Director of Development

Friends of Boston’s Homeless is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that supports innovative, solutions-oriented programs that help people experiencing homelessness transition from the streets and shelters into safe, permanent housing and lead stable independent lives in our community. We focus on removing the final barriers of transition that city and state programs can’t often address. The final steps out of homelessness are often the most crucial, and we help make them happen.

Friends supports a number of vital programs in the City of Boston that help end homelessness and our unique, nationally-recognized Housing and Career Start-up Fund bridges the financial gaps to housing and opportunities individuals experiencing homelessness frequently face. Like a Parent/Teachers Organization or a “Friends of the Public Library” group, Friends connects private sector resources with public sector funding to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Friends therefore provides a unique vehicle for individuals, businesses, foundations and charitable organizations to be a part of the solution to homelessness.

The Director of Development position offers a terrific opportunity to build and formalize a successful development program that will provide a broad base of support for Friends’ current programs as well as the new partnerships and initiatives Friends hopes to pursue in this new decade.

The Director of Development will:

• Develop strategy and operational plans for a more formalized approach to development activities

• Enhance current practices to build a robust pipeline for new prospects through a well-conceived program for identification, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

• Meet and build relationships with donors and prospects, actively cultivating and soliciting as appropriate

• Manage and strengthen the annual appeal process and acquisitions mailings.

• Develop and manage the Development budget

• Help create fundraising collateral materials to increase current donations and attract new support

• Strengthen and manage Development infrastructure including staff training, procedures, reporting, software applications, and other resources

• Provide direction, strategy, and implementation for fundraising events

• Develop working relationships with the Board and provide support to the Board’s involvement in the development/fundraising process

The Director of Development will have:

• 5+ years of best practice development experience with a demonstrated record of success

• Enthusiasm for FOBH’s mission and ability to be an effective spokesperson

• Range of knowledge of development functions, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, stewardship and best practice development operations

• Experience managing development staff

• Experience in prospect management and research

• Excellent project management skills with proven ability to achieve results

• Experience working with board members and volunteers to advance a philanthropic mission

• Strong interpersonal skills

•  Ability to influence donors and volunteers through written and verbal presentations

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Metrics-driven, goal-oriented approach

• Ability to work some nights, early mornings and weekends as required

• Willingness to travel locally to donor or networking meetings

•  Ability to thrive in a growing, entrepreneurial, mission-driven organization

•  Ability to work independently with moderate supervision in a small, hands-on work environment

•  In-depth knowledge and understanding of database management

•  Software Proficiency: Adept at Microsoft Office products, and experience with CRM/Development databases.

•  Minimum of BA/BS degree

Friends of Boston’s Homeless is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.  The position offers a competitive salary (range &85,000 - $95,000 annually), comprehensive benefits package, and the ability to work remotely.