Description
The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), provides pro bono legal representation and resources to advance First Amendment freedoms and the newsgathering rights of journalists.
The Development Director will be instrumental in leading RCFP to meet its current annual fundraising goals of over $3 million, while continuing to grow and diversify its funding base. The Development Director will be responsible for creating and implementing an overall development strategy that includes a robust foundation portfolio, major donor identification, qualification and cultivation, and online fundraising.
The Development Director will oversee day-to-day development operations and engage the staff and the Steering Committee in expanding revenue streams to support current and new initiatives.
The Development Director will report to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities include:
- Work with the Executive Director to develop development strategies that include both annual and long-term revenue goals, and incorporate foundation support, and individual donors (major, small, online fundraising, etc.), as well as other appropriate sources, with an eye toward diversifying funding streams and growing the organizational budget.
- With the Executive Director and other relevant staff, cultivate and strengthen relationships with current donors to increase gift size, frequency and retention through individualized stewardship, donor events (including the annual Freedom of the Press Awards dinner), social media, online and direct mail, and informal communication.
- Manage key foundation relationships, including research and outreach to prospective funders about RCFP’s current programs and future projects.
- Lead fundraising efforts around the annual Freedom of the Press Awards, including securing sponsorships, table and individual ticket sales and post event follow up.
- Collaborate closely with the Communications team to create effective, coordinated development messaging and donor outreach campaigns.
- Engage with Steering Committee members in their efforts to build and strengthen current and prospective donor relationships.
- Coordinate with the Director of Operations to develop and track budgets for existing and proposed grant projects.
- Prepare regular development reports including plans, accomplishments and challenges for bi-annual Steering Committee meetings.
- Manage development processes, infrastructure and systems, including recordkeeping, database, gift acknowledgments, renewals, mailings and calendar.
- Hire and manage a Development Coordinator as needed and approved by the Executive Director.
Qualifications include:
- Demonstrated success managing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program and preparing an annual development work plan and calendar to achieve goals for an actively evolving organization.
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategies to engage prospective donors and audiences, retain current donors and move them to increased giving levels.
- Demonstrated success in identifying and securing new foundation grants and generating support from individual donors through a coordinated, strategic approach.
- Understanding of fundraising around media and/or legal issues
- Hands-on experience with donor databases/software. Salesforce experience preferred.
- Exceptional writing and impactful storytelling skills, especially for grant proposals, reports and related fundraising materials.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple deadlines, and balance competing priorities.
- Direct experience working with nonprofit boards is preferred.
- Ability and availability to travel, if neces (This position can expect about 10% regular travel to New York between January–May around our annual Awards.)
Salary range for the role is $105,000-$125,000 depending on prior experience. Our generous benefit package should also be considered. For all regular full-time positions, RCFP offers:
- A competitive base salary with 3 weeks paid time off plus most Federal Holidays.
- A retirement savings plan, including a 5% employer match from date of hire.
- Comprehensive employer paid insurance coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, life and accidental death, and disability.
- Ability to use pre-tax dollars for dependent care and commuting expenses.
- A collaborative and inclusive work environment.
To apply: submit resume and cover letter to Sherry Ettleson, settleson@gmail.com, subject line: RCFP – Development Director.
RCFP is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.