Development Director

Development Director Job Description

Willowwind School seeks an experienced Development Director to lead Willowwind’s giving initiatives and cultivate relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Tentative Start Date: anytime after April 1, 2022

Position Summary: Willowwind School’s Development Director is a full-time position responsible for building and maintaining long-lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders while executing and advancing Willowwind’s mission. Stakeholders may include but are not limited to current and prospective families, relatives, volunteers, community supporters, alumni, alumni parents, and donors. Willowwind’s
Development Director creates, promotes and manages key events and programs, develops fundraising plans and strategies, and serves as the driving force to connect donors to our school. The Development Director plans, organizes, and directs all aspects of Willowwind’s fundraising to advance giving initiatives and support staff in their pursuit of grant funding for programmatic initiatives.

Responsibilities Include:

• oversee all facets of Willowwind’s fundraising including Willowwind’s annual fund, capital campaign, and other current and potential major annual giving initiatives
• create, and implement a development plan to support fundraising of the school
• collaborate with Head of School and Business Manager on budgetary proposals for fundraising revenue

(goals) and expenses

• collaborate with Willowwind’s communications/marketing staff to strengthen Willowwind’s storytelling and messaging with constituent groups
• develop, strengthen, and maintain relationships with constituent group
• engage prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to cultivate and steward them
• identify ways to involve donors, alumni, and other constituents with the Willowwind community
• collaborate with other staff to reach potential giving audiences through the development of print and digital materials (in partnership with communications/marketing team)

prepare solicitations and direct mail (electronic included) appeals further grow Willowwind’s donor base

• chair Willowwind’s Development Committee

serve as employee representative on the Willowwind Foundation Board serve on 50th Anniversary Committee

• accomplish goals and objectives of the Financial Sustainability-Development goal in Willowwind’s strategic plan; create quarterly strategic plan accountability reports and year end giving updates in relation to development work
• direct Willowwind’s capital campaign fund
• process donations, including gift recognition
• oversee and update Willowwind’s donor management database and tracking systems
• facilitate grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements
• work with other faculty and/or staff to plan fundraising events and other annual school events
• manage volunteers for event planning

Other Responsibilities:

• models professionalism and positively represents the Willowwind community at school and in the greater community
• models conflict resolution, respect, and responsibility
• attends weekly faculty/staff meetings
• attends weekly one-on-one meetings with Head of School
• attends monthly Office meetings
• be available to work occasional weekend events
• perform other duties as assigned

Required Education:

• minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in business, communication studies, public or nonprofit administration, nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, or similar field

Qualifications:

• an understanding and acumen for annual giving strategies with a demonstrated success in soliciting prospects and donors
• professional experience in a development office and/or non-profit organization
• exceptional writing and communication skills
• experience producing fundraising-related content for materials and other publications
• work well in a collaborative environment
• experience with volunteer management
• detail-oriented, strong organizational skills

Interested applicants should submit resume, cover letter, list of references, and any additional supplemental materials (including a written solicitation sample) that help demonstrate fundraising acumen via really.com.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Willowwind School (WWS) shall provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable Equal Employment Opportunity laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies and agencies.

Written: 2/22/22

WWS shall take affirmative action in the recruitment, appointment, assignment, and advancement of women, minorities, and the disabled. Employees shall be given notice of this policy annually.

Individuals who file an application with WWS will be given consideration for employment if they meet or exceed the qualifications set by the WWS administration, the Board of Trustees, and the Department of Education for the position for which they apply. In employing school district personnel, WWS administration shall consider the qualifications, credentials, and records of the applicants without regard to age (except for students), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, socioeconomic status, disability, race, national origin, color, religion, and creed. In keeping with the law, WWS shall consider the veteran status of applicants.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
At this time, Willowwind is requiring all employees, students and visitors to the building to wear a mask. Additional symptom monitoring is encouraged for individuals with COVID-like symptoms. COVID testing available, if needed.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Iowa City, IA 52245: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Development & Major Gifts Occupations: 1 year (Preferred)
• Fundraising: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: One location