Development Director

*Please provide a cover letter in addition to your resume*

Job Summary

The Development Director is a new role at The Jones Center designed for a seasoned development professional looking to support a Northwest Arkansas anchor organization during an exciting period of growth. This leadership role reports to the Chief Development Officer and oversees a team of development officers focused on strengthening corporate, foundation, and individual philanthropic investment in The Jones Center and Jones Trust entities, including the Center for Nonprofits at the JTL Shop in Springdale and Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary's in Rogers.

In 2020, The Jones Center received a design excellence grant from the Walton Family Foundation to reimagine its 54-acre Springdale campus. The Development Director will play a key role in growing foundational support for The Jones Center in preparation for a region-wide capital campaign, and will be an integral part of the team responsible for campaign strategy and execution.

In addition to the required skills and abilities listed below, ideal candidates will possess the following:

• Have proven experience in fundraising leadership and relationship portfolio management.
• Share a commitment to excellence.
• Be motivated by serving others.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment.
• Be self-driven and have strong time management skills.
• Have experience coaching teams through change.
• Possess strong budgeting, CRM, and reporting acumen for tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities

• Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization that ensures fundraising is executed in keeping with the organization's values, vision, and mission.
• Build and maintain a philanthropic relationship portfolio, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding current and prospective donors to support operating, endowment, and capital needs.
• Work with Chief Development Officer and department heads to identify funding priorities and create strategies to fulfill those needs.

• Work with the Chief Development Officer to create annual fundraising budgets, metrics, and priorities for the Development team.
• Oversee fundraising events and work across the organization to execute (i.e. The Golf Event, Big Night, and Friends of The Jones Center gatherings)
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer and Accounting team to ensure accurate gift recording.
• Oversee the Development Council, including meetings, communications, recruitment, retention, and philanthropic engagement of council members.
• Collaborate with the Membership and Annual Giving Manager on annual fund appeals and messaging.
• Ensure donor records are accurate and regularly report on fundraising progress to the Chief Development Officer and CEO.
• Supervise and mentor the development officers to meet goals and strengthen their professional skills.
• Diversify funding sources to include a resilient balance of individual, corporate, and foundation support.
• Establish performance measures, monitor results, and regularly report on and evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers in the fundraising process, including the Development Council and other volunteer structures that may be of value to the Center.
• Maintain accountability, confidentiality, and ensure compliance with all regulations and laws and the code of ethics for fundraising professionals.
• Keep informed of trends in philanthropy and fund development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum QualificationsRequired Skills and Abilities

• A motivated and enthusiastic team player with leadership experience.
• Experience in securing five to six-figure gifts and managing a relationship portfolio required.
• Experience in securing transformational seven and eight-figure campaign gifts a plus, but not required.
• Strong technical and analytical skills in the areas of budgeting, reporting, and evaluation.
• Excellent verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex relationships and situations with professionalism and clarity.
• Experience working with CRM systems to track and report on fundraising progress.
• Strong project management skills required, with fundraising event experience preferred.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office or related software.

Education, Training, and Experience

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years in fundraising with a proven track record of raising major gifts from corporate, individual, and foundation donors
• Strong interpersonal, decision-making, and leadership skills with an ability to inspire others.
• Analytical thinking and the ability to analyze data are needed.
• Connection to Northwest Arkansas is a plus.
• Occasional travel is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary, occasionally standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds occasionally.