About the Role
Purpose: The Development Director is responsible for creating and executing a strategic fundraising plan that supports the organization's mission efficiently and cost-effectively. This role oversees all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, events, donor stewardship, capital campaigns, and additional special projects. The Development Director also builds and nurtures relationships with donors, community partners, and corporate funders. Key responsibilities include leading the development team, managing marketing efforts, ensuring accurate data reporting, executing the development plan, and contributing to strategic planning efforts. The Development Director collaborates across departments to achieve fundraising goals and reports to the Executive Director.
Requirements
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategic & Development Planning
In partnership with the Executive Director, collaborates with the board of directors and the Executive Director to implement the Strategic Plan
Evaluates, designs, implements, and manages the annual Development Plan
Collaborates with department staff to achieve development activities
Evaluates the results of all resource development initiatives including but not limited to campaigns, events, corporate sponsorships, direct mail campaigns, and other resource development programs
Oversees and recommends modifications or new strategies to proactively support the achievement of the organization’s development and fundraising goals
Development Team Leadership
Oversees the Development Manager’s activities; leads, motivates, and fosters a positive and collaborative environment
Sets clear expectations and goals, provides constructive feedback, and encourages growth and development
Conducts performance evaluations and manages related documentation
Fundraising and Stewardship
Partners with the Executive Director to build and nurture relationships with public and private donors
Works with the Executive Director and Development Manager to cultivate/strengthen major donor relationships
Partners with the Program Research Manager to strategize and administer the grant process
Develops and maintains a donor pipeline to cultivate, solicit, and steward in accordance with the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Code of Ethics
Identifies prospects for annual, major, and planned gifts
Coordinates and conducts direct asks and solicitations
Evaluates and enhances donor engagement, retention, and growth
Manages and organizes donor data effectively
Advances fundraising strategies through interaction with donors in the community and at all events
Partners with committees and board members to boost engagement in fundraising and advocacy
Events
Executes and manages all annual events including “Celebration of Heroes”
Collaborates with support staff to obtain sponsorships, manage volunteer teams, and oversees ticket sales to reach budgeted goals and ensure seamless execution of events
Seeks out public speaking opportunities, promoting Paws and Stripes services and partnership opportunities
Works with Programs Department to develop stories and identify impactful and appropriate ways to share them
Ensures accurate record keeping, gift acknowledgement, and communication with donors
Marketing & Communications
Collaborates with marketing contractors, service providers, and partners
Works across departments to support organizational activities and communications
Partners with the Programs team to ensure a trauma-informed protocol/approach when sharing client stories
Adheres to branding standards in all external communications with donors, prospects, and sponsors
Delegates responsibilities to staff and oversees contractors and service providers, provides guidance and oversight
Ensures timely, accurate, and appropriate dissemination of marketing materials and copy
Data Management & Reporting
Ensures accurate, timely, and detailed reporting and data management across all organizational platforms
Reports monthly development activities and attends board meetings as requested
Works with the Executive Director to review, develop, and execute annual development plan goals
Utilizes donor management platforms and websites for reporting and tracking fundraising efforts
Additional Job Functions:
Serves as the primary spokesperson for the organization, representing and presenting on its behalf
Limited travel may be required
Oversees and manages the Development Department budget
Other duties as assigned or as needed
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A passion for and commitment to the Paws and Stripes mission and the clients served
A bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent years of professional fundraising experience
3-5 years of prior fundraising and/or development experience
Adherence to highest ethical practices in fundraising & money management
Demonstrated experience in direct asks resulting in major gifts and multi-year pledges, public relations, non-profit partnerships and donor cultivation, grant writing, proposal development, and/or related experience
Excellent written and oral communication skills including strong public speaking ability
Ability to lead, collaborate with, and inspire a diverse group of stakeholders
Must be self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive with an independent, positive, and problem-solving attitude
Ability to work as a leader and as part of a team
Ability to manage multiple priorities and demonstrates careful attention to detail
Organized and exhibits “follow through” on tasks and goals
Computer literate (Word, Publisher, Excel, database entry) and ability to learn & use Bloomerang Donor Management Software
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
Must like dogs and people
All offers of employment with Paws and Stripes are contingent upon a successful and clear background check
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Familiarity and/or experience with the armed forces, military culture, and/or veteran services
Background and/or appreciation for mental/behavioral health services
Knowledge and experience working with databases and software systems (i.e., Bloomerang or similar CRM)
Project Management experience a plus
CFRE preferred
Physical Demands and Work Environment:
The physical requirements and work environment described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Daily exposure to dogs in the office environment should be expected - may be asked to handle dogs as needed
Work is performed in a highly active environment with exposure to a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a diverse employee and client population
Work may be performed at a desk / computer screen for extended periods of time and in the community with donors, community partners, and stakeholders
This position requires the manual dexterity to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment
Position may require the occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds
Paws and Stripes Benefits:
Paws and Stripes offers a generous benefits package that includes 100% paid employee health insurance (medical/dental/Rx/vision), partial family benefits (including domestic partners), an employee assistance program, a 401(K) with 2% matching, and reimbursement for cell phone/vehicle use as applicable. Employees receive 8 paid holidays, 2 additional days for Thanksgiving, a week of paid winter break, PTO, and paid parental leave. The organization also supports professional development, providing access to mandatory and elective trainings, memberships, and subscriptions. Eligible employees can bring their pet dogs to work, pending approval by the Training Team.
Equity & Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities:
Paws and Stripes is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to equal employment opportunity and to compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws. They prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, sex assigned at birth, gender identity, sexual orientation, age (40 and over), spousal affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, National Guard membership, veteran status, uniformed service member status, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), HIV status, serious medical condition, or any other consideration protected by federal, state or local law.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. Paws and Stripes is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. Paws and Stripes will consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, you’re encouraged to think broadly about your abilities and skill set for the role. In addition, if there is anything that the organization can do to help make the recruitment process or the job more accessible, please reach out directly.
About the Company
Paws and Stripes, an Albuquerque-based nonprofit, offers animal-assisted therapy and other mental health services to military veterans and their loved ones living with service-connected trauma, including PTSD, brain injuries, and other disabilities. The core of the program is pairing shelter dogs with veterans to be trained as service dogs, while integrating mental health services. Paws and Stripes is committed to continuous improvement, ethical integrity, inclusivity, resilience, and clear communication with both team members and clients.