, marketing, and financial management.
● Proven ability to motivate and direct board and fundraising committee members; comfortable providing direction and support to the Executive Director and other staff soliciting donors.
● A record of success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding nonprofit donors, including the closing of major gifts and annual campaigns.
● Extremely well-organized; a creative self-starter, capable of handling multiple tasks, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.
● Experience with Microsoft 365, Constant Contact, and Raiser Edge XL.
● Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
● At least five years related work experience.
Work Environment
DGC prides itself on cultivating a balanced, flexible, and rewarding work environment. Position responsibilities may take place in a combination of in-person office (60%) and remote work (40%) after an initial probationary period. Infrequent nights and weekends may be required.
Salary & Benefits
The anticipated salary range associated with the position is $80.000 – $95,000 based upon experience.
Medical (4 options) dental and vision coverage is available, as is disability, life and ADD insurance. Retirement options include a 403 (b) tax-deferred annuity and defined contribution pension plan. Vacation, sick, plus DGC traditionally closes the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, as well as various holidays throughout
the year.
To apply please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter to jwoessner@dgckids.org