Director of Advancement

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Advancement
Position Summary:
The Ministry of Caring is committed to the credo that "the poor should never be treated poorly." The Ministry serves thousands of individuals each year, providing a full range of social services. We are seeking an experienced, compassionate, strategic and resourceful Director of Advancement to join our leadership team as we broaden our reach and deepen our impact.
This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside passionate and dedicated colleagues. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a chance to help shape the future of our organization.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the creation and implementation of a diversified, comprehensive fundraising message and plan that represents the organization, its multimillion-dollar budget, and its mission that is both cost-effective and time efficient.
• Drive revenue growth across multiple streams, including major gifts, foundation and corporate giving, annual giving, planned giving, special events, and digital campaigns.
• Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects through personalized engagement strategies.
• Oversee all aspects of grant writing, proposal development, and reporting in coordination with relevant staff.
• Oversee the development budget and monitor expenses.
• Use data and analytics to assess progress, identify trends, and inform fundraising strategies.
• Expect challenges and proactively develop creative, goal-oriented solutions.
• Align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities and broader strategic goals.
• Serve as a visible and articulate ambassador for the organization with external stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with multi-state laws and regulations related to fundraising for non-profits.

Collaboration and Team Leadership
• Develop, manage, mentor, and support the advancement team of fundraising professionals and volunteers, setting clear expectations and providing regular feedback.
• Collaborate with the communications team and other staff to ensure cohesive messaging and branding across fundraising strategies, materials and campaigns.
• Coordinate with volunteer organizations on fundraising initiatives to ensure effectiveness and alignment with overall strategies.
• Encourage a collaborative, mission-focused team environment driven by accountability and results.
Marketing
• Coordinate the creation of compelling donor-facing content, including solicitation letters, impact reports, stewardship communications, event materials, campaign messaging and social media.
• Ensure consistency and clarity in messaging across platforms and campaigns.
Data, Reporting and Technology
• Oversee management donor database systems (Raiser's Edge and iWave), ensure data integrity, accurate reporting, and effective tracking of donor engagement.
• Utilize data to evaluate ROI on fundraising efforts and utilize metrics to adjust strategies accordingly
• Generate analysis for leadership and report to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

Flexibility and Adaptability
• Remain responsive to changing fundraising conditions, shifting donor trends, and emerging opportunities.
• Adapt strategies and timelines in response to unforeseen circumstances while maintaining focus on long-term goals.
• Thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic nonprofit environment.

Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Non-Profit Management, Business, or Public Administration
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (PREFERRED)
• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Proven success in securing major gifts, managing campaigns, and stewarding donor relationships.
• Knowledge of foundation and corporate fundraising, grant writing, planned giving and special event planning.
• Familiarity with social media.
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge or ability to learn.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for crafting compelling, mission-aligned messaging.
• Strong strategic thinking, critical analysis, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with flexibility, and attention to detail.

Requirements
• Candidates will be required to share examples of past fundraising accomplishments, along with brief writing samples to show experience and communication style.
• Willingness to consent to and the ability to pass a drug screening
• Willingness to consent to and the ability to pass an FBI fingerprinting background check where candidate will assume all cost incurred

About the Employer

The story of the Ministry of Caring begins in 1976, when Brother Ronald Giannone, OFM Cap., a young Capuchin Franciscan friar, was sent by his order to Wilmington, Delaware. It took little time for Brother Ronald to notice the absence of services for the city's poor and homeless. The lack of emergency shelters for homeless and destitute women deeply disturbed him. The loneliness and hunger of the poorest of the poor in a country of plenty appalled him. As his indignation rose, so did his passion to alleviate poverty in his new city. His life's work now identified, he promptly set out on his mission to assure that in Wilmington, "the poor should never be treated poorly."