The Assistant Vice President, Donor Relations, provides leadership in identifying, attracting, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from corporate and individual donors to support the fundraising efforts of United Way of Greater Houston. The Assistant Vice President’s responsibilities are twofold; (1), leading and further developing a strategic and comprehensive program to identify prospects and present strategies to cultivate and increase giving in the areas of assigned responsibility; and (2) leading the effort in conducting prospect research using financial data, information from multiple news sources and wealth screening services to increase the donor base among corporate and high-level donors.
The position requires the coordination and support of high level volunteers, which includes supporting affinity group retention and recruitment efforts through volunteer steering committees, development and execution of a year-round communication program, building relationships with donors and prospects, extensive research on donors and prospects, and assisting with coordination of cultivation events. The position reports to the Vice President and Chief Development Officer and leads a team of professional staff. In addition, the Assistant Vice President must work collaboratively with the entire Donor Relations team and Brand/Marketing team, corporate donors, key volunteers, and individual donors.
A key responsibility of this position is the ability to listen well and possess strong interpersonal skills to perceive and react sensitively to the needs and interests of potential donors. The incumbent will be flexible, self-motivated, accurate, professional, and detail oriented. Adeptness in conveying the story of the United Way to a diverse group of donors and prospects for their cultivation is paramount.
- Develops, cultivates donor relationships, executes functions/events and manages year-round communication plan that results in increased giving. Works with the Chief Brand Officer to develop and implement marketing strategies focusing on donor communications. Works closely with and meets routinely with the Chief Development Officer and other AVP, volunteer leadership, donors, prospects and other key staff.
- Develops growth strategies and leads a team that conducts prospect research and identification of prospects, using financial data, information from multiple news sources, and wealth screening services. Analyzes and interprets results to create and implement a fundraising plan that will enhance the growth of new high-level donors.
- Supports the development of the donor relations staff and provides guidance as they carry out their duties. Responsible for reviewing fundraising activities, account assignments and progress to optimize staff’s success; coaches team on relationship management skills, counsels, guides and evaluates staff performance on a regular basis. Creates an environment of open communication and leads staff to maximize productivity, creativity, and financial results.
- Sets campaign priorities and direction, oversees management of department activities, operations, stewardship and events. Maintains a talented skilled workforce by interviewing, hiring, evaluating and/or terminating staff. Works collaboratively with the Brand/Marketing team in volunteer engagement and Days of Caring work as well as the enlistment of Loaned Executives. Collaborates with the Chief Development Officer and other AVP to develop the annual operating budget and work plan and monitors progress and the achievement of goals. Provides direction and focus to the Donor Relations team with respect to certain specific campaign issues, including but not limited to vigilant monitoring of projections and conversion of verbal reports to reported results. Develops relationships with the finance and administration staff to ensure that information on campaign reports is provided in a timely and accurate manner.
- Eight (8) to ten (10) years of experience in fundraising.
- Successful track record in relationship development and management, extensive fundraising, and community engagement activities with individuals and the community in a major metropolitan area.
- Demonstrated success in leading non-profit fundraising campaigns.
- Knowledge and appreciation of digital engagement and its use in the integration of technology platforms and social media used into the overall fundraising strategy which includes: attracting new donors, improving donor retention and payment processing.
- Knowledge of non-profit governance and work experience with volunteers including Boards of Directors.
- Demonstrated ability to work with and gain the respect of a broad constituency base, including executive levels in business, industry and government, foundation management, service providers and other key community leaders.
- Proven ability to work with donors and C-Suite executive volunteers. Proven ability and willingness to solicit individuals one on one.
- Demonstrated ability to train, motivate, supervise and lead professional and administrative staff.
- Understands the non-profit culture with the ability to work collaboratively across the organization and gain the respect of a diverse team of peers and staff.
- Demonstrated expertise in budgeting and financial management.
- Strong communicator, both written and oral.
- Certification/Licenses: CFRE preferred.