Position Title: Director of Programs and Engagement
Application Deadline: For full consideration, please apply by June 10, 2020
Required materials: Please submit résume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to:
Kerry Pigman
Executive Director
info@athensfoundation.org
Background:
The Athens County Foundation is a 40-year old community foundation that invests in local strategies to empower Athens County residents and build on strengths of our region, now and for generations to come. The Athens County Foundation enhances the quality of life for people in our region by building endowments, awarding grants, providing leadership on key community issues, and cultivating emerging leaders through its Leadership Athens County program.
Position Overview:
In partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Programs and Engagement will contribute to the leadership and advancement of a small and nimble team supported by partners and an engaged Board of Directors. The Director of Programs and Engagement will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising plan that engages and inspires existing and new donors and funding partners. The Director will oversee communications, outreach, and engagement efforts to promote the Foundation’s work. The Director will also lead, direct, and manage the Athens County Foundation’s signature leadership program and work with the Executive Director to ensure the effectiveness of the Foundation’s grantmaking efforts. The Director of Programs and Engagement will report to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities
Development and Engagement
- Strategy: Develop and lead a comprehensive fundraising plan to increase donors and donations from a diversity of sources, including major donors, partner foundations, corporate partners, special events, and giving campaigns.
- Prospect: Identify, research, qualify, prioritize, and coordinate the management of donor prospects.
- Solicit Donations: Understanding the needs and goals of donors, develop proposals, and make solicitations. Develop and manage giving campaigns and events. Assist the Board and staff with their solicitations.
- Relationship Management: In partnership with the Board and Executive Director, cultivate and steward relationships with major donors to maximize retention, engagement, and investment. Develop clear goals and action plans for individual donors and donor segments. Gather and incorporate feedback.
- Development Operations: Administer and optimize development systems and workflows. Maintain accurate and timely records and data. In partnership with the Executive Director, manage budgets, forecasts, analyses and presentations to the Board of Directors.
- Develop and leverage communications effectively to engage donors and publicize key partnerships.
- Represent the Foundation with donors, financial and legal communities, other foundations, non-profits, and local governments.
Leadership Program
- Plan and manage the Leadership Athens County program and sessions that are interactive and applicable to adult learners.
- Schedule advisory committee meetings at least once per year to evaluate the program and consult on its direction.
- Select meeting topics and speakers that are relevant to our community, looking forward to current issues and opportunities in Athens County.
- Conduct formal and informal evaluations of the program, and provide strategic advice to the Board of Directors and Executive Director on continuation, expansion, and further development of leadership programs.
- Manage the funding sources and operating budget for Leadership Athens County.
- Promote the leadership program, including web, social networking, and public speaking.
- Manage the recruitment and screening efforts for new classes.
- Engage Alumni in programs as appropriate for this group.
- Continue to deepen knowledge about leadership ideas and programs through review literature, attendance at conferences and training, and developing a peer network.
- Perform other duties as requested by the Executive Director.
Grants Program
- Promote and represent the grants programs of the Athens County Foundation.
- Work with grant seekers whose ideas complement the Foundation’s funding priorities and interests to develop high-quality final proposals.
- Compose summary description reports, observations, and recommendations for proposals submission to the Board.
- Develop new programming ideas and initiatives to benefit the Foundation—defining and refining grantmaking guidelines and presenting to the Board for input and approval.
- Provide technical assistance to grant seekers—including fundraising, strategic planning, grant writing, evaluation, and volunteer recruitment skills. (This can be direct or by linking them to experts in our community)
- Keep up to date with skills and knowledge within the field of philanthropy—attending seminars and professional training institutes as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as requested by the Executive Director.
Qualifications
Skills and Experiences
- Understand the variety of communities that make up Athens County and the issues and opportunities within each community.
- Ability to effectively communicate the vision and advance the mission of the Foundation to a diversity of stakeholders.
- Ability to develop and implement a fundraising strategy that aligns with the Foundation’s goals and the communities we serve.
- Capacity to help determine community needs and to evaluate funding requests.
- Self-disciplined, self-starting style, accustomed to working without supervision, but capable of supervising and motivating others.
Attributes and Competencies
- Commitment to the philosophy, values, and mission of the Foundation
- Love for Athens County
- Organizational skills—excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Analytical skills—investigates and problem-solves a broad range of issues.
- Strategic thinking skills—plans, develops, and coordinates visionary directions for the Foundation.
- Leadership skills—work with the Board, staff, consultants, and community members.
- Knowledgeable about the non-profit sector—works with professional peers.
- Program development skills—works with and advises stakeholders.
- Project management skills and flexibility—manages several tasks simultaneously.
- Business and financial acumen
- Ethical conduct
Required education and experience:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field or equivalent number of years of experience, plus four years of professional experience in non-profit development and/or program management, or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Preferred education and experience:
Master’s degree in an appropriate field of public administration.
