Director of Development

Full-Time | Exempt | Hybrid

About Us 

Pinky Swear Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2003 and inspired by a pinky swear promise between a 9-year old boy and his dad. We provide financial support to kids with cancer and their families so they can focus on what matters most – their child.  

 Pinky Swear is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. We provide comprehensive benefits and support a flexible working culture based on respect and trust. We are a committed team serving an impactful mission to help kids with cancer and their families. If you are looking to make a difference and have a career with meaning, please apply to join us!  

Position Summary:

The ideal candidate for the Director of Development position should possess a strategic mindset, vision for growth, and a proven track record of expanding revenue streams.

The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and has management responsibility for the Development team. They are a key member of the leadership team and active participant in making strategic decisions to grow the organization. They have primary responsibility for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to achieve the organization’s revenue targets through solicitation of major and mid-level gifts, grants, special events, peer-to-peer fundraising, and corporate and foundation support. This position works closely with the Executive Director, leadership team, wider teams, Board of Directors, and other key advocates and stakeholders.

Overall, the Director of Development will have a contagious enthusiasm and passion for our mission, with a deep passion for our vision to say ‘yes’ to every family.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising

• Develop an effective case for support, giving campaigns, and strong value proposition for key donors and corporate partners in collaboration with the leadership team.
• Inspire, cultivate, and directly solicit gifts from major donors, corporate partners, foundations and more.
• Engage the Executive Director, leadership team, Board of Directors, and other advocates in cultivating and stewarding relationships to grow and secure revenue.
• Create, implement, and manage the development plan, as well as annual campaign plans, to ensure that the organization’s goals and strategies are being met.
• Develop and implement effective donor engagement and retention strategies, including in-person and online relationship management strategies.
• Partner with Executive Director to develop a national fundraising strategy focused on revenue growth in key locations where we serve the most families.
• Oversee data strategy to include selection for donor mailings and the acquisition of lists for prospectmailings, donor research, acknowledgements, and reporting. 
• Collaborate on donor communication strategies with the Director of Marketing.
• Coordinate with Board members on development efforts and serve as the staff liaison to the Board’s growth committees, providing updates and reports as needed.
• Champion a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Revenue Management

• Develop and implement short and long-term strategies to achieve budgeted revenue and growth goals.
• Consider and evaluate return on investment from current and prospective revenue opportunities (e.g. expanded major gifts program, annual fund, campaign events, monthly giving, corporate partnerships, etc.) in line with the strategic plan.
• Design and manage annual development budget, along with regularly monitoring of revenue forecasts. Make plan adjustments as necessary to meet revenue goals.
• Collaborate with the Finance team and Executive Director to develop and implement PSF’s financial strategy and evaluate outcomes of the strategy.
• Determine annual budget and historical analysis to drive annual goals and plans, develop and track revenue projections and results, and prepare budgets and forecasts related to all fundraising and communications activities.

Leadership

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of the development team to support the organization’s growth strategies.
• Set expectations and assign responsibilities for the development team. Monitor and provide regular performance feedback, develop staff skills, and encourage growth.
• Direct and oversee all development operations including internal processes and procedures.
• Lead or create committees appropriate to organizational growth.
• Serve on the PSF leadership team to enhance and implement organizational vision, and support organizational strategies, plans, and procedures.

The Ideal Candidate

• Minimum of 8-10 years of nonprofit development/fundraising experience.
• Bachelor's degree in development, fundraising, communications, or equivalent lived experience preferred.
• A decisive leader capable of formulating and executing plans to achieve organizational goals effectively.
• Willing to be both a player and a coach, providing strategy and direction while also managing individual tasks and goals.  
• Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong presentation skills with the confidence to speak to large and small groups, both in person and virtually.     
• A growth mindset with an entrepreneurial spirit, focused on innovation and growth.
• Committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, belonging in the workplace, harnessing the strengths of a diverse team to drive innovation and decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships and connect with diverse stakeholders.
• Highly accountable, organized, collaborative, creative, curious, and energetic.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required and proficiency with nonprofit CRM (preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT) preferred.
• Commitment to Pinky Swear Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• This position embraces a flexible work environment that includes in-office work at least three days per week, Monday-Friday, at our office in Edina, MN. .
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee including:
  • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
  • Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Note:

This position description in no way implies these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. Pinky Swear Foundation retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Benefits:

• Health insurance coverage includes: medical, dental, and a flexible spending account.
• Other paid benefits include: parental leave, basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, and a cell phone allowance.
• Simple IRA with up to 3% match for part-time and full-time staff.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Unlimited paid time off, reinforcing our culture of trust + flexibility.

Pay Range:

$90,000-$125,000

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to HR@pinkyswear.org. All applicants will be sent a short but required questionnaire to complete after emailing their documents to our HR inbox. Applications received by 4/12/2024 will receive priority.