LWVMN Advancement Director Position Description

League of Women Voters Minnesota (LWV Minnesota) seeks an experienced development professional to lead the organization's development activities and advance the mission of the organization. The Advancement Director ("AD") is a full-time at-will employee of LWV Minnesota charged with developing and implementing methods, systems and activities that ensure the long-term viability of the fundraising and communications systems of LWV Minnesota.

AD will be responsible for implementing the comprehensive development plan to expand fundraising capacity through improved donor relations and communications, foundation grants, donor and member acquisition, and board/local LWV/community engagement. AD will work closely with LWV Minnesota senior staff, LWV Minnesota Development and Communications Committees, donors and prospective donors, members, local LWVs, foundations, corporations, partner organizations and other institutional supporters. AD will work with LWV Minnesota senior staff as necessary to ensure LWV Minnesota meets its mission.

LWV Minnesota is a non-partisan grassroots political organization that encourages the informed and active participation in government through public education forums, non-partisan election activities and community outreach. LWVMN influences public policy based upon our member-directed positions through community activism and education and advocacy at the state, local and municipal level. LWVMN also seeks reform of Minnesota's political institutions based upon basic principles of transparency and fundamental human rights. LWV Minnesota is a statewide organization with a need to build and maintain relationships in Greater Minnesota as well as the metropolitan area.

Lead Development Planning

Prepare annual fundraising plan, budget and income projections; track and report performance against goals throughout the year
Provide strategic and operational leadership for fundraising programs
Support and reinforce the board's role in fundraising; work with board committees to develop work plans related to development (major giving, direct mail, planned giving, etc.) and communications
Work with staff and board to implement development strategy as well as track and report performance against goals
Work with staff and board to implement long-term development strategy
Work with staff and board to recruit and retain development committee members

Administer Development Operations

Act as lead for managing development data system
Coordinate grant writing and prospect research
Coordinate fundraising events
Develop and manage fundraising programs including major individual gifts, corporate and foundation grants, and recognition events
Implement internal systems, policies, and processes related to fundraising
Manage receipt, processing, and tracking of all gifts and pledges
Prepare and maintain development reports and records

Cultivate Donor Relationships

Work with Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and build relationships with corporate & foundation donors
Maintain updated records on all prospects
Work with board and staff to cultivate long-term relationships with current and potential major gift donors

Planned Giving

Serve as primary planned giving resource officer;
Develop various mechanisms for planned giving, including bequests, charitable trusts, endowments, etc.;
Market to stakeholders for participation in planned giving.

Manage Communications

Design, produce and distribute communication items designed to enhance mission & image
Maintain frequent contact with stakeholders using various communication methods
Ensure regular updating of website; ensure that website design and content enhance mission and image, and are consistent with messaging/branding
Ensure the timely and accurate publication of annual report
Ensure all organizational communications are consistent with branding and messaging standards, and program and development communications are coordinated and complementary
Coordinate verbal and written correspondence with donors and prospects, including appeals, thank-yous and reports

Experience and Qualification Requirements

Ability to build and maintain a direct relationship with community leaders and donors who can translate the needs of the mission to gain support
Ability to think strategically and develop ideas into operational plans and work as contributing member of a team of professionals
Experience managing small staff
Bachelors degree and a minimum of 5 years experience in development/fundraising, preferably for a human service organization
Demonstrated success in developing strategies for cultivating individual (including major gifts), foundation and corporate donors
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, courtesy, diplomacy and tact with a variety of stakeholders
Experience in organizing special events
Leadership skills to coach, guide, and lead staff in development operations
Proficient computer skills using MS Office and experience with Raiser's Edge required. Prefer skills with Adobe software including, Dreamweaver, Adobe InDesign and Adobe Acrobat Professional
Understanding of philanthropy, fundraising ethics and practices
Ability to handle multiple priorities with a strategic focus
Strong belief in organization's mission
Strong budgeting and financial skills

To apply please send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to (.doc, .docx, or .pdf):

execdir@lwvmn.org

-or-

Executive Director
League of Women Voters Minnesota
550 Rice Street
St. Paul, MN 55103

-or-

Fax to: 651-290-2145

Applications will be accepted until September 4, 2009. No phone calls please.