Director of Donor Engagement

Job Description:

The Director of Donor Engagement is responsible for all fundraising efforts of Blue Ridge Public Radio concerning individual philanthropy, philanthropic grant-making, events and corporate partnerships. As a member of the Leadership Team, reporting to the CEO/GM, the Director of Donor Engagement (DDE) develops strategies and implements initiatives that align the art of relationship building with the science of fundraising to advance donor-centric, philanthropic partnerships. S/He/They advance support of the organization’s annual plan through all the various revenue streams, to include membership (annual fund), major giving, events, corporate giving, planned giving, foundations and grants, utilizing host of effective established resources, processes, and tools to increase contributed revenue to BPR.

*BPR is choosing donor-facing language, rather than organization function facing language.

Essential duties and Responsibilities

Philanthropic and Fundraising Leadership

Oversee and manage all fundraising efforts of Blue Ridge Public Radio concerning individual philanthropy, philanthropic grant-making, events and corporate partnerships (excluding business sponsorship).
Advance a culture of donor engagement that invites philanthropic giving to BPR: align the art of relationship building with the science of fundraising to advance donor-centric, philanthropic partnerships.
Be immersed in the community as a representative of the organization to expand the organization’s base of relationships and philanthropic circles.

Development Leadership

Identify, cultivate, solicit, acknowledge, and maintain a portfolio of 40+ major donors who support the work of the organization.
Solicit and close gifts of significance and impact; coach and mentor teammates to do the same.
Model and apply SMART* Moves Management that defines and attains annual goal increases in each revenue line for DDE and department staff.
Work closely with the CEO/GM and Board of Directors to prospect and cultivate major donor prospects for funding future BPR initiatives.
Plan and oversee all internal and external BPR Donor Events.
Coordinate and direct donor communications.
Oversee the development and application of grants to private and governmental agencies.
Leverage MSB client relationship management platform and services to increase efficiency and effectiveness of donor engagement and management.

Departmental and Organizational Leadership

Mentor, manage and supervise a team of up to three full-time employees tasked with meeting the goals of membership (annual fund), major giving, events, corporate giving, planned giving, foundations and grants (as well as future capital campaigns).
Develop, manage, and evaluate traditional as well as new digital fundraising strategies to meet the annual fundraising targets.
Join Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to develop and hone organizational strategies and implement initiatives, as well as other duties as assigned.
Work with Business Office to design financial reports to regularly update CEO/GM and Board of Directors on progress against revenue goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to influence and engage with a wide range of donors and foster genuine, donor-centric, relationships.
Record of success in soliciting and closing philanthropic major gifts of impact and significance through the management of a portfolio of donors.
C-suite (or similar) leadership role on team of peers.
Proven track-record of developing and executing plans to meet and exceed financial goals and fundraising targets aligned with financial goals.
Outstanding communication skills— interpersonal, verbal, and written—to communicate the mission, goals, and activities of the institution.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills demonstrate leadership and initiative, tact, diplomacy, attention to detail, creativity, and cultural sensitivity.
Management:
- Supervision of at least two paid employees.
- Annual budget preparation, monthly revenue, and cost management.
- Delegation, management, mentoring and training.
- Organization.
Entrepreneurial drive, combined with the ability to collaborate fruitfully as a team member.
Presentation and data analysis skills.
Project management and organizational competencies with a demonstrated aptitude for multitasking, attention to detail, and meeting competing and overlapping deadlines.
Engagement with Boards of Directors (and committees), including volunteer management, preferred.
Fundraising and stewardship event planning experience.
Grant writing and reporting.
CRM experience, ability to analyze data and benchmarks.
Understanding of, and commitment to, working in mission-driven, non-profit organizations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 15 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional equipment as found in a typical office environment.

Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Principles and Standards:

All of BPR’s development team members adhere to AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards to promote responsible, professional and ethical behavior in fundraising.  

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

BPR is actively working to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at all levels of its operations – internally and externally - and is committed to equitable policies and practices. BPR’s Director of Donor Engagement commits to participating in this work and actively contributing to DEIB efforts.

Benefits