Development Director

Position Status: Exempt, Annual, Full-Time
Salary: $60,000 – $80,000 
Reports to: Scout Executive

Council Website: www.erieshorescouncil.org

Since 1910, Scouting has helped mold the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes and understands that helping youth puts us on a path towards a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.

Position Summary

The Development Director for Erie Shores Council, Boy Scouts of America develops personal relationships with prospects, donors, and supporters of Scouting in our 4-county service area, and from those who no longer live in our area; develops strategies to strengthen ties between these individuals and top BSA professionals and volunteers; and solicits and secures significant gifts from these individuals.  This position will focus primarily on securing significant gifts, broadening well beyond the previous Scouting giving community and developing that platform into a critical component of the Council’s long-term fundraising plan while also leading future capital campaigns and other major gift initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manages a portfolio of at least 75 active high-quality prospects
  • Establish and strengthen relationships with individuals, companies, foundations, and institutions with the capacity to make planned gifts to continue the legacy of Scouting in this area. (Planned gifts include one-time, pledged, deferred gifts, endowment designations, and bequests.)
  • Develops and implements plans for securing gifts through estate planning and coordinates the acknowledgment process.
  • Research, identify, and cultivate prospective donors
  • Write, edit, and produce correspondence, reports, proposals, and marketing materials
  • Strengthens relationships through regular contact with prospective and existing donors
  • Recruit individuals to supplement the endowment trustees, charged with cultivating and soliciting current and future gifts for the organization
  • Develop Endowment Trustees strategies to actively engage and involve volunteer members of the Erie Shores Council’s Executive Committee, Board of Directors, Development Committee, and senior Erie Shores Council staff members in prospect calls and follow-up.
  • Leads development events for key and prospective donors including donor recognition events
  • Completes continuing education in fundraising-related areas
  • Presents an Annual Plan each year for review and joint approval from the Special Trustees and Scout Executive
  • Regularly presents Trustees and Scout Executive or Assistant Scout Executive the results of prospecting, performance (secured gifts—current and future) against plan
  • Assists the Scout Executive and Assistant Scout Executive with strategic planning and fundraising goals
  • Maintains wish lists of purposes for money being received (e.g. at-risk camp scholarships, PSR dining hall, Miakonda cabins, etc.)

Knowledge and Skills

Required: 

  • Work requires analytical, organization, and communications skills typically acquired through the completion of a four-year Bachelor’s Degree program
  • Previous major gift experience with and willingness to be measured as it relates to number of gifts and their value, commitments secured, meaningful monthly visits, and conversion rate
  • Ability to work independently, research and analyze, set goals, and manage projects
  • Possess excellent written, oral, and presentation skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced environment
  • Excellent listening and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to set priorities
  • Professional demeanor

Preferred: 

  • Knowledge of area philanthropic individuals, corporations, institutions, and foundations, especially those who have given to Scouting in the past.
  • Knowledge of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and estate/gift tax laws
  • Experience with Raisers Edge (Blackbaud), Wealth Engine, and PG Calc (computer expertise)
  • Knowledge of legal record-keeping requirements for fundraising and documenting donations

Qualifications/Experience

Required:

  • Minimum of three to five years of successful development experience including building relationships with individuals/making an “ask” for financial investment. Equivalent experience regarding client and/or donor relationships will also be considered.  Previous development work must include experience in the areas of Development/endowment.
  • Knowledge of the many types of giving options available to prospective donors
  • Meaningful experience in soliciting gifts at a major donor level of $25,000+
  • Enthusiasm for direct, personal interaction and relationship-building with major donors and prospects, and outstanding ability to organize follow-up contacts and prospect maintenance
  • Understanding and appreciation for Scouting and its importance and impact; ability to clearly articulate the importance of preserving Scouting’s legacy long into the future
  • Ability to participate in a collaborative environment and facilitate relationships with the Scouting community
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, organize donor and prospect management steps and initiatives, and problem-solve quickly
  • Positive representative for Scouting, possess the highest ethics, integrity, and character

Preferred:

  • Certification as a professional fundraiser (CFRE)
  • Some previous contact with Scouting

Additional Information

  • Full-time exempt position based in Toledo, OH
  • Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule; including some evening and weekend commitments
  • Will use a personal car for travel in a four-county area and some air travel when approved.

How to Apply

  • Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Andrew Curran at [email protected].