Development Director

Focus the Nation is a national non-profit headquartered in Portland, Oregon. We believe in the science and urgency of climate change and the opportunity it presents to rebuild American communities and redefine US leadership at the international level. We are driven by a fierce commitment to empower young people with the leadership, educational and engagement opportunities that will accelerate our transition to a just and prosperous clean energy future.

Position Overview:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development (DD) leads Focus the Nation's development program from design to implementation. This position works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to secure operational funds of approximately $600k per year. The DD oversees all strategic partnerships, foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and the individual donor program.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned fundraising professional who can provide strong and innovative leadership, who has a pro-active style, entrepreneurial style and a proven ability to create opportunities and develop long-term relationships. This individual will be a strategic thinker who is a self-starter and who is results-oriented. In addition, he or she will have excellent written and oral communication skills, excellent project management skills, and a keen interest in Focus the Nation's mission.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership to the Board and Executive Director to secure financial resources necessary for the health of the organization and to achieve organizational goals.
• Work actively with members of the board of directors, staff and partners to develop, articulate and implement the development strategy for FtN. The strategy includes goals and activities for fund raising, public relations, and community relations as they relate to the fund-raising effort.
• Build and manages relationships with the Board of Directors to integrate fundraising as a central function for all members.
• Provides training, support and materials for board members to facilitate their role in the development process.
• Identifies, cultivates and manages relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors to support the development efforts.
• Develop innovative ways to cultivate new and prospective donors, with particular focus on integrating development efforts into campaign execution activities.
• Develop and implement donor development and recognition strategies to enhance donor relationships.
• Build and maintain solid foundation relations, including research, meeting with foundation staff and facilitating development and completion of grant proposals for unrestricted funding, and in support of projects to further the objectives of the Institute and its programs.
• Develop, implement and manage donor database to track fundraising from foundations, businesses and individuals. Track and analyze data in order to review the performance of fundraising strategies.
• Manage and execute grant writing calendar to ensure timely submission of proposals, budgets, updates and reports.
• Oversee the development of marketing materials to ensure consistency with Focus the Nation's mission and services. Coordinate external messages to funders, volunteers and donors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Experience and proven track record of success in nonprofit development work, with proven results in major partnership development, donor cultivation, grant writing, annual appeals, special events and direct mail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, analytic, organizational and planning skills.
• Thrives as part of a team with diverse experience, expertise, skills and objectives.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, team-centered workplace with little supervision.
• Strength in multi-tasking, goal-setting and workload prioritization.
• Commitment to finding just, equitable solutions to the climate-energy crisis.
• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience and an ongoing commitment to professional development. CFRE preferred.
• Ability to have fun while doing important work.
• Sense of humor. 

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply:

Please send a letter of application, resume, and salary history.

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. We will accept applications until the position is filled. We intend to contact qualified applicants by phone for preliminary discussion, but we cannot promise any applicant an individual contact.

Focus the Nation, an Equal Opportunity Employer, strongly encourages people of color to apply.