National Director of Advancement

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.

Location: National – Any location within US with a preference to be in proximity to a Refuge for Women market

Position Overview

The National Director of Advancement reports to the President and, as a member of the leadership team, directs the organization’s fundraising and public engagement efforts. With a primary focus on donor strategy, the Director of Advancement leads the advancement team in development, communications, and brand management efforts. The advancement team serves to engage, solicit current and new supporters and build an increasingly strong and diverse network of stakeholders. As the chief fundraiser of Refuge for Women, the Director of Advancement spends considerable time visiting with, stewarding and soliciting donors, partners, and prospects. This person will represent Refuge For Women publicly as an extension of the Refuge for Women executive office in order to secure major and transformational gifts for our work. When strategically necessary, the Director of Advancement works with the President to cultivate and request major contributions and support from individuals.

Responsibilities 

Ensuring financial sustainability of National operations through major donor acquisition, relationship management, development, and implementation of strategic plans for fundraising and communication. Collaborates with the National Development Committee and works closely with the executive team to expand major donors and funding streams.   Serves as a catalyst for ideation, development, and sharing of best practices with local market Development Directors.      

Planning, Writing and Reporting

• Creates and executes strategy for a large sustained base of multi-annual individual donors, as well as corporate, foundation, and other funding sources.
• Oversees the grant writer and helps in research for grant application proposals and reporting.
• Oversees the development and execution of proposals; and the archiving of all proposals with a long-term relationship-management approach.
• In collaboration with the executive team and development committee, create and implement a financial strategy to ensure funds, donations, and grants meet the budgetary requirements.
• Tracks proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising.
• Oversees that grants and funding reports are submitted accurately and on time.
• Works with the executive team to identify funds needed, preferred funding targets, and approaches.
• Responsible for one-to-one solicitation, gift acknowledgment, and stewardship communications, providing written proposals as needed, to present specific funding needs and opportunities.
• Create a personalized strategic plan for each donor that is driven by that donor’s passions, interests, and communication preferences; and execute those individual plans. 
• Meet regularly with Development Directors in local markets in order to multiply efforts, share best practices, and stay informed on cross-market campaigns.
• Develop fundraising and grant policies, procedures, and digital assets for use across all Refuge for Women markets.
• Develop materials in support of cause marketing, co-branding, and partnership.
• Participates in strategic planning of programs and new initiatives.

Fundraising Campaigns

• Develops, establishes and implements the infrastructure needed to grow through the solicitation of major gifts, grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support.
• Develop and manage a caseload of 50-75 assigned and qualified major donors. 
• Identify, cultivate and solicit new corporate business partners annually
• Secures financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations.
• Expands and diversifies donor base/pipeline and works closely with other team members to secure funding for existing and new initiatives.
• Develops and executes annual fundraising plan.
• Develops key external alliances by cultivating individual and philanthropic support.
• Works closely and communicates with the accounting department in managing grants and gifts.
• Manages fundraising events and solicitations. 
• Collaborate with the larger anti-trafficking movement and pursue national grants and foundations for financial support.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit 4 corporate/business partners in year one.
• Work with key Refuge for Women internal stakeholders 

External Communication

• Coordinates and/or assists with publicity and marketing.
• Supports in the development and production of Refuge for Women's written marketing materials, including, but not limited to, annual reports, webpages, press releases, and brochures, among others. 

Data Monitoring

• Oversees all data entry and management of the donor database (Bloomerang); and gift processing to be updated with new information or new donations.
• Oversees research funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position Refuge for Women ahead of major funding changes or trends within the nonprofit sector.
• Monitors and reports regularly on the progress of the development program.
  • Reviews fundraising goals quarterly and analyzes trends and gaps.
  • Compiles and reports information on a quarterly basis that is utilized to fulfill requests from funders, government agencies, the Board, and others. 

Skills and Qualifications

• Trustworthy leader, high energy, team player, and self-starter with attention to detail.
• Program management capabilities, able to prioritize/manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate and maintain relationships with influential individuals, foundations, and business partners while maintaining a high level of confidentiality.
• 5-7 years of proven experience in development and fundraising.
• National certifications and management experience are desired.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with donor CRM and digital marketing tools.
• Strong communicator via email, social media, video, and voice.
• Spiritually mature and practice healthy relational boundaries.

Salary : $76,500 - $96,900