Fundraising Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Application Deadline: July 14, 2023
Basic Function: The fundraising director creates, executes and oversees all fundraising activities, programs, projects and events that support the Society of Professional Journalists and the Society of Professional Journalists Foundation. The ideal candidate is a high-energy, outgoing, goal-oriented professional who is eager to create and take ownership of a comprehensive fundraising strategy. It is ideal for someone who is an advocate for freedom of the press and ethical journalism.
Salary $55,000 to $65,000 annually depending on experience and proven success in fundraising, with full benefits including health insurance, paid time off and 401k match. Position can be remote, hybrid or in-person at SPJ headquarters in Indianapolis.
Responsibilities:
- In collaboration with the executive director, develop an annual strategic fundraising plan with specific, measurable goals and objectives for raising restricted and unrestricted funds, as well as securing funding through grants, sponsorships and online donations.
- Plan, manage, execute, evaluate and regularly report progress of the overall fundraising efforts for SPJ and SPJ Foundation, including but not limited to the annual Day of Giving, year-end appeals and other campaigns throughout the year.
- Coordinate with education, membership, communications and other staff to create cohesive campaigns and/or strategies that relate to the overarching strategic goals of the organizations.
- Develop general concept notes and fact sheets for high-value supporter audiences and support efforts to champion key fundraising needs.
- Research and maintain tracking data, including schedule of proposal opportunities and submission deadlines, on foundations, corporations and public agencies locally and nationally who maintain grant programs that align with SPJ and SPJF’s areas of program delivery.
- Maintain a computer-based donor, grantor and prospect tracking system that will enhance fundraising activities.
- Contribute to the annual budgeting process.
- Search for and research potential donors.
- Search for, research and apply for grants.
- Work to connect potential donors with appropriate volunteer leaders and/or staff.
- Identify and plan opportunities and events for donor outreach and engagement.
- Maintain sections of website, with support of the webmaster, pertinent to all fundraising and grant efforts.
- Prepare and maintain a yearly schedule and timelines for fundraising and grant efforts.
- Provide staff assistance to volunteer Development Committee and Grants Committee.
- Maintain systems for regular and meaningful recognition of grantors, donors and volunteers.
- Represent SPJ Foundation and SPJ in public and private presentations for cultivation of fundraising and grant purposes as required.
- Maintain cordial, productive working relationships while adhering to strict confidentiality of privileged management and donor information.
- Accept other duties as assigned by the Executive Director consistent with the missions and goals of each organization.
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least three years of experience in a comprehensive fundraising program.
- Passion for protecting the First Amendment, specifically as it relates to a free press.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, specifically related to securing donations, gifts, grants and annual giving campaigns.
- Working knowledge of computer-based donor tracking systems.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with a cross section of the public, including but not limited to individual donors, community and professional groups, volunteer boards and committees and staff.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to meet fundraising goals and deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain accountability and to work independently and creatively, while functioning as part of a cooperative and coordinated team.
- Must be creative, able to generate ideas and be a self-starter.
- Must be responsible, dependable, well organized, logical and have high integrity.
- Marketing experience, especially related to digital fundraising efforts, is preferred.
Job Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree, preferably in nonprofit management, communications, marketing or development; or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of three years of increasingly responsible professional experience, a significant portion of which should include program management, fundraising, proposal writing and other resource development activities.
- Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects SPJ’s mission of improving and protecting journalism.
- Outstanding communications, organizational, leadership, multi-tasking and team building skills with the proven ability to promote productivity and efficiency in a fast-paced team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, donor tracking software, Dropbox and Zoom.
Working Environment:
- Position may be hybrid or completely remote or in-person.
- Some travel is required.
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
To apply, please email your resume, cover letter and at least three references to Interim Executive Director Jennifer Royer at jroyer@spj.org.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: SPJ is committed to diversity and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Equal Opportunity Employer: SPJ is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. It does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.