Company/Organization: Southern Partners Fund
Added on 2010-03-02
Contact Name: see below
Contact Telephone: see below
Contact Email: see below
DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
Southern Partners Fund (SPF), founded in July 1998, is a public foundation created and governed by
experienced grassroots community leaders. Our mission is to support rural Southern communities and
organizations seeking social, economic, and environmental justice by providing them with financial
resources, technical assistance, training, and access to systems of information and power.
TITLE: Development Specialist
REPORTS TO: President and CEO
FLSA* STATUS: Exempt
PAY RANGE: $40,000 - $50,000 commensurate with experience
*Fair Labor Standards Act
JOB PURPOSE
As a member of the SPFs senior management and leadership team, the Development Specialist
will play a key role in shaping the future of SPF. The Development Specialist is responsible for
leading the evolution and growth of SPFs financial development efforts. S/he develops,
manages, monitors, and evaluates the implementation of a dynamic, comprehensive and cohesive
fundraising strategy for SPF, working in collaboration with staff, committee board members, and
membership. S/he guides, manages and participates in efforts to identify, cultivate and solicit
sources of funds and gifts, including major gifts, foundation/corporate grants, direct mail, special
events, endowment support, and gift planning.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor of Arts in relevant field required, MA preferred.
Minimum of 3-5 years experience of senior level fundraising experience.
Proven track record of creating and directing a comprehensive development program,
in addition to identifying and soliciting gifts/support from individuals, foundations
and corporations.
Strong verbal communications skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and
persuasively.
Demonstrated ability to initiate contact with persons not known, in person and by
phone; to interpret effectively the programs and goals of an organization to a wide
range of persons of different backgrounds; to convey credibility and expertise in
advising donors on confidential and sometimes complex financial matters.
Proven ability to understand and manage software programs that support effective
monitoring and communications with donors and potential donors.
Experience in implementing diverse development strategies such as grassroots
fundraising; establishing corporate partnerships/sponsors; and securing major gifts.
Experience, with a proven track record in being an effective fundraiser with
foundations, corporations and government sources.
Knowledgeable about how to execute and lead an endowment campaign.
Exceptional writing skills.
Comfortable engaging with grassroots leaders and traveling across the 12
southeastern United States.
Firmly rooted in understanding how to work with individual donors.
Demonstrated passion and support for movement building and community organizing
aimed at reversing structural inequalities and promoting positive social change.
Experience in advancing a social justice agenda in the South preferred.
Experience in philanthropy preferred.
Willingness and ability to travel with and outside the region.
Computer literate; familiar with development software programs, Windows 2000,
Microsoft Office, Internet usage.
KEY POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
The most critical responsibilities for this position are:
1) Manages all development activities including but not limited to:
a) Foundation Relations
b) Individual donor development and major gift cultivation/solicitation
c) Endowment
d) Planned Giving
e) Annual Fund
2) Establishes and implements short- and long-range development goals, objectives, policies,
and operating procedures. Monitors and evaluates effectiveness; and effects changes required
for improvement.
3) Works in partnership with the President/CEO and Board of Directors in cultivating,
soliciting, and stewarding major individual donors. Plans and coordinates programs and
events with the goal of strengthening donors association with SPF, increasing their
involvement, and their giving.
4) Works with President/CEO and Grant Writing Consultant to research, write, and process
proposals to grantmaking corporations and foundations. Tracks grant proposal submission
deadlines, funding period timeframes, and grant reporting requirements.
5) Develops and implements effective comprehensive marketing and public relations strategies.
a) Upgrades and revises marketing and development collateral and other
literature for targeted distribution to strategic stakeholders.
b) Helps recruit and effectively utilize communication, design and public
relations professionals and volunteers.
c) Establishes, monitors, and maintains media contacts/relationships.
6) Administers the Fund Development database management system, DonorPerfect:
a) Ensures appropriate recording, reporting, and acknowledgment of all gifts.
b) Generates reports from the database for the President/CEO and the Board
of Directors as needed.
c) Develops, creates, and maintains hard copy filing system for all donors and
funders.
7) Participates in the planning and development of Development Department budgets.
8) Represents SPF in a variety of settings appropriate to the mission and programs of the
foundation including, but not limited to, other foundations, individual donors, conferences
and seminars, public policy advocates and decision makers, and relevant non-governmental
organizations, as needed. Also includes Support planning and execution of special events.
9) Serves as a key member of the Management Team.
10) Performs other related duties as assigned.
SPF CORE COMPETENCIES
All SPF staff members are expected to demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
Interpersonal Skills
Listens actively and attentively.
Builds good relationships and rapport.
Works effectively with diverse class, ethnic, sexual orientation, and differently abled
communities.
Is sensitive to and interested in the diverse constituencies of the rural South.
Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
Accepts negative feedback as a way to learn.
Aware of and sensitive to what other people are feeling.
Committed to collegial work style and mutual accountability.
Works cooperatively with people.
Values the opinions or work of other people.
Decision Making
Identifies and considers all workable alternatives before making decisions.
Seeks other peoples input and advice.
Makes decisions in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
Can describe the factors that were considered in making a decision and their relative
importance. Understands the impact of decisions on other organizational units.
Can make decisions based on limited information.
Adheres to Organization Policy and Procedures.
Initiative and Action Oriented
Takes action without being asked or required to do so.
Initiates individual or group projects and takes responsibility for their success.
Fulfills commitments to team members on special projects.
Tackles problems before they become urgent.
Responds immediately and actively to crises.
Performs duties as workload necessitates.
Volunteers to help others with projects or assignments.
Goes beyond the bounds of ones accepted job description when critical situations
require. Follows idea or project through to successful completion.
Communication Skills
Presents ideas effectively in formal and informal situations.
Conveys thoughts clearly and concisely.
Listens well and asks good questions.
Communicates well in writing.
Reviews letters, memos, and reports to assure accuracy.
Keeps supervisors and co-workers informed.
Has the patience to hear people out.
Consistently uses positive language.
Communicates regularly with supervisor.
Planning and Organizing
Sets, prioritizes, and achieves goals, objectives, and strategies.
Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize workload.
Makes up schedules and timelines for completing projects and tasks.
Develops schedules task/people assignments.
Regularly monitors and measures projects so that unexpected roadblocks and problems
are identified and dealt with quickly.
Anticipates and takes action to prevent future problems.
Maintains organized materials, files, systems, and tools.
Leadership
Gains the support of others.
Builds voluntary cooperation through the power of expertise, a credible reputation, and
influence.
Generates excitement, enthusiasm, and commitment to the SPF mission.
Actively resolves conflicts and demonstrates effective conflict management skills.
Links SPF mission/vision/values to everyday work.
Sees the potential in people, opportunities, and events.
Willing to change.
Takes risks to improve performance, try something new, or reach a challenging goal.
Communicates clear expectations.
Instills respect and trust.
Solicits support.
Acts as a role model within and outside SPF.
MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES
Leading Change
Develops and implements an organizational vision that integrates key goals, priorities,
values, and other factors.
Takes a long-term view and acts as a catalyst for organizational change.
Builds a shared vision with others; and influences others to translate vision into action.
Applies innovative solutions to make organizational improvements.
Creates and sustains a work environment that encourages creative thinking and
innovation.
Establishes environment and processes leading to continuous improvement/learning.
Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective.
Leading People
Creates a culture that fosters high ethical standards in meeting SPFs vision, mission, and
goals. Manages and solves conflicts and disagreements in a positive and constructive
manner to minimize negative impact.
Inspires, motivates, and guides others toward goal accomplishments.
Consistently develops and sustains cooperative working relationships.
Encourages and facilitates cooperation within organization.
Fosters commitment, team spirit, pride, trust.
Results Driven
Monitors and evaluates performance plans.
Focuses on results and measuring attainment of outcomes.
Results are used to create and balance value for key stakeholders.
Communicates short- and longer-term priorities.
Assures that effective controls are developed and maintained, monitors actual
performance, and provides a clear basis for improving results.
Makes effective and timely decisions; and is proactive and achievement oriented.
Identifies and analyzes problems; and provides solutions to individual and organizational
problems.
Understands and appropriately applies procedures, requirements, regulations, and
policies. Understands linkages between administrative competencies and mission needs.
Business Insight
Demonstrates broad understanding of principles of financial management.
Prepares, justifies, and/or administers the budget for the program area.
Uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities.
Monitors expenditures in support of programs and policies.
Identifies cost-effective approaches.
Integrates technology into the workplace and improve program effectiveness.
Ensures direct-report staff members are appropriately developed, utilized, and appraised.
Building Coalitions and Communication
Identifies and keeps up to date on key policies and economic, political, and social trends
that affect organization.
Gains cooperation from others to accomplish goals.
Facilitates win-win situations.
Makes clear and convincing oral presentations to individuals or groups.
Listens effectively and clarifies information as needed.
Facilitates an open exchange of ideas and fosters an atmosphere of open communication.
Develops networks and builds alliances, engages in cross-functional activities.
Initiates cooperative strategies across boundaries, and finds common ground with a
widening range of stakeholders.
Utilizes contacts to build and strengthen internal and external support bases.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit;
use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb
stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must
occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include
close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to
adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by
an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent
at the time.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
GENERAL SIGN OFF
The employee is expected to adhere to all Southern Partners Fund policies and to act as a role
model in the adherence to organizational policies.
I have read and understand this explanation and job description.
_________________________________
Signature
_________________________________
Print Name
_________________________________
Date