Director of Development

Dream Big!

Empowering girls and young women in underserved communities through sports & physical activities

Job Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
 
Dream Big! works to break down the economic barrier that prevents thousands of girls and young women from economically disadvantaged communities from participating in sports and physical activities. Dream Big! provides girls and young women with sports attire, equipment, athletic footwear, program fees, and college showcase scholarships needed that contribute to their health, education, and overall well-being. Since founded in 2010, Dream Big! programs have impacted over 60,000 girls, young women, and elementary school children in underserved communities.
 
When you join Dream Big!, you will find a rewarding, supportive, and results-oriented environment. We are driven by our mission and motivated by the impact we are achieving. Dream Big! looks for committed individuals who are problem solvers and team players. The Dream Big! office is located in Needham, MA.
 
 
POSITION SUMMARY:
 
The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all Dream Big! fundraising including, special events, major gifts and corporate donations, the Dream Big! Boston Marathon & other race charity teams, grant proposals, in-kind donations and capital campaigns.  The Director works closely with The President & CEO and the Board of Directors in all development and fundraising endeavors.  
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
·         Must embrace the mission of Dream Big!.
·         3 years minimum experience in professional fundraising and special event management.
·         Bachelor’s degree required.
·         Strong interpersonal and writing skills.
·         Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising, grants, and special event management.
·         Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members, and other volunteers.
·         Be a “self-starter” and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls.
·         Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals.
·         Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, and good listening ability.
·         Ability to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds with the expectation that items in excess of 20 pounds would be broken down into smaller components or additional assistance is required before lifting and/or moving.
·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook). Salesforce and/or Raiser’s Edge database experience preferred.
·         Travel is required

 
REPORTING:
The Director of Development reports to the President & CEO.
 
 
 
 
ACTUAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.       Full Time - fundraising position

2.       Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications with them.

3.       Responsible for the team’s budget planning and ongoing management.

4.       Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.

5.       Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.

6.       Build the in-kind donation program with a focus on sporting goods donations.

7.       Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies.

8.       Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives.

9.       Plan and manage all fundraising special events, including the Dream Big! Annual Gala & Auction.

10.   Manage the Dream Big! Boston Marathon Team and other running-related fundraising programs.

11.   Oversee prospect research.

12.   Work closely with the President and CEO, the Board of Directors, and the National Advisory Board.

13.   Make public appearances/accept speaking engagements to share information about the work Dream Big! does to empower girls and young women in underserved communities through sports & physical activities.

14.   Staff Board Development Committee meetings.

15.   Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.

16.   Oversee the creation of publications to support fundraising activities.

17.   Maintain gift recognition programs.

18.   Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.

19.   Perform other related duties as requested.

 

SALARY: Pay is commensurate with experience

BENEFITS:

·         Competitive salary with a generous benefits package to include:
·         Access to group medical and dental insurance
·         401(k) with Company match
·         Generous paid time off to include fifteen vacation days, twelve paid holidays, ½ day summer Fridays
·         Connectivity to sports networks and a wide variety of community and corporate partners

Dream Big! is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals of every race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other factor unrelated to job requirements or job status

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy:
Company policy requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and all new hires must be fully vaccinated by the time they start employment.
 
APPLICATION:
E-mail resume and cover letter to Linda Driscoll, President & CEO at: ldriscoll@dream-big.org