Development Officer

[Kathleen Crisafi]

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This Development Officer builds and stewards relationships with high net-worth donors and prospects, as well as manage employee giving campaigns primarily in the higher education and legal industry communities in the greater New Haven area. This position also represents United Way at corporate and community functions and recruits volunteers to provide support for initiatives specific to the higher education and legal industry communities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

Cultivate, solicit and steward donors in this portfolio of Alexis de Tocqueville ($10,000+) and Leadership ($1,000-$9,999) Society members and move them toward special and major gifts. Increase and retain existing contributions and attract first time donors.

a. The development officer will, as a part of Resource Development Team, develop and build relationships with existing major and leadership contributors and prospects, educating them about United Way and motivating them to maintain and increase their level of participation. This includes personal meetings, engagement opportunities, targeted communications efforts as well as through personal solicitation. Responsible for: 

b. Stewardship and solicitation of 200-250 donors each year.

• Visiting 5 – 7 donors per week on average at their homes, offices and at events.
• Recruiting donors to participate as volunteers in fundraising and other divisions.
• Writing cultivation strategies to direct and monitor the progress of donor relationships.
• Working to identify prospects for endowing memberships in the de Tocqueville and Leadership Societies in collaboration with team members and other colleagues.

Identify donors and prospects to expand the base of major and leadership givers with a particular focus on individuals working in the higher education and legal industry.

a. The development officer determines donors giving potential, identifies prospects for solicitation and utilizes volunteer or organizational resources most appropriate to initiate and maintain contact. Based on research and on analysis of the existing donor base demographics as well as leads referred by donors or others, the development officer will assess potential for successful solicitation and employ volunteer and organization resources accordingly.

Manage assigned employee giving campaigns particularly in the higher education and legal industries.  Organize giving opportunities; maintain year-round engagement through informational meetings, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising.  Analyze data from prior campaigns to identify means and methods to increase overall employee participation.

a. Cultivate relationships with key members within the assigned workforce responsibilities. 

b. Recruit and train workplace champions to lead the local giving opportunities.  Identify giving methods that increase participation. 

Serve as member of the West Haven Chamber of Commerce to recruit and engage prospects to enter into an employee giving campaign. Provide assistance with other industry events during campaign season as requested.

a. The development officer will work with volunteers to solicit donors and establish relationships with new prospects. This includes but is not limited to: invitations to Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Leadership, or other events and committees, participating in business development teams, serving as liaison between Chamber members and United Way, serving as liaison between development and Community Impact to create unique volunteer opportunities for major donors, their colleagues and families.

Women’s Leadership Affinity group responsibilities

Manage, recruit, and cultivate relationships within the Women’s Leadership Affinity group.  The development officer will help organize tours, draft correspondence and meet special customer service needs of the Women’s Leadership Affinity group as required increasing membership, donations, and community outcomes.

 REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor Degree in related field required; comparable experience considered.
• 5 years or more fund raising experience with a proven successful track record required (high end annual fund or individual gift experience a plus); comparable experience considered.
• Demonstrated ability to establish warm relationships with a wide variety of people.
• Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) principles preferred.
• Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills required.
• Knowledge of local business, civic and cultural communities highly desired.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in a Microsoft Office environment required. Previous donor database use preferred.
• Commitment to excellence and to the mission of the United Way.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to [e-mail].  No phone calls, please.  United Way of Greater New Haven is an equal opportunity employer.