Director of Development

Director of Development

Are you interested in work that makes a difference in the lives of others? Way Finders is a mission-oriented nonprofit organization that offers a fast-paced, professional work environment focused on achievement. We employ individuals with a strong commitment to excellence, a collaborative nature, and the desire to make a difference. Way Finders currently has an exciting opportunity for a Director of Development in our growing Development department. This role is responsible for planning, managing, and implementing activities that increase, diversify, and sustain philanthropic support for Way Finders from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government contracts.  The organization has recently launched a new three-year Strategic Plan making it a great time to join a talented team of professionals supporting meaningful work throughout our region.

At Way Finders, we light pathways and open doors to homes and communities where people thrive. The largest nonprofit housing provider in Western Massachusetts, Way Finders also specializes in housing counseling, financial and first-time homebuyer education, employment training, neighborhood revitalization, and a variety of other services throughout the region. The need for Way Finders’ programs and services is great and continues to grow each year. Whether a person is experiencing a housing crisis, in need of rental assistance, or ready to purchase a first home, our Housing Centers provide a welcoming, accessible space for counseling, assistance, training and placement, and ongoing support. During our last fiscal year, Way Finders services impacted 52,000 men, women, and children in the region. Stable housing is the platform upon which we work with our clients to help them to meet their own goals and to thrive. As families thrive, so do the communities in which they live.

The candidate will work in a hybrid-remote capacity but must live within commutable distance to the main office in Springfield, MA.  In-office work and local in-person meetings are occasionally expected.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee implementation of annual fundraising plan in consultation with senior leadership
• Create and execute strategy for attracting and maintaining individual and corporate donors, foundations, and federal, state, and local program contracts
• Expand and diversify donor base/pipeline; work closely with program staff and other team members to secure funding for existing and new initiatives
• Oversee the completion of grant research, applications, and reporting processes to corporate, foundation, and government sources; provide additional grant writing and reporting capacity, as needed
• Design and implement direct mail campaigns, and other special campaigns, including the measuring and evaluation of results, with changes in approach, if needed, implemented in a timely manner
• Oversee data entry and manage donor database; run, evaluate, and deliver reports with forethought and as necessary to meet all requirements
• Evaluate and provide timely feedback to staff on performance-related matters; assess staff members’ strengths and developmental needs; implement performance plans to ensure the development and/or maintenance of necessary skills
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with staff (including across departments), community groups, funding sources, constituents, and stakeholders to achieve goals
• Proactively identify and inform Chief Development Officer of any significant issues that may adversely affect the agency
• Support the Board of Directors in efforts to serve as ambassadors and fundraisers for the organization
• Remain current on trends in development, advancement, and fundraising

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Grants Manager

Hiring Requirements/Preferences

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; commensurate experience may be substituted for a degree
• 5 years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising required, with demonstrated success
• Experience in a management or leadership role
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, and comfort learning new technologies
• Experience in donor database management, preferably Salesforce
• Advanced organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, plus the ability to reprioritize for self and staff in order to meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse populations
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required

Benefits

• Generous paid time-off
• 12+ holidays annually
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Educational assistance
• Medical Reimbursement Account
• Dependent Care Account
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Annual staff picnic!

Wage between $75,000 and $90,000 per year depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.