Disabled Athlete Sports Association
Job Purpose
DASA is seeking an energetic, self-motivated, and versatile individual to serve as the Director of Advancement. This hands-on, standalone role will be pivotal in driving all aspects of development, engagement, special events, and fundraising efforts for the organization. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement will focus on developing and implementing strategies for major gifts, donor engagement, corporate sponsorships, and diversified funding sources to meet DASA’s ambitious revenue goals. This position demands creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to work independently while establishing sustainable systems for growth.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Development Leadership:
– Design and implement a comprehensive development strategy that includes major gifts, sponsorships, grants, annual campaigns, planned giving, and special events.
– Set and achieve fundraising goals that support DASA’s current $1.2 million budget while fostering long-term growth.
– Build and maintain a robust pipeline of individual, corporate, and foundation donors to ensure sustained funding and eliminate the current shortfall.
– Establish a three-year roadmap to grow major gifts and expand the donor base by at least 10% annually.
Major Gifts & Donor Cultivation:
– Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major gift donors ($10,000+), ensuring meaningful engagement and long-term support.
– Develop personalized strategies to increase donor retention and upgrade giving levels. Secure 2–3 new major donors within the first year to stabilize the organization’s budget.
Special Events Management:
– Plan, execute, and evaluate fundraising events such as the annual gala, ensuring success in meeting revenue targets of at least $250,000 combined from all events.
– Coordinate sponsorships, auction items, and donor experiences to maximize event profitability and donor satisfaction.
Engagement & Communication:
– Develop compelling donor communication strategies, including appeals, impact reports, newsletters, and social media content to communicate DASA’s mission and the impact of donations.
– Serve as the primary liaison to donors, sponsors, and community partners, strengthening their connection to DASA’s mission.
– Represent DASA at community events, building partnerships that enhance visibility and support.
Operational Oversight:
– Track and report progress on fundraising activities to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, ensuring accountability and transparency.
– Maintain and optimize the donor database, ensuring accurate records and effective use of data for donor cultivation.
– Support grant writing efforts by providing necessary information for applications and reporting requirements.
Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., nonprofit management, business, or communications) or equivalent experience.
– Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in securing major gifts and meeting revenue goals.
– Strong event planning, organizational, and project management skills.
– Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
– Proficiency in donor database management and familiarity with donor-centric fundraising practices.
Key Attributes:
– Self-starter with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others.
– Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
– Passionate about DASA’s mission and committed to advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
– Capable of establishing systems for sustainable growth in a role with limited administrative support.
Working Conditions and Requirements of the Job:
– Valid driver’s license.
– Ability to pass a pre-employment background screening.
– Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for fundraising events.
– Ability to work effectively, comfortably, and respectfully with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds, races, and nationalities.
– The Disabled Athlete Sports Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, gender (including gender identity or expression), religion, marital or domestic partner status, age, physical, mental or medical disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, military service status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.