Overview
Position Summary
The Development Director position is critical for driving fundraising initiatives that enable Denver Indian Center to achieve its mission. This involves conducting research on potential donors, nurturing relationships, and managing fundraising activities. As part of our Native-led organization, you will spearhead strategic community projects and contribute to our overall objectives.
This role is vital for the Denver Indian Center’s mission to support the American Indian community. Strong professional communication skills, initiative, and a proven track record of successful fundraising and impactful external presentations are necessary qualifications for this position and our organization’s success.
At the Denver Indian Center, we cultivate a culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and an unwavering dedication to our mission. This role requires collaboration within our organization, with partners, donors, and affiliates at both local and national levels. It is about providing exceptional service to our current and potential donors.
Job Requirements
The Development Director role entails the following responsibilities at Denver Indian Center:
• Oversees Denver Indian Center’s fundraising programs, including researching grant opportunities, developing individual giving programs, direct mail acquisition, donor cultivation, social media giving campaigns, and face-to-face canvassing.
• Manages constituent services, such as systems development, training, and creation of donor communications.
• Takes charge of the development and management of all direct response grant budgets, preparing reports for donors and Executive Leadership.
• Possesses knowledge of CRM tools and their application in supporting marketing-based fundraising efforts, including data, reporting analysis, and function enhancements.
• Handles grant-making activities, conducting research to identify suitable grants, performing research to support grant applications, and creating tailored solutions for funders’ specific requests.
• Displays excellent writing skills, capable of condensing complex thoughts into concise, compelling, relevant, and engaging messaging.
• Demonstrates strong knowledge of donor/customer relationship management database software and sophisticated marketing-based analytics/reporting.
• Has experience in budget preparation, budget management, and budget tracking.
• Possesses the ability to build and manage teams with different, yet related functions.
• Can work independently, managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Exhibits strong project management skills and a proven track record of success working with consultants and organization partners.
• Demonstrates personal characteristics such as initiative, discretion, mature judgment, positive behavior, and performance.
• Actively represents Denver Indian Center, Inc. in public meetings and events to build trust, raise awareness, and cultivate a positive perception among key audiences.
• Displays a demonstrated knowledge and interest in understanding American Indian culture in both historic and contemporary settings.
• Demonstrates integrity and commitment to confidentiality.
• Possesses cultural awareness and an approach that respects and values the diversity of the communities served.
Required Education/Experience
The Development Director position requires the following qualifications:
• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, business communication, business management, or related fields. A master’s degree is preferred.
• 5-7 years of relevant experience, with the qualifications mentioned above.
• Proficiency in nonprofit operations, gift acquisition, fundraising, and gift management, as well as collaboration in grant-making.
• Experience in grant research, grant writing, and grant management and reporting.
• Familiarity with marketing-based fundraising methods and approaches.
Preferred
The Development Director position also requires the following qualifications:
• Knowledge and experience with CRM tools and fundraising databases.
• Demonstrated experience in procuring large federal grants, lucrative foundation grants, and managing major capital campaigns.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills, along with a keen eye for detail and strong analytical skills.
• Understanding of the different types and levels of funds and their tax liability/benefits.
Work Environment
• Professional office setting in building 8-5.
• Frequent Travel, both local and out of state
• Availability to occasionally work evenings and possible weekends to represent Denver Indian Center, Inc with the community.
• Lifting up to 35 pounds
• Be able to walk, talk, hear, sit, stand, and operate a computer, handheld devices, reach with hands and arms. The individual must be able to move within the organization to assist with moving items for an event.
