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The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education is now accepting applications in our search for our first Director of Development. An ideal candidate is an organized and self-motivated team player. They will be an experienced fundraiser excited to build and grow development systems and processes to support the mission of the Maynard Institute. Most importantly, they are passionate about building supportive communities that promote belonging and are interested in developing engaging virtual and in-person experiences for journalists. Experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging (DEIB) programs, journalism or news media is a bonus but not required.
The Maynard Institute is a virtual organization. The position is 100% remote and can be based anywhere in the United States
Position Overview
The Director of Development is an inaugural role for the Maynard Institute for Journalism Education. Working in partnership with the Co-Executive Directors, they will drive a comprehensive and multi-faceted revenue strategy for the Institute that includes traditional philanthropic support, corporate partnerships, institutional giving, public policy opportunities and earned income streams, such as fee-for-service. The Director of Development will lead all aspects of fundraising and revenue generation and create meaningful connections to build authentic relationships to fuel Maynard Institute’s mission. They will focus on philanthropic, corporate and institutional donors as primary funding sources, with individual donors as a secondary focus.
Through engagement with existing donors and donor prospects, the Director of Development will help raise awareness and elevate the profile of the Maynard Institute. They will work closely with a tight-knit team of 7 staff to create, execute and iterate on virtual and in-person programming and cultivation events to appeal to new and existing donors.
Primary Responsibilities
Development Strategy, Planning, and Execution
- Serve as a strategic partner to the Co-Executive Directors, Evelyn Hsu and Martin G. Reynolds, and staff to build a culture of philanthropy across the organization and with the Board of Directors.
- Create annual development plan and goals that align with the mission, manage the execution of the plan, and ensure goals are met.
- Diversify the revenue stream by:
- Creating the vision, strategy, and plan for robust philanthropic, corporate, and institutional giving programs.
- Maintaiing and growing individual giving program.
- Expanding relationships with existing donors, program alumni and faculty.
- Streamlining donor acknowledgment.
- Identifying potential new institutional donors.
- Create and manage clear success metrics, holding yourself and others accountable for achieving those goals, and develop periodic reports on progress.
- Engage with Board members on fundraising initiatives and present fundraising reports at regular board meetings.
- Strategize with Co-Executive Directors and staff to identify, qualify and prioritize prospects and funders and facilitate relationship development through regular communications and a calendar of touchpoints.
- Stay abreast of program initiatives, trainings and success metrics.
- Collaborate with staff to craft compelling periodic appeals and communications with potential donors.
Development Process and System Infrastructure
- Evaluate existing structures and processes in a Salesforce database and customize processes and procedures related to fundraising.
- Train staff on processes and systems and supervise the appropriate use of them.
- Maintain funder, donor, grants and foundations records in the database.
- Oversee the development of a fundraising “calendar” of activities including project/task management and follow up with staff on their to-dos.
- Develop protocols and templates for creating periodic fundraising reports.
- Complete grant applications and reports for funders.
Qualifications
The Maynard Institute understands that restrictive job requirements may exclude historically marginalized groups from applying to jobs for which they are qualified. We take an equitable and holistic screening approach. If you feel you have demonstrated experience and expertise relevant to perform this role, please don’t hesitate to apply!
- 8+ years of experience working in or with nonprofit organizations including at 5+ years in frontline fundraising.
- Professional and friendly demeanor; ability to diplomatically interface with staff and external stakeholders as a public-facing representative of the Maynard Institute.
- Ability to juggle projects and connect with people across time zones
- Passion for teamwork and collaboration across disciplines, lived experiences and generations
- Savvy interpersonal, problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- An attention to detail and a track record of idea generation to execution
- Ability to work in a virtual, team-oriented setting with a stable internet connection using virtual meeting tools such as Zoom
- Willingness and ability to travel for events and funder meetings when necessary
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, but significant professional or military experience may be a substitute for educational credentials, especially where credentials may pose a barrier to candidates from traditionally underrepresented groups.
Compensation and Benefits
This position is full-time exempt with a full compensation range of $125,000 to $150,000 with the exact compensation dependent on experience.
Contact and Apply
Fill out a Talent Profile with executive search firm Koya Partners, who have been exclusively retained by the Maynard Institute for this engagement. Please submit a compelling cover letter and resumé with your Talent Profile.