SUMMARY:
The Soulsville Foundation perpetuates the soul of Stax Records by celebrating its rich cultural legacy, educating youth to be prepared for life success, and supporting the aspirations of future generations of artists. Located at the original site of Stax Records in the Memphis community known as Soulsville USA, our campus includes the Stax Music Academy, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and The Soulsville Charter School.
The Development Director is an action-oriented and polished communicator who plans, develops, and implements strategies that grow and engage Soulsville Foundation’s donor base. Reporting directly to the CEO/President, this role is a collaborative leader who works closely with a broad and diverse group of stakeholders ranging from fellow team members to Board members, high-net-worth individuals, and corporate executives. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required for success, as well as self-motivation, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to learn quickly in a fast-pasted nonprofit environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Spearheaded the creation and implementation of an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the CEO/President, Development team, other relevant staff, and the Board of Directors.
Cultivate and maintain healthy donor relationships by performing moves management for existing and prospective donors; conduct donor visits and make direct solicitations of individual and institutional donors.
Provide consistent support to the CEO/President and Board of Directors in the solicitation of new gifts, including prospecting and conducting preliminary research on prospective donors; coordinate regular meetings of the Board of Directors.
Oversee development operations to support high-fidelity data entry, updated donor records, timely gift acknowledgments, consistent follow-up communication on pledges, and compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards in fundraising.
Regularly partner with the Finance department to ensure accurate recordkeeping, support budgeting, and manage relevant receivables.
Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications department to develop effective fundraising campaigns, integrate fundraising into the organization’s broader communications, and promote fundraising events.
Proactively advise on grant writing and grants management; other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 5+ years of relevant experience (some fundraising experience is a must; additional grant writing, sales, marketing, communications, project management and/or event planning experience is a plus)
- Donor database or similar database experience preferred (Bloomerang, Raiser’s Edge, Banner, Salesforce, etc.)
- Passion for the arts and youth development
- A writing sample may be requested as part of the interview process
COMPUTER SKILLS:
Requires PC or Mac skills; proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND ATTRIBUTES:
Basic understanding and familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to translate a rich and complex organizational narrative into a compelling call for engagement and support
Innately enjoys building and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues and donors as well as with external partners and the community at large
Intellectually curious individual who proactively upskills to drive their own professional growth
Responds quickly and flexible to appropriate changes in role, procedures, or initiatives; demonstrates resiliency after setback
Strong sense of protocol, tact, and professionalism; able to prioritize multiple complex tasks and deadlines with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends for relevant special events
Values the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of others; helps to create a sense of belonging for all by treating others with courtesy, respect, and acceptance
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical requirements include ability to sit for extended periods at a desk and at meetings, standing, climbing stairs, walking, mental pressure; lifting files, boxes, suitcases, etc., weighing up to 25 pounds. Ability to work flexible hours, including select evenings and weekends.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Fast-paced arts and creative youth development environment with some travel to local locations, events, etc.
TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter and resume in PDF format as well as any questions to info@soulsvillefoundation.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt until a suitable candidate is hired for the position.
Soulsville Foundation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Soulsville Foundation complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.