Director of Development
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for energy affordability solutions has grown significantly, with 80 million Americans struggling to pay their utility bills. As the energy landscape evolves, the need for innovative fundraising strategies has increased by 25% in the past year. With the rise of programmatic and digital marketing, professionals with expertise in these areas are in high demand. PowerLines, recognized as a leader in the energy affordability space, is seeking a Director of Development to build and lead a major donor fundraising program. This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned fundraiser to make a significant impact on the organization's growth and mission. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the organization's rapid growth and the need for a strategic fundraising approach.
Job Description
About the Role
The Director of Development will play a crucial role in shaping the financial foundation of PowerLines, a rapidly growing organization dedicated to modernizing the utility regulatory system. This role will be responsible for designing and leading the organization's fundraising strategy, focusing on family foundations, family offices, donor-advised funds, and high-net-worth individuals. The Director of Development will work closely with the Founder and Executive Director to integrate fundraising goals with organizational planning and budgeting.As a key member of the team, the Director of Development will maintain relationships with institutional funders and lead generation and prospect cultivation efforts. This role will require a deep understanding of the energy affordability landscape and the ability to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective donors.
The Director of Development will report directly to the Founder and Executive Director and will be responsible for collaborating with executive leadership to achieve organizational goals.
What You Will Do
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy focused on family foundations, family offices, donor-advised funds, and high-net-worth individuals
- Collaborate with executive leadership to integrate fundraising goals with organizational planning and budgeting
- Maintain relationships with institutional funders for PowerLines
- Lead generation and prospect cultivation efforts to identify new potential donors
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective donors through thoughtful cultivation plans
- Research and vet new potential donors with capacity and affinity to support PowerLines
- Develop and execute donor engagement strategies to cultivate and steward major donors
- Work closely with the Founder and Executive Director to achieve organizational goals
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in fundraising and development
What We Are Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in fundraising and development, with a focus on major gifts and high-net-worth individuals
- Proven track record of success in designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong understanding of the energy affordability landscape and the ability to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective donors
- Experience with programmatic and digital marketing a plus
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to travel up to 30% of the time
Nice to Have
- Experience working with family foundations, family offices, and donor-advised funds
- Knowledge of the utility regulatory system and energy affordability issues
- Experience with CRM software and donor management systems
- Certification in fundraising or a related field
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a rapidly growing organization making a significant impact in the energy affordability space
- Remote work arrangement with up to 30% travel
- Professional development opportunities and access to industry events and conferences
- Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan
- Generous PTO and holiday schedule
- Access to cutting-edge technology and software,
How to Stand Out
- Develop a strong understanding of the energy affordability landscape and the organization's mission and goals before applying.
- Highlight your experience with programmatic and digital marketing, as well as your ability to build and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals.
- Be prepared to discuss your fundraising strategy and how you would approach building a major donor program for PowerLines.
- Show examples of your success in designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies in previous roles.
- Research the organization's current donors and stakeholders to understand their interests and motivations.
- Prepare to discuss your experience with CRM software and donor management systems, and how you would use these tools to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective donors.
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