Development Director

Overview

The Development Director (DD) is a critical and highly visible member of the SANCA leadership team, responsible for leading and executing a comprehensive, multi-faceted fundraising strategy to ensure the organization’s long-term financial health and growth. This role oversees all aspects of development, including individual giving, corporate and foundation relations, government grants, and fundraising events. The DD reports directly to the Executive Director (ED) and is the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors‘ Development Committee.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Strategic Development Leadership & Planning

• Create and implement annual development plans to meet and exceed fundraising goals, aligning all efforts with SANCA’s mission and annual operating budget.
• Provide input and support for the leadership team in organizational vision, strategic decision-making, and budget planning.
• Lead monthly meetings of the Board Development Committee and provide comprehensive fundraising reports and strategic updates.
• Create development reports for internal analysis and external stakeholders.

Individual Giving & Donor Relations

• Oversee the donor journey, including identification, research, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for current and prospective donors.
• Develop and execute individualized strategies for major donor cultivation, including face-to-face meetings, and tours.
• Plan and execute donor appreciation events and personalized stewardship activities, delegating thank-you calls and personalized cards appropriately.
• Coordinate complementary tickets and special experiences for key donors.
• Manage and grow the SANCA Sidekick recurring giving program and track activations.
• Develop and implement the various annual fund appeals to achieve SANCA’s fundraising goals.

Institutional Giving & Corporate Relations

• Grants Management: Manage the grants consultant:
  • Serve as the primary liaison, ensuring the consultant has all necessary organizational information, data, and access to key stakeholders to produce grant applications.
  • Review, edit, and provide strategic feedback on all consultant-drafted materials before submission, ensuring brand consistency and alignment with the organization’s fundraising goals.
  • Monitor the consultant’s progress against timelines and revenue targets, facilitating strong communication, and approving the final portfolio of foundation prospects and submissions.
• Corporate Sponsorships: Cultivate and maintain relationships with current corporate sponsors and actively identify and secure new partnerships. Maintain a compelling sponsorship package.

Fundraising Events & Campaigns

• Plan and execute fundraising strategies and elements at SANCA events including spring gala, SANCAFest, fall donor appreciation with detailed workflow, delegation, and volunteer management in coordination with the Production and Events Team.
• Create donor solicitation strategies at events with the Board and Executive Director
• Work with marketing to ensure event promotion and marketing materials are executed in a timely manner and tell SANCA’s story.

Data Management & Administration

• Maintain the integrity, accuracy, and security of donor data across all platforms ensuring that all donations are recorded promptly and accurately.
• Serve as the administrator and subject matter expert for multiple giving platforms and CRM.
• Issue accurate tax receipts in line with IRS requirements. Track and report matching employer donations. Ensure all donor accounts and ledger codes are up-to-date for finance reporting.
• Create and manage online donation forms to accurately track campaign sources.

Marketing & Communications Support

• Work closely with the Marketing team to craft compelling content for all fundraising communications, including newsletters, website copy, emails, social media appeals, and physical mailouts.
• Representing SANCA at donor events, receptions, and professional meetings to cultivate relationships and raise the organization’s profile.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of professional fundraising experience with a proven track record of securing four-to-five-figures from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Leadership: Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive, multi-faceted fundraising strategies that meet or exceed annual goals.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate SANCA’s mission compellingly to diverse audiences, including donors, board members, and staff.
• Data Management: Proficiency with CRM/donor database management (experience with Givebutter is a plus) and excellent analytical skills.
• Event Planning: Experience managing and executing large-scale fundraising events, including galas and auctions.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors, executive leadership, and staff across all departments.
• Passion: A passion for SANCA’s mission and the positive impact of circus arts on youth and community development.