Overview: The development director is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing fundraising and development strategies to support the mission and goals of the non-profit news site. The development director reports to the publisher

Key Responsibilities

  1. Fundraising Strategy and Planning:
    • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with The
      Watchdog’s mission and goals.
    • Conduct research and identify potential funding sources, including individual
      donors, foundations.
    • Create and implement annual fundraising plans, setting specific goals, objectives, and timelines.
    • Collaborate with the leadership team and board of directors to align fundraising
      efforts with organizational priorities.
  2. Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:
    • Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, sponsors,
      and funding organizations.
    • Develop and implement donor cultivation strategies, including personalized
      communications, meetings, events, and recognition programs.
    • Provide exceptional stewardship to donors, ensuring timely and meaningful
      acknowledgement of their contributions.
    • Regularly engage with donors to provide updates on the organization’s impact and foster long-term relationships.
  3. Grant Writing and Proposal Development:
    • Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities that align with the
      organization’s programs and initiatives.
    • Prepare compelling grant proposals and funding applications, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and guidelines.
    • Collaborate with editors to gather data, metrics, and stories to support grant
      proposals.
    • Manage the grant application and reporting process, ensuring deadlines are met
      and required documentation is submitted.
  4. Fundraising Events and Campaigns:
    • Plan, execute, and evaluate fundraising events and campaigns, including public
      events, crowdfunding campaigns, and online giving initiatives.
    • Recruit and manage event committees, volunteers, and vendors to ensure
      successful event planning and execution.
    • Develop marketing and communication strategies to promote fundraising events
      and campaigns.
    • Monitor and report on the effectiveness of fundraising events and campaigns,
      making recommendations for improvement.
  5. Budgeting and Financial Management:
    • Develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring appropriate allocation of
      resources to achieve fundraising goals.
    • Monitor revenue and expenses related to fundraising activities, providing regular financial reports to the leadership team and board of directors.
    • Evaluate the return on investment of fundraising initiatives and adjust strategies
      as needed.
    • Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting requirements related to fundraising activities.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, with a track record of
    successfully securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
  • Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey the organization’s mission and impact to diverse audiences.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding
    organizations.
  • Experience in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies and plans.
  • Proficiency in grant writing and proposal development.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Experience with a journalism or media outlet is not required, but is a plus.
  • Familiarity with fundraising software and databases for donor management.
  • Knowledge of budgeting and financial management principles.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of the Watchdog.

Note: This job description serves as a general overview and may be subject to modification as per the specific requirements of Asheville Watchdog.

To apply: Please send your resume with the job title in the subject line to bark@avlwatchdog.com.