Senior Director of Advancement - Paraquad, Inc.

Job Title: Senior Director of Advancement
Date: January 2025
Department: Advancement
Reports to: CEO
FLSA Status: Exempt

Basic Function
To support Paraquad's mission and strategic goals by leading and having ultimate responsibility for all fundraising activities including annual giving, corporate relations, major gifts, special events, grants, and planned giving while consistently maintaining superior donor relationships and increasing revenue. In doing so, to develop and implement marketing and communication plans and strategies including public relations, media relations, on-line giving, digital communications, key messaging, storytelling, and brand experience.

Strategic Leadership:
•Develop and implement comprehensive annual plan and multi-year development, marketing, and communications goals, objectives, and benchmarks to enhance financial position and image.
•Provide inspiring leadership, supervision, and mentorship to 3-4 employees in effective, quality, and timely delivery of all development, marketing, and communication activities.
•Serve with the CEO and other Senior Directors in providing primary staff leadership for Paraquad.

Development/Fundraising
•Set ambitious yet realistic revenue goals and objectives; implement long- and short- range plans that ensure long-term sustainability.
•Develop prospect strategies and participate in the direct cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
•Provide team leadership and management to achieve annual fundraising goals.
•Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with volunteers, community and business leaders, industry influencers, donors, and participants to generate necessary resources.
•Initiate new ways to generate revenue by building and expanding donor network.
•Educate board members to the valuable role they play in fundraising and creating community impact.

Donor Engagement
•Understand and effectively communicate organizational goals and programmatic knowledge, including unmet needs, to inspire action and support.
•Build and maintain donor trust by actively listening to needs, interests and passions and aligning donor interests to strategies and opportunities.
•Develop and implement relationship plans for donors of all giving levels.
•Cultivate and solicit contributions from prospective and current individual and corporate donors.
•Engage with donors year-round by communicating the impact of their gifts.
•Collect and record relevant donor and volunteer information to forge partnerships, increase engagement, and sustain relationships.
•Oversee the process for working with program leadership to meet their development, marketing, communication, and public relation needs.

Marketing and Communications
•Ensure consistent communication of Paraquad's desired image and position to all constituencies.
•Develop and implement a comprehensive year-round communication plan to keep supporters and partners informed and engaged.
•Develop, implement, and evaluate marketing and public relations campaigns for programs, services and general awareness.
•Execute the development and implementation of social marketing, public and media relations, website content, program materials, development materials and brand management.
•Distill complex information into a simple, clear message using examples, stories, and community information that are relevant and resonate with the donor, volunteer, and partner.

Quality Improvement:
•Utilize available data and evaluations to implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process.
•Oversee and evaluate market research including competitor's marketing activities; adjust marketing strategies when needed.
•Monitor progress to ensure continuous quality improvements and corrective action processes.

Fiscal Management:
•Develop and monitor annual fundraising and marketing budgets.
•Work with the Finance department to ensure that budgeted goals and expenses are in alignment.

Miscellaneous:
•Protect participant's rights to privacy and confidentiality in all forms of communication.
•Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings every fiscal year.
•Support program and education outreach in relation to Paraquad's mission, vision, and values.
•Perform other duties as needed.

Skills Required
•Experience and proven success in fundraising including major gifts.
•Highly effective leader, team member, team builder, coach, and mentor.
•Proven ability to create and strengthen relationships with individuals and key strategic partners.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills.
•Computer and social media proficient.
•Business literate - understands financial reports to assess and communicate effectiveness; acts in a fiscally responsible manner.
•Adaptable and reliable in face of conflict, crisis, or changing priorities.
•Able to lead a team in managing multiple tasks and in creating a work environment recognized for a high level of organization, timeliness, cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and results.
•Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion including diversity of perspectives and opinions.
•A demonstrated commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with challenging circumstances.
•Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, accredited, and growth-oriented environment.

Education and Training Required
•Bachelor's Degree with 5-7 years of relevant experience in nonprofit fundraising and marketing.
•Experience in a leadership position with staff supervision.
Paraquad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual's sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. We are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment - fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our employees proudly reflect the diversity and ideas of the communities we serve. Accommodation: If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact Barb Cant at 314-289-4200 or bcant@paraquad.org with the nature of your accommodation request.

EMPLOYEE CERTIFICATION: This job description is not intended to cover all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice. Additionally, this job description does not constitute a contract of employment, and the company may exercise its employment-at-will right at any time.
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Successful drug screen and background check required.