Join Our Team

This position is accountable for the planning and execution of the fundraising programs for the Jackson Center. In collaboration with the President, the Director of Development will set and implement the strategic fundraising plan each year to reach goals agreed upon with the President and Board.  

Aspects of the Center’s fundraising program will include the annual fund, corporate and foundation sponsorships, event fundraising, and grant-writing. The plan will take into consideration the revenue needed for Center operations, program initiatives, and strategic growth. Appropriate semi-annual and annual milestones will be established to allow for continual evaluation and progress monitoring. 

The Director of Development will be a member of the Center’s leadership team, reporting to the President and collaborating with the entire Center team.  

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan to diversify and strengthen the fund raising base and support annual growth goals. We are aiming for at least 7 percent year-over-year growth in new commitments to support the Center’s programs, services, and activities. 

• Create major gift fundraising strategies and tactics as well as systems to identify and maintain a portfolio or pipeline of major gift prospects.  

• Launch a planned giving program and develop necessary collateral to encourage the inclusion of the Center in will and estate plans. 

• Establish and execute strategies that expand corporate and foundation giving programs, with a focus on expanding our regional, state, and national opportunities.  

• Develop systems to provide the President, Board, and Center team with the tools they need to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.  

• Oversee a system of personalized gift acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship.  

• Research and maintain a pipeline of potential grant funding available to the Center. Establish a timeline for submission of either LOI or grant application for each prospect. Create a calendar and follow through on submissions as indicated.  

• Work with the Board’s Development and Program Committees through participation in monthly meetings. Conduct 1:1 weekly meetings with President to ensure development activities are progressing. As opportunities arise, establish volunteer committees to assist with and drive recognition of fundraising events, such as galas. 

• Work with the President on establishing the Center’s revenue goals and annual budget. 

• Collaborate with the President on all marketing and communications material relative to donor prospecting and donor stewardship. 

One-Year Portfolio and Fundraising Goals: 

• Three months: Develop annual fund and corporate/foundation pipelines with solicitation plans. Meet with select leadership donors; conducted individual meetings with all board members to identify development expertise and potential. 

• Six months: Research and identify grant prospects. Calendar significant LOI and grant submission plans. Submit all grant requests according to the calendar. Cultivation of the annual fund and corporate/foundation pipelines.  

• Nine months: Begin year two planning based on learnings to date. 

• One year: Meet agreed upon 1st year fundraising goal and creation of year two goals and plan. 

• Fundraising Goals: 

• • Increase Annual Fund base of donors by at least 7 percent net YoY. 

• • Increase Annual Fund dollars raised by at least 7 percent YoY. 

• • Expand corporate sponsorship revenue support by at least 10 percent YoY. 

• • Work with President to establish a nation-wide grant goal, an area of expansion for the Center. 

Qualifications:  

In addition to at least five years of fundraising experience, the ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Operations, or Liberal Arts. They will have a track record in increasing organizational fundraising, cultivating and soliciting donors, and strengthening a donor stewardship program. Demonstrated comfort in engaging with high-net-worth individuals and corporate executives and making asks of them is critical. Working with foundations and securing gifts or grants is required. A strong sense of accountability and metrics will be essential to demonstrate. Being self-directed and able to work with volunteers is needed. Exceptional oral and written presentation skills are crucial.  

Remote Work Opportunity: 

Although preferred, it is not necessary for this position to be fully located in Jamestown, NY. Remote work is an option; it is expected the successful candidate will spend at least one-third (1/3) of the year in Jamestown.  

Salary and Benefits:  

$65,000 – $80,000 and a competitive benefits package.