Development Director
Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000
Location: Lynn, Massachusetts
Organization: Raw Art Works (RAW)
About Raw Art Works (RAW) Founded in 1988, Raw Art Works (RAW) is a dynamic community-centered arts organization dedicated to empowering young people through creative expression and therapeutic arts. RAW provides a welcoming space for youth aged 8-19 to discover their artistic voices, navigate life's challenges, and gain valuable life skills. Serving over 350 youth each year, RAW offers a wide array of programs, from visual arts and digital filmmaking to leadership training and college/career preparation. The organization is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that every young person's story is valued and heard.
Role Overview The Development Director plays a key role within RAW's leadership, leading the organization's fundraising efforts to ensure its continued impact and growth. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position is responsible for managing the development team and spearheading efforts to raise over $3 million annually. The ideal candidate will be skilled in nonprofit fundraising, strategic leadership, and building strong donor relationships, with a focus on expanding revenue streams to fuel RAW's future.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports RAW's mission and objectives.
- Oversee all fundraising activities, including major gifts, individual contributions, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and government funding.
Leadership & Team Management
- Guide, mentor, and lead the development team, fostering a culture of collaboration and achievement.
- Drive team performance to meet annual fundraising goals while identifying new opportunities for growth.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors and partners, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- Lead efforts to engage, solicit, and steward donors, ensuring meaningful and lasting connections.
Grant & Gift Management
- Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals, ensuring high standards of communication with funders.
- Manage donor communications, ensuring consistency and quality in all written and verbal interactions.
Strategic Collaboration
- Work closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to align fundraising with RAW's strategic vision.
- Advise the Board of Directors on donor trends and engagement strategies to maximize philanthropic support.
Development Operations
- Oversee development operations, including budget management, reporting, and CRM/database management to track donations and donor relationships.
- Ensure that all fundraising materials align with RAW's brand and mission.
Traits & Characteristics
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
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Fundraising Leadership: Proven success in nonprofit fundraising, with experience in generating significant support from a range of sources.
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Strategic Insight: Ability to develop and execute both long-term and short-term fundraising strategies.
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Exceptional Communication: Strong verbal and written skills to engage donors from diverse backgrounds effectively.
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Commitment to DEI: Dedication to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion in all donor engagement activities.
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Collaborative Leadership: Skilled at mentoring and motivating a team to achieve ambitious goals.
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Outcome-Focused: A self-motivated professional with a passion for RAW's mission and a results-driven mindset.
Key Qualifications
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Experience: 5-7+ years in nonprofit fundraising, ideally in a mid- to large-sized organization.
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Skills: Proficiency in donor relations, grant writing, project management, and experience with CRM and fundraising software.
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Proven Success: A track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals, with strong analytical skills to guide data-driven strategies.
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Passion for Youth Empowerment: A deep commitment to RAW's mission of empowering young people through the arts and understanding the transformative power of creative expression.
Application Process
To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that outlines your interest in the Development Director position at RAW. We seek candidates who share our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their work.
Raw Art Works is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
