Development/Fundraising Manager

Description

Position Summary

The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA) owns and operates the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). The SURF Foundation is the philanthropic arm of SURF. The Development/Fundraising Manager is a pivotal role within the SURF Foundation, responsible for managing the development and fundraising functions of the Foundation. This role is instrumental in strengthening the Foundation's impact in SURF’s science education, public outreach and global underground science community. A significant aspect of this role involves building and nurturing relationships with both new and existing donors in support of the Institute for Underground Science at SURF and to advance the Foundation's mission. This is a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Exempt-level position.

Line of Authority

The Development/Fundraising Manager reports directly to the Director of the SURF Foundation. 

Functional Responsibilities (include but are not limited to)

• Develops program functions for fundraising operations including content, format, and logistics.
• Maintains relationships with current or potential donors to solicit funds for the organization.
• Implements new avenues of fundraising techniques to increase funds.
• Oversees planning, contracting, and budgeting for promotional events and follow-up. 
• Coordinates and implements marketing plans and campaigns meant to promote the Foundation.
• Identifies potential sources of grant funding that align with the organization's mission and goals. 
• Prepares and submits grant applications or proposals with the goal of securing grants. 
• Monitors program expenditures and submits documentation supporting expenses. 
• Prepares and distributes reports detailing program progress and performance in compliance with grantor reporting requirements.
• Maintains and updates donor records using Bloomerang.

Accountabilities

The Development/Fundraising Manager has the following accountabilities: 

• To the Director of the SURF Foundation for the proficient execution of the development/fundraising responsibilities. 
• To the SURF Foundation donors for professional service and ensuring a safe environment for all Foundation events for donors and prospective donors.
• To the Foundation staff to create an inclusive culture of collaboration and mutual respect.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the SURF Foundation.

Authorities

The Development/Fundraising Manager has the following authorities: 

• To participate as a member of the Foundation team and execute on objectives and activities for the Foundation in support of the SDSTA and SURF. 
• To stop work upon recognition of a condition that presents imminent danger to the health and safety of staff, the public or the environment.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Communications) and/or equivalent work experience. 

Experience

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in non-profit fundraising or development.
• Proven record of achieving fundraising targets.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the non-profit sector and fundraising best practices.
• Proven experience in fundraising campaign coordination, social media management, marketing communications and digital marketing.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously.
• Possesses solid working knowledge of grant identification and writing.
• Proficiency in donor database management and fundraising software.

Certifications 

• NA

Competencies

• Adaptability—Ability to effectively adjust to changing priorities and demands; must be able to work independently to solve problems and keep management informed of progress and status. Ability to accept criticism and to adjust plans as appropriate.
• Collaboration—Commitment to work with constituent groups including staff, board members, donors and partners.
• Communication— Superior writing and presentation skills. Communicates effectively and clearly with a wide range of audiences in both written and oral form. Communicates complex topics for all to understand.
• Decision Making—Ability to assess situations, evaluate options, choose the most appropriate course of action and effectively communicate decisions to staff.
• Influence—Ability to present and gain support for ideas, projects and solutions. 
• Integrity—Unquestioned ability to maintain confidential information.
• Mentoring—Ability to advise and instruct staff in the development of their skills to assist in furthering their abilities as members of the team.
• Organization—Prioritizes tasks, manages time and proven ability to meet deadlines including coordination of priorities for department staff.
• Problem-solving—Demonstrated ability to research and analyze complex information and communicate it effectively and accurately.
• Relationship Building—Ability to establish rapport with a variety of constituents and maintain effective work relationships with the scientific and education communities as well as local, national and international media outlets. 
• Safety—Ability to learn, understand and comply with SDSTA’s safety program.
• Team building—Ability to build an effective team and provide focus and leadership to instill a strong team environment to lead the Foundation successfully. 

Working Requirements

• Proof of a valid driver’s license is required.
• Comply with SDSTA’s safety program.
• Act in accordance with SDSTA’s core values: Safety Focused, Care for Others, Professionalism and Being a Team Player.
• Perform work in a typical office environment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Perform work in the SURF underground environment at depths up to 5000 feet.
• Perform limited physical labor and light lifting including walking up and down flights of stairs.

Summary of Benefits: https://sanfordlab.org/summary-benefits  

The South Dakota Science & Technology Authority (SDSTA) is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to the development of a diverse workforce. Applicants are invited to self-identify as an individual with a disability or as a protected veteran. Forms are available on the website www.sanfordlab.org/careers or upon request from Human Resources.

Salary : $74,700 - $129,900