Director of Development

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Iris House, incorporated in 1992, is a Harlem-based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide comprehensive services and advocacy for women, families, and communities infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, while simultaneously providing prevention and education services for our clients and at-risk communities. Iris House provides food and nutrition, case management, housing, psychological counseling, support groups, HIV testing and Harm Reduction services to over 6,000 clients per year. Iris House has over 40 full-time staff and has a budget of over $10,000,000.

POSITION SUMMARY

Iris House seeks a strategic, results-driven Director of Development to lead fundraising for this growth-oriented organization. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and as a member of the senior management team, the Development Director will oversee fundraising from a variety of sources, including government, foundations, corporations, individuals, and events. The Development Director will design and implement effective strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship programs. S/he will direct the work of the Coordinator of External Affairs and other members of the Iris House team.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Develop short and long-term strategies that emphasize a diverse funding portfolio while overseeing the solicitation and acquisition of philanthropic resources from multiple funding streams, including the government, foundations, corporations, individuals, and special events.

• Produce cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship communications to donors, prospective donors and other Iris House constituencies. This includes proposals, appeal letters, newsletters, email solicitations, website content, and other online mediums. Additionally, this includes oversight of the acknowledgement process for all donations and grants (e.g., thank-you letters, reports, and other materials for stewardship purposes).

• Lead the institutional giving program by developing relationships with existing program officers and corporate representatives, tracking foundation submissions and deadlines, identifying potential funders, and reporting to current funders.

• Oversee writing and submission of private funding opportunities, as well as assist government grant writing team.

• Identify potential individual donors and oversee cultivation and solicitation efforts, including supporting the Executive Director’s outreach to major donor prospects. Create a major gifts program to identify and cultivate high level donors (5-6 figures).

• Liaise with Board of Trustees on issues related to development and staff the Development Committee. Also prepare fundraising reports and individualized “give/get” reports for Trustees.

• Work closely with program staff to ensure that programs are described accurately to donors in proposals, reports and other materials and that site visits and other meetings with donors run smoothly.

• Oversee the development database and ensure that recording and reporting adhere to best practices for development management.

• Oversee planning and implementation of major events, including the annual Women as the Face of AIDS Summit. Also responsible for overseeing smaller events, like donor cultivation events.

• Oversee creation of copy for Iris House website and collaborate with team members to ensure it remains updated.

• Manage Iris House’s social media outreach.

• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned by the Executive Director.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education: Bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and experience required.

Experience: At least 5 years of development experience within a non-profit organization required, including at least two years focused on acquiring grants from foundations and corporations. Direct solicitation and supervisory experience preferred. Candidate must possess excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to multi-task and prioritize. Candidate must have significant donor database experience and be proficient in Microsoft applications (especially Microsoft Word & Microsoft Excel). S/he must also have strong planning, organizational, and research skills.

Other Requirements: Strong work ethic coupled with good organization skills and a team-oriented approach to management. Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

CONTACTS

Internal: Frequent contact with Iris House staff members.

External: Potential funders, including individuals, program officers, corporate representatives, among others

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The agency negotiates actual salaries with final candidates based on their exact location, experience in similar roles and expertise related to qualifications. Compensation includes a very competitive benefits package.