Research and Development Director jobs in Santa Ana, CA

Position:

The Director of Development is a key member of the Development Team, reporting to the Vice President, Development. The adaptive team member will develop strategies to grow annual philanthropic support with a focus to engage Discovery Cube donors in the continuum of philanthropy.  They will play a front-line role in identifying, cultivating and soliciting individuals, corporations and foundations for major gifts ($5,000 ) and execute meaningful donor engagement and stewardship plans. The nature of this role requires flexibility to work occasion evenings at weekends.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement effective fundraising strategies for a portfolio of 80 – 100 prospects that will result in the successful solicitation of individual, corporate and foundation donors.
• Create and execute stewardship strategies to ensure all donors feel valued and appreciated.
• Communicate regularly with donors and funders to keep them informed about the organization's activities, impact, and funding needs.
• Maintain awareness of assessment tools and industry changes and share with colleagues.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Special Events Departments on fundraising collateral including donor proposals, social media strategies and philanthropic messaging in organization’s newsletters.
• Help to develop all written communications, including solicitations, e-newsletters, acknowledgments, and stewardship communications.
• Utilize the CRM to track all donor activity.
• Support and collaborate with fellow staff members in achieving department goals.
• Support the Vice President, Development and CEO in their fundraising efforts by preparing them for meetings and events with individuals and drafting appropriate correspondence from the Vice President, Development and CEO.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5 years Not-for-profit development experience.
• Demonstrated frontline fundraising experience with a knowledge of major gift fundraising.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.
• Outstanding attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Strive to make an excellent first impression and develop sound, enduring relationships with a broad range of people within the Orange County philanthropic community, including high-level community and corporate leaders.
• Ability to manage many projects at one time, prioritizing, meeting deadlines, and planning for high efficiency.
• Ability to lead, recruit, manage, develop, motivate, and organize staff and volunteers.
• Strong work ethic and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• A deep commitment to the mission of Discovery Cube.
• Experience with donor databases, Microsoft Dynamics experience a plus.