Schooner Adventure, a client of Pillar Search & HR Consulting, is hiring a new Development Director.

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on establishing development goals and budgets;
• Lead and manage the organization’s efforts to meet such goals, financially and otherwise;
• Participate in monthly evening Board meetings and related Board Committee meetings, including presenting reports;
• Direct the annual fund and membership program, including mailings and annual fundraising drives;
• Coordinate special events and sails, including a major annual spring fundraising Gala and donor receptions throughout the year;
• Manage fundraising tracking systems and database (Donor Perfect), and oversee data entry and gift processing;
• Initiate a well-considered plan for donor visits and fundraising calls, assign these to key staff and board members, and follow up where necessary;
• Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continuous basis and establish effective communications with such supporters;
• Motivate staff, board members and volunteers to promote the mission and to engage in development activities;
• Grow our Captain’s Circle, a dedicated group of donors with larger annual donations, including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors;
• Work with other members of Adventure’s board and staff, researching and identifying grants, and following up on applications and proposals, including writing, and reporting requirements;
• Grow our corporate sponsor program and maintain strong relationships with our existing sponsors;
• Lead any new development efforts that may be initiated, such as capital campaigns and planned giving;
• Work closely with the bookkeeper to ensure data accuracy and reconciliations between Donor Perfect and QuickBooks;
• Serve as a key part of Adventure’s marketing team, in collaboration with other staff and board members; responsibilities may include: creating and sending emails via Constant Contact, working with designers to create and place advertisements, and posting on social media;
• Participate in and speak at community events to share information about Schooner Adventure with the community;
• Perform other related duties as requested.

• A minimum of five years’ experience in professional fundraising;
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• The ability to project enthusiasm and dedication to the mission of Schooner Adventure, even in challenging situations;
• Demonstrated experience in donor cultivation and stewardship, and in building partnerships;
• Advanced competency in spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets); fluency with Donor Perfect (or comparable CRM software); experience with social media, Constant Contact;
• The ability to learn and gain comfort with a variety of online platforms for the purpose of promoting Adventure and managing donor activities.