Summary

Description

To be a fundraising and business leader within a mission-driven, community-focused and team-oriented organization that serves those who work, live, and visit the Vail Valley through programming arts, athletics, and education and community supports. To work with a committed and creative executive team and board of directors, provide strategic vision and operational know-how across all philanthropy functions, and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit within an admired and evolving place-based organization.

The Director of Development Operations is responsible for the leadership, management, and execution of Vail Valley Foundation’s development operations, including leadership of the donor engagement, database, grassroots fundraising, and grant teams. Reporting and working directly with the Vice President of Philanthropy, the Director of Development Operations requires a fundraising and operational veteran capable of meeting or exceeding the annual development operations and events-related fundraising goals; acknowledging, stewarding, and growing annual fund contributions; assigning new donors team member portfolios and managing the size of and fund balance of portfolios; successfully overseeing the implementation of signature special events (e.g. Black Diamond Ball, Star Dancing Gala); representing the organization to donors and the public; leading strategy around annual support fundraising-related collateral; leading strategy and implementation around donor database utilization. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and willing to take complete ownership of critical duties.

The Director of Development Operations position is designed for a proven fundraiser with excellent communication skills, planned giving experience, strategic and operational management, and a track record for establishing long-term relationships between donors and institutions. The successful candidate will maintain an in-depth knowledge of Vail Valley Foundation’s strategic funding priorities and work closely with the Vice President of Philanthropy on building and implementing an annual development strategy to facilitate growth and ensure momentum on a yearly basis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Annual Support Responsibilities:

Work closely with all revenue-generating members of the Development Team to strategically identify and transition annual support donors to major gift donor portfolios for major gift donor discovery, cultivation, and solicitation.
In collaboration with the Marketing department, assist in the creation of external content and collateral for Annual Support efforts, including but not limited to appeals, newsletters, social media, website, and invitations.
Act as a spokesperson for the organization as needed to bring in funding, volunteers, etc.
Provide oversight and management of Annual Support reports including pacing reports to monitor progress towards budget goals.
Design and implementation of philanthropy and annual support efforts and organize portfolio distributions to meet organizational fundraising goals.
Update functional budgets for revenue and expense items on a monthly basis; assist the Finance Department in revenue and expense reconciliation.
Other related duties as assigned.

Donor Database Strategy and Management:

Responsible for leading and managing the Associate Director Data Systems position and data systems team aligned with position description, responsibilities, and expectations.
Work closely with Associate Director Data Systems and Vice President of Philanthropy to develop and implement donor database strategies, donor identification, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and activities.

Fundraising Events:

Responsible for supporting the Director of Donor Engagement and the Donor Engagement team.
Work closely with the Donor Engagement team and Vice President of Philanthropy to develop and implement annual support special event fundraising strategies that will:
- Enhance annual support baseline revenue.
- Provide a pipeline of annual support donors at the mid and major donor giving levels.
- Provide community awareness, engagement, and volunteer opportunities.
Lead development operations for annual fundraising events – Star Dancing Gala and Black Diamond Ball.

Grant Responsibilities

Responsible for managing and supporting the grants department.
Steward and build funder relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to strategically link organizational and programmatic initiatives with opportunities for fundraising.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required. Demonstrated ability to write clear and persuasive proposals.
Excellent time management skills and a high degree of organization, careful attention to detail, ability to multitask and to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.
High energy and passion for Vail Valley Foundation’s mission is essential.
Excellent relationship building with an ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal and external partners.
Ability to work on selected holidays, weekdays, nights and weekend evenings as required.
Knowledge and experience in Grant research and writing.
Computer literacy and knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT is highly desirable.
Well-disciplined, self-motivated, and goal-driven; able to work with a high degree of independence as well as leading a team.
Ability to appropriately handle confidential matters and information.
Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software; Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Ability to participate in cross-departmental projects, using tact and diplomacy.
Sophisticated knowledge of successful fundraising principles and practices, major gift solicitation, and ethical professional standards.
Ability to participate in cross-departmental projects, using tact and diplomacy.
Ability to effectively identify, analyze, and solve problems.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree required.
5+ years of proven fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in individual giving, corporate sponsorship, special events fundraising and management; strategic and operational management.
Experience with fundraising and data management systems; Raiser’s Edge is highly desirable.
Experience with moves management, including but not limited to prospect identification, cultivation, and stewardship.
Knowledge of nonprofit financial best practices and strong comfort with budget management required.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to successfully pass a background check.

Benefits

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION This is a salaried, full-time year-round position eligible for all VVF employment benefits. The hiring range for this position is $90,000-$105,000 annually. Our employees are a critical part of who we are and employee wellness is an important priority for our organization. As a result, we offer an array of employee benefits, which can be seen on the VVF website.