Thomas Dunn Learning Center
Thomas Dunn Learning Center was established in 1930. We are a Community Education Center that serves 13 year-olds through the elderly with the mission: “We enrich lives through engaging learning experiences. Our partnerships promote individual growth and enhance the community’s quality of life”. This is an exciting new position that will be part of a small team driving Thomas Dunn Learning Center’s next chapter. Please visit our website at www.tdunn.org for more information.
Position Summary:
The Development and Communications Director is a member of the leadership team that reports directly to the Executive Director/CEO and works closely with the Board of Directors. This position is responsible for the organization’s consistent growth of its mission, by strategically advancing Thomas Dunn Learning Center’s visibility, significance, and financial objectives to reach its vision. The Development and Communications Director will have a broad understanding of all aspects of non-profit development. They will be able to manage multiple priorities, lead, plan, and execute all donor relations including individual, corporate, and capital campaigns and public relations while overseeing contract grant writing, marketing, fundraising activities, and the Young Professionals Board. The successful candidate will understand the history of Thomas Dunn Learning Center (TDLC), the region we serve, and the overall needs of the organization while embracing our mission, goals, and values.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Establish and develop relationships with prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications
• Grow TDLC’s major gifts by identification, relationships, and implementation of annual and long-range plans for specific goals and audiences to attract donors and secure gifts of $10,000 and above
• Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies
• Develop a capital campaign for the sustainability of the organizations’ facility
• Direct the annual fund program, including mailings, social media, and annual fund drives
• Maintain all donor records, database, tracking, and gift recognition systems (Little Green Light), gift tables, and grant management systems
• Work alongside the Program Director to research grants and assure all grant compliance has been achieved
• Work alongside the Executive Director/CEO to prepare written materials for all prospective donors, conduct outreach, and assure gratitude
• Lead Collaborations and External Relations by working with staff, volunteers, and partner organizations to market programs and events; gather data and impact; lead campaigns; and communicate with the media
• Oversee the creation of publications and media to support the marketing of all programs, fundraising
activities, and visibility of the organization
• Grow, oversee, and work with the TDLC’s Young Professional Board
• Oversee and/or perform other related duties as requested
Specific Competencies:
• Must embrace the vision, mission, and values of Thomas Dunn Learning Center
• Experience with and/or knowledge of Missouri’s philanthropic community
• Ability to identify and build relationships with all donors that support our mission and values
• Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members, and other volunteers
• Be a “self-starter” and goal-driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls
• Be organized and exhibit “follow-through” on all tasks and goals
• Excellent oral and written skills. The ability to communicate and work effectively with volunteers, staff, board members, and the general public. Attention to detail and superior proofreading skills are a must.
• Excitement about the opportunity to imagine, effect and manage growth
• A thorough understanding of multi-faceted development planning, implementation, and management.
• A broad understanding of all areas of development, including fundraising, grant-seeking/writing/compliance
• Knowledge in branding, graphic design, website maintenance, and all marketing media
• A varied “toolbox” of superior interpersonal skills, including leadership; communications; interpersonal relations; analytic and strategic thinking; persuasiveness and problem-solving; the ability to prioritize, take initiative, and attend to detail; and the ability to maintain grace under pressure
• Computer competency; and familiarity with fundraising systems/databases
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and great listening ability
• A firm commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a personal approach that values all individuals
Minimum Qualifications:
• An undergraduate degree in Communications, Business, Public Administration, or other relatable degree and five years of related work experience. Masters degree and/or CFRE certified a plus
• Must pass a background check and have personal transportation, insurance, and a valid driver’s license
• Microsoft Office, and capable of using programs such as “Basecamp”, “Little Green Light” and “Trax Solutions”
• Ability to communicate effortlessly and effectively in all written and verbal areas
Salary and Benefits:
$50,000-$55,000 annually with health and retirement benefits package and flexible schedule
Resume and cover letter must be sent to searchtdlc@nscnow.org with Development/Communications Director in the subject line. We are accepting applicants until the position is filled.
