Development Director

Refuge for Women is a non-profit, faith-based organization providing specialized care for women who have escaped human trafficking or sexual exploitation. With multiple locations across the U.S., Refuge for Women offers safe housing, at no charge to the resident, with around-the-clock care as clients progress through evidence-based, trauma-informed programming. The compassionate staff is trained to help residents work through the program to reclaim their identities and reach their goals to overcome addictions, heal from trauma and develop life skills leading to healthy, balanced living and financial independence. Refuge for Women strives to help each woman complete the program with a vision for her future, equipped to succeed and sustain a life marked with dignity and hope.

Refuge for Women is a faith-based organization and it is important for staff to share the same basic values and expectations held by Refuge for Women. We require that all staff are believers in Jesus Christ. Read our Statement of Faith.

Position Overview:

The Development Director (DD) plays a key role in fund development for long-term financial stability and successful launching of the local Refuge for Women program home. The DD is committed to the values, mission and vision of Refuge for Women. This position requires strong networking and professional communications skills with the ability to handle changing priorities and challenges with courtesy and grace as a representative of Refuge for Women.

Primary Responsibilities:

Ensuring financial sustainability of local program operations through major donor acquisition, relationship management, development and implementation of strategic plans for communications, fundraising and program launch

Development Responsibilities (70%):

• Work with Advisory Board and President to develop and implement strategic fundraising and communications  plans
• Work with the President/development team on national fundraising approaches, including digital and direct mail campaigns
• Establish a Development Team to develop new major donor and prospect cultivation events, such as private receptions and dinners in homes
• Develop and manage a caseload of 50-75 assigned and qualified major donors and engage with prospective donors 
• Implement a caseload communications plan including individual fundraising goals and personalized strategies
• Steward, cultivate and solicit gifts from major donors with an emphasis on gifts $10,000 and higher
• Responsible for one to one solicitation, gift acknowledgement and stewardship communications, providing written proposals as needed, to present specific funding needs and opportunities
• Keep Refuge for Women leadership apprised of all significant interactions
• Work with Donor Database Coordinator to enter new constituents into donor database (Bloomerang) and maintain current constituent records for all contacts and donors in Bloomerang, to be updated with new information or new donation

Program and Site Launch Coordination Responsibilities (30%):

• Responsible for annual budget planning and implementation within approved budget
• Work with Advisory Board and national staff to recruit and hire program staff per staffing model
• Develop community relationships for potential partnerships and professional services
• Participate in community awareness events related to survivor services and anti-trafficking
• Recruit key volunteers to mobilize as needed for events, administrative and program support (orientation and training resources provided by Refuge for Women)
• Accountability to national staff and advisory board, providing financial and operational reports as needed

Required Qualifications and Skills:

• Trustworthy leader, high energy, team player, self-starter with attention to detail
• Program management capabilities, able to prioritize and manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to maintain relationships with influential individuals and maintain high level of confidentiality
• 3-5 years proven experience with soliciting and securing gifts 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• Experience with donor CRM and digital marketing tools
• Proficient computer skills, familiar with Microsoft Office tools and Google Suite applications
• Strong communicator via email, social media, webex, video and voice
• Spiritually mature and practices health relational boundaries