Development Manager

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society

Job Description

WHO YOU ARE:
Are you looking to make a difference in your next role? Do you have a passion for animal welfare causes? Are you interested in joining an established nonprofit that improves the lives of the cats and people we serve? If so, we encourage you to consider joining the team at Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) as a member of our proud and caring staff!

WHO WE ARE:
Since 1992, Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) has been delivering our mission to improve the lives of all cats and provide support and education for the people who care about them. To date, we have assisted over 136,000 cats – placing over 23,000 cats and kittens into loving homes and spaying or neutering over 82,000 cats on our Catmobile or at our clinics. Our programs and services include helping families keep their pet through various pet retention services as well as assisting with feral trap, vaccinate, neuter and release (TNR) programs for community cats. (Learn more about us at www.mrfrs.org)

As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, MRFRS is at an exciting stage and is poised for growth. As part of our growth initiative and our efforts to raise funds needed to support and expand our current and future programs, MRFRS has an immediate opening for a Development Manager to join the Development & Communication team, reporting to the Director of Development & Communication.

WHY WE SHOULD TALK:
MRFRS seeks an energetic, curious, and motivated Development Manager who has managed major events to join and grow with our passionate and talented team. The MRFRS Development Manager takes the lead on ensuring the successful execution of the organization’s fundraising initiatives including event management, relationship building in the community and data segmentation. 

This is an exciting full-time salaried position for someone interested in creating, managing, and executing a comprehensive Development strategy that supports MRFRS’s important work in the animal welfare sector. As a member of MRFRS, you will enjoy being part of a valued team where personal advancement and development of skills are respected and where you will feel appreciated.

We invite you to read more about the Development Manager role below and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the criteria listed (you might have transferable skills that make you a strong candidate).

Duties and Responsibilities
Fundraising and Relationship Building
  • Create, manage, and execute a comprehensive annual Development strategy designed to meet or exceed budgeted fundraising goals.
  • Create, execute, and report ROI for all fundraising initiatives with recommendations for improvement and growth (i.e., segmentation recommendations, targeted messaging by channel, etc.)
  • Grows donations by recruiting, retaining, and stewarding relationships with current and new donors at all levels.
  • Identify, develop, and maintain strategic partnerships with community and business leaders. Participate in Chamber of Commerce meetings and events on behalf of the organization.
  • Actively collaborate with all team members (Program, Development & Communication, Accounting) to maximize success and leverage opportunities to expand engagement of constituents through collaborative account planning.
  • Manage the annual Cat Calendar fundraiser including setting revenue projections; coordinating all communications; supervising volunteer for creative execution; managing sales and creating distribution channels.
  • Provide comprehensive Capital Campaign support including participation in the Capital Campaign Cabinet, prospect identification and securing pledges and major gifts.
  • As a member of the Board Development Committee, partner to implement identified annual goals and initiatives.
  • Stay informed about and incorporate the latest trends in Development and the nonprofit animal sector into all MRFRS efforts. Research, observe, and present opportunities for additional fundraising events on an ongoing basis.

Event Management
  • Manage MRFRS’s major fundraising events (Fur Ball and Strut for Strays) from conception to execution to engage existing and potential donors and sponsors.
    • Oversee sponsorships from solicitation through recognition
    • Monitor financial expenditures and progress to budget and take appropriate measures to meet top and bottom-line goals ensuring a high return on investment
    • Manage event run of show, auction item solicitation, volunteer management, vendor coordination and event follow-up in partnership with event committees and Development Coordinator
  • Research, propose, and confirm alternative fundraiser or event for Strut for Strays (due in October 2022) to be executed in 2023

Data Management
  • Work with the Development Coordinator to maintain relevancy and accuracy of organization’s data across multiple platforms (Little Green Light; Network for Good; Shelterluv; ClinicHQ; etc.)
  • Provide data for monthly dashboard to inform Development Committee and MRFRS Board of Directors of key measurements  to drive more data-based decisions (i.e., appeals, events, emails) and track effectiveness of fundraising campaigns.
  • Furnish lists for appeals, with recommendations for data segmentation and targeted messaging to grow relationships with donors and increase donation levels over time.
  • Continually monitor options for auction and online donor software to make sure MRFRS has the best options available from a cost and customer experience standpoint.

Grants
  • Assist the Director of Development & Communication in securing and stewarding public and private grants through research, relationship building, proposal writing, and reporting.
  • Work with Operations and Program staff to meet grant proposal and reporting deadlines and ensure grant requirements are met.

Project Management and Internal Coordination
  • Effectively and efficiently complete activities and meet target deadlines to execute successful events and fundraising activities.
  • Work with the Development Coordinator to create and manage timely donor acknowledgments and Leadership Donor stewardship.
  • Maintain formalized Development operational processes and procedures to gain efficiency and minimize risk for the organization.

Competencies
  • High energy and passion for MRFRS’s mission is essential. Knowledge of issues related to cat shelters/pet care/animal welfare is a plus. 
  • Able to implement and evaluate organizational level development strategies and manage development initiatives from conception to creation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to effectively speak and present to individuals including high net worth donors, as well as small, mid-size and large groups.
  • Demonstrated ability in handling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines, strong planning, and organizational skills.
  • Exceptional event management and project management skills; highly organized and able to think strategically and act tactically.
  • Proficient with the following software/platforms: Microsoft Office Suite; PowerPoint; WordPress; Constant Contact or Mailchimp; Donor Management Platforms (i.e., Network for Good; Little Green Light; Blackbaud; etc.).
  • Flexible, accountable, and with a team-orientation needed to succeed in a small organization with a proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently
  • Ability to recruit, train and motivate community-based volunteers for events and fundraising.

Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Communications, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management or related field.
  • 3-5 years’ experience in fundraising and nonprofit development for a small to mid-sized organization, with proficiency in event execution, sponsorship solicitation, and grant management.

Salary Range
Commensurate with experience within a range of $55,000 to $60,000.

LET’S CONNECT:
If you think this position looks like one that will be fulfilling for you, please send your cover letter (required) and resume to hr@mrfrs.org and put "Development Manager" in the subject line. All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We will review and respond to all applications received.

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) values diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating an environment in which everyone feels welcomed, supported, and respected. MRFRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.