Paraquad
Senior Director of Advancement
About Paraquad
Founded in 1970 and one of twenty-one Centers for Independent Living in Missouri, Paraquad has as its mission “to champion equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education, and advocacy.” To fulfill this mission, Paraquad has 20+ programs which include a wide array of programs including peer support groups, information and referral, transition services, public policy and advocacy, independent living skills training, youth groups and camps, culinary training program, home modifications, durable medical equipment, Consumer Director Services, and the Stephen A. Orthwein Center, Paraquad’s state-of-the-art fitness and exercise center for individuals with disabilities. To learn more about Paraquad’s mission, team, and programs, visit www.paraquad.org.
Position Description / Basic Function
Paraquad seeks to hire a Senior Director of Advancement who is responsible for achieving and growing the organization’s fundraising goals. They will have direct responsibility for raising funds through major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation grants, planned giving, and special events while consistently maintaining superior donor relationships and increasing revenue. They also will oversee marketing, branding, public relations, advertising, on-line giving, and other communications initiatives. In this role, the Senior Director of Advancement will oversee a staff of three individuals and will serve on the agency’s Senior Leadership Team. Detailed responsibilities are as follows:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement comprehensive annual plan and multi-year development, marketing, and communications goals, objectives,
and benchmarks to enhance financial position and image. - Provide inspiring leadership, supervision, and mentorship to three Advancement staff in effective, quality, and timely delivery of all
development, marketing, and communication activities. - Serve with the CEO and other Senior Directors in providing primary staff leadership for Paraquad.
Development/Fundraising
- Set ambitious yet realistic revenue goals and objectives; implement long- and short- range plans that ensure long-term sustainability.
- Develop prospect strategies and participate in the direct cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
- Provide team leadership and management to achieve annual fundraising goals.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with volunteers, community and business leaders, industry influencers, donors, and
participants to generate necessary resources. - Initiate new ways to generate revenue by building and expanding donor network.
- Educate board members to the valuable role they play in fundraising and creating community impact.
Donor Engagement
- Understand and effectively communicate organizational goals and programmatic knowledge, including unmet needs, to inspire action
and support. - Build and maintain donor trust by actively listening to needs, interests and passions and aligning donor interests to strategies and
opportunities. - Develop and implement relationship plans for donors of all giving levels.
- Cultivate and solicit contributions from prospective and current individual and corporate donors.
- Engage with donors year-round by communicating the impact of their gifts.
- Collect and record relevant donor and volunteer information to forge partnerships, increase engagement, and sustain relationships.
- Oversee the process for working with program leadership to meet their development, marketing, communication, and public relation
needs.
Marketing and Communications
- Ensure consistent communication of Paraquad’s desired image and position to all constituencies.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive year-round communication plan to keep supporters and partners informed and engaged.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate marketing and public relations campaigns for programs, services and general awareness.
- Execute the development and implementation of social marketing, public and media relations, website content, program materials,
development materials and brand management. - Distill complex information into a simple, clear message using examples, stories, and community information that are relevant and
resonate with the donor, volunteer, and partner.
Quality Improvement
- Utilize available data and evaluations to implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process.
- Oversee and evaluate market research including competitor’s marketing activities; adjust marketing strategies when needed.
- Monitor progress to ensure continuous quality improvements and corrective action processes.
Fiscal Management
- Develop and monitor annual fundraising and marketing budgets.
- Work with the Finance department to ensure that budgeted goals and expenses are in alignment.
Miscellaneous
- Protect participant’s rights to privacy and confidentiality in all forms of communication.
- Attend and participate in all required trainings and meetings every fiscal year.
- Support program and education outreach in relation to Paraquad’s mission, vision, and values.
- Perform other duties as needed.
Skills Required
- Experience and proven success in fundraising including major gifts.
- Highly effective leader, team member, team builder, coach, and mentor.
- Proven ability to create and strengthen relationships with individuals and key strategic partners.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Computer and social media proficient.
- Business literate – understands financial reports to assess and communicate effectiveness; acts in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Adaptable and reliable in face of conflict, crisis, or changing priorities.
- Able to lead a team in managing multiple tasks and in creating a work environment recognized for a high level of organization,
timeliness, cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and results. - Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion including diversity of perspectives and opinions.
- A demonstrated commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with challenging circumstances.
- Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced, accredited, and growth-oriented environment.
Education and Training Required
- Bachelor’s Degree with 5-7 years of relevant experience in nonprofit fundraising and marketing.
- Experience in a leadership position with staff supervision.
Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $115,000 – $130,000
Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, & vision
3 weeks vacation along with paid time off December 24 – January 1
7 paid holidays
401(k) retirement plan
Application Process
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume to bcant@paraquad.org.
Paraquad is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability status, protected veteran status, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation. We are dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our employees proudly reflect the diversity and ideas of the communities we serve. Accommodation: If you are unable to use our online application process due to a disability, please contact Barb Cant at 314-289-4200 or bcant@paraquad.org with the nature of your accommodation request.