POSITION OBJECTIVE:
To personally raise major gifts for high priority projects that support the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s mission and the strategic objectives of Iowa’s 4-H Youth Development Program. Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors giving personal, corporate or foundation gifts. Establish relationships with key administrators and staff in facilitating fundraising. Personally raise at least $1 – 2 million annually.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Plan and coordinate high priority projects for the Iowa 4-H Foundation
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a unique pool of 150+ donors and prospects annually, beginning with a selection of the both the 4-H Foundation’s Top 100 Individual and Organizational supporters and expanding to include new prospects outside that network.
- Manage communication of status and strategy for priority prospects
- Plan and execute prospect solicitations with other 4-H Foundation and ISU Foundation staff as needed
- Communicate program status, the 4-H Foundation’s role, and donor’s wishes with key administrators and staff
- Develop strategies toward fundraising success with the 4-H Program
- Maintain appropriate files (electronic in most cases) on donor activities/contacts
Create well articulated case statements for private gift support for and based on key 4-H Program and Foundation Priorities
- Develop and implement an annul and long-range plan to maximize support
- Develop and implement a plan to use trustees and volunteers (as needed) in support of 4-H Foundation efforts by recruiting, organizing, and training volunteers in identifying and evaluating prospective sources, cultivating donors and soliciting gifts
Participate in and provide leadership for 4-H Foundation Board Committees
- Facilitate the development of special events and activities as needed with foundation trustees and volunteers
- Volunteer to participate in or lead ad hoc teams when possible and applicable
- Enthusiastically and vocally support developments in the foundation among 4-H and Extension staff, volunteers, donors and external audiences
- Participate in public celebrations of the successes of other ISU Foundation development colleagues and their units when possible
- Volunteer in efforts to promote the foundation’s vision as the best youth development foundation in Iowa
Other administrative duties
- Manage travel and expense budget
- Supervise support staff and project interns as needed
- Complete routine employee paperwork
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
Experience:
Minimum three years of fundraising or related experience required.
Five years of individually-focused fundraising preferred, with additional experience in campaign management, grant writing or planned giving activities preferred.
Skills:
The ability to interact with corporate executives, 4-H alumni, volunteers and parents, community leaders, and ISU Extension administrators and staff in a professional manner that instills confidence in the 4-H Foundation and 4-H programs. Excellent written, listening and speaking skills are required. Strong organizational skills, computer competence (including a preferred working knowledge of Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge), an ability and willingness to travel, interest and ability to be both a team-player and developer of the leadership skills of volunteers is required. Must be highly motivated with the ability to be both a self-starter and self-directed.
LOCATION:
The location of this position is negotiable based on the successful candidate selected. Potential to be based on Campus in Ames, remotely in a County Extension Office, or potentially a home office.
INTERACTIONS:
Internal:
The Director of Development will have regular, recurring and essential contact with the 4-H Foundation staff, 4-H Youth Development Program staff, and selected facets of the ISU Foundation (especially other development officers of related units working with 4-H program priorities).
External:
Regular, recurring and essential contact with 4-H alumni, donors, corporate and foundation supporters and volunteers for the purpose of fundraising and relationship building.
SCOPE/IMPACT:
The Director of Development will accomplish the fundraising goals for key priority areas of the 4-H Youth Development Program and 4-H Foundation, including, but not limited to, National Mission Mandates related to Science, Engineering & Technology, Healthy Living, and Citizenship, annual operational support, endowments, and capital campaigns for the Iowa 4-H Center. The Director of Development will work through strong strategic and creative planning to maneuver the challenges of securing funding for current urgent projects while working with the 4-H Foundation staff to build a donor base for the long-term sustainability in the future.
Through identifying, soliciting and stewarding gifts, the incumbent will have a significant impact on 4-H’s fundraising efforts and the overall 4-H Foundation cumulative team efforts.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit a cover letter, resume and minimum of three references to:
Joe Leisz, Executive Director
Iowa 4-H Foundation
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3630
Phone: (515) 294-1537
Fax: (515) 294-4443
Email: jleisz@iastate.edu
URL: http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org