Director of Development - Mercy Connections

Position:            Director of Development

Reports to:       Executive Director                     

Organization:   Mercy Connections

Website:            Home — Mercy Connections

Location:           Burlington, Vermont

About Mercy Connections:

Mercy Connections is an educational and social service organization dedicated to serving adults. The organization’s mission is to transform lives through education, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Programs, classes, and resources support individuals striving for a better life. Participants include justice-involved women and underrepresented groups in the Vermont economy, former refugees, immigrants, and migrants, as well as individuals facing poverty, disenfranchisement, and social isolation. Programs aim to improve well-being, academics, provide basic education and literacy, and prepare program participants for job readiness, business ownership, leadership roles, and U.S. citizenship. In addition, the organization fosters a sense of community and fellowship, embracing a culture of genuine and inclusive hospitality where everyone is welcome to join our programs and community events.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development ensures that the financial resources are in place for the organization to execute its mission. The Director of Development develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet the organization’s annual revenue goals, oversees all fundraising initiatives and manages relationships with stakeholders investing in the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement innovative and effective strategies for generating revenue.
• Gain a thorough understanding of MC programs and effectively communicate their significance to stakeholders investing in Mercy Connections.
• Foster relationships with current and prospective major gift prospects, corporate, private and foundation donors.
• Represent the organization in a way that instills public trust, embodies the organization's values, and promotes excellence and accountability.
• Organize special fundraising events, including the organization’s annual signature event and lead the annual fund appeal.
• Secure grants to meet annual fundraising goals.
• Supervise the organization’s development database (CRM) to ensure effective fundraising outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director to engage donors and various audiences via social media and other channels.
• Manage capital campaigns and other significant fundraising efforts as necessary for the organization's success.
• Actively participate in regular management team and staff meetings.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to meet the organization's evolving needs and objectives. 

Desired Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 years of development and development leadership experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, public administration, education, business, marketing, or related field.
• Demonstrated successful record of implementing fundraising strategies, meeting annual goals, and increasing revenues.
• Fundraising and development experience in non-profit, educational, public administration or related setting.
• Knowledge and understanding of non-profit sector and local business, political, social and philanthropic landscape.
• Demonstrated experience working with boards, committees, volunteers, and the community.
• Proficiency with various computer applications, including desktop publishing, MS computer applications, social media and website content & management tools.
• Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities while pursuing big-picture donor relations and events with attention to operational detail and successful follow through.
• Sensitivity to the organization’s values and respect for multiple audiences and participant population.
• Ability to be a positive and engaged team player.

 Equal Employment Opportunity

All potential employees are evaluated without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, gender identity, ancestry, place of birth, marital, sexual preference or veteran status, the presence of a non-job-related handicap or any other legally protected status.

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