
VP, Development
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Job Description
VP, Development
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA
About Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Greater Worcester Community Foundation is a nonprofit grant-making foundation that serves donors, nonprofits, and other community partners. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in the Worcester area by engaging in the urgent needs of the community, such as education, child welfare, neighborhood improvement, health services, nonprofit effectiveness, arts and culture, the environment, and fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community for our diverse populations. Our staff is a dedicated team of professionals who strive for high standards of performance and support for one another. The Foundation models a strong commitment to principles of equity and inclusion, and actively seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
The Opportunity
The VP of Development is a critical role to ensure that GWCF is proactive, strategic, and entrepreneurial in reaching and engaging donors to support its efforts to catalyze positive lasting change in the Greater Worcester region of Massachusetts. The VP of Development will be a member of the Foundation’s leadership team acting in a key leadership role with the Foundation, its stakeholders and community. The VP of Development will receive support from the Philanthropy Associate and work in close and consistent partnership with the VP for Donor Services and Relations - a coequal, leadership position.
Job Responsibilities
- Develop and lead innovative approaches to identify and connect with new donors
- Identify strategies to build generational, demographic, and cultural diversity among the donor base
- Actively engage in the strategic planning process to align new organizational directions with avenues for development growth
- Lead on development of co-investment strategies and increase impact
- Work with the CEO and VP for Programs to build in-roads with segments of the community not yet fully engaged by the Foundation
- Lead on providing infrastructure, protocols, and execution to ensure objectives can be met
- Participate in the identification and/or solicitation of high-rated prospects
- In partnership with the VP for Donor Services and Relations, prepare and deliver presentations to donors and their advisors
- In partnership with the VP for Donor Services and Relations, assist individuals/families in establishing philanthropic estate plans
- Serve on the Foundation’s Professional Advisor Network, Development Committee and work closely with volunteer leadership
- Develop funding appeals in collaboration with the CEO, Communications and Marketing Officer, and VP for Donor Services and Relations
- Work in close collaboration with the CEO, Communications and Marketing Officer and VP for Donor Services and Relations to develop marketing materials
- Assist with rearticulation of our mission, values and approaches to attract and engage new audiences
- Review current systems and recommend needed upgrades and/or improvements
- Lead collaboratively to ensure that the database is used effectively to for donor prospecting
- Promote a team environment that encourages maximum performance and dedication
- Represent the Foundation at community events
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Minimum 5 years’ development leadership experience with a demonstrable track record of success in advancement
- Ability to think strategically with a depth of understanding and expertise of current and evolving best practices in the fields of fund development and philanthropic leadership
- Demonstrated experience working with senior leadership on significant philanthropic initiatives, including endowment programs
- Success building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents including major donors, foundations, and corporations
- Demonstrated success as a team player with strong leadership and management skills; ability to handle and make decisions quickly on complex concepts and issues
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
- Strong supervision, leadership, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills
- Strong presentation skills with the ability to serve as a passionate ambassador for the Foundation and its mission
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong technical aptitude and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with donor and grantmaking software (Foundant, ideally)
- A passion for our community and for improving the lives of others
Disclaimers:
Applicants, as well as position incumbents, who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case-by-case basis.
Greater Worcester Communication Foundation is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity. Applicants for employment and employees are reviewed on their individual qualifications for a position. Under no circumstances will Greater Worcester Communication Foundation discriminate against qualified persons on the basis of race, color, religious creed, retaliation, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, disability, mental illness, genetics, choice of health insurance, marital status, age, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.