Director of Advancement

Clubs and school sites (Location may change due to business needs)

Department/Project Overview

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego (BGCGSD or Club) is Changing Lives for a Greater San Diego through quality programs and guidance. BGCGSD's mission is to inspire and enable youth to achieve academic success, build good character and responsible citizenship, and make healthy lifestyle choices.


Position Overview

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Development, the Director of Advancement is responsible for maximizing gift revenue from current donors while engaging new prospective donors. This role is a key contributor to the organization's strategy for annual revenue growth through securing transformative gifts of $10,000 or more.

The Director of Advancement primarily focuses on building and nurturing high-quality relationships by providing consistent communication, strategic cultivation, and meaningful engagement with a portfolio of donors. This position collaborates closely with the CEO, Vice President of Development, Director of Corporate Partnerships, and Director of Individual Giving to prospect, identify, cultivate, and steward major gift donors.

This role plays a critical part in advancing the organization's development strategy and expanding its network of major gift supporters. We are looking for a proven leader in the development space. The right candidate will champion innovation and modernization, be an ambassador in the community, steward donors, and bring a positive attitude to every project.


Functions with Corresponding Tasks

Cultivation and Stewardship

1. Cultivate and manage a portfolio of qualified major gift donors and prospects.
2. Achieve annual goals by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals for major gifts of $10,000 or more. First-year revenue target is 5x salary with a goal of growing to 10x salary in future fiscal years.
3. Collaborate with President & CEO, VP of Development, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Director of Individual Giving, Board members, and other local staff to identify and qualify major gift prospects.
4. Track major gifts that need to be renewed on an annual basis through a dashboard.
5. Set-up in-person meetings with current and prospective major gift donors.
6. Grow portfolio monthly with new prospects.
7. Participate in community activities which contribute to the acquisition of individual donors.
8. Execute major gift donor stewardship program in partnership with Development Team.
9. Plan and execute at least two (2) donor cultivation and stewardship events per year.
10. Represent BGCGSD as an ambassador in the community.

Special Events

1. Work closely with the Director of Special Events to develop a cultivation and stewardship plan for all donors who commit to a gift of $10,000 or more through events.
2. Invite major donors to support special events with sponsorships, auction items, and/or gifts of $10,000+.

Planned Giving

1. Develop and stay informed of current practices in the field of charitable gift planning. Share best practices through webinars, articles, panels, and social media to establish the organization as a thought leader in the field.
2. Identify and initiate contact with potential planned gift prospects.
3. Solicit gifts and negotiate deferred gift agreements with these potential donors.
4. Maintain positive relationships with past, current, and future donors through stewardship activities.
5. Ensure accurate reporting of deferred gift assets and other planned gifts to the finance department.

Administration

1. Promote leadership qualities and lead by example.
2. Track prospect and donor moves as appropriate in donor database system.
3. Track all communication with major gift donors and prospects in donor database system.
4. Regularly travels between Club sites and other locations to perform job-related duties.
5. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Safety & Wellness

1. Ensure a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all youth, staff, and visitors by consistently enforcing safety protocols and organizational policies.
2. Promptly report observed safety concerns, hazards, or maintenance needs to the appropriate supervisor or designated department, and participate in required safety drills and emergency procedures
3. Contribute to the ongoing improvement of Club safety and wellness policies and procedures across the Club.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of pre-employment background check.
• Maintains compliance with the organization's drug-free workplace policy.
• Required to maintain a valid California driver's license and an acceptable driving record. When use of a personal vehicle is required for organization business, must maintain automobile insurance that meets the organization's minimum coverage requirements.
• Obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification. Training will be provided by the organization if needed.
• Must be able to work evenings and/or weekends that coincide with events and meetings, and multiple work sites.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel and transport materials to off-site meetings and events.

Qualifications

1. Degree in marketing, sales, business, or related field; five (5) years of fundraising and special event experience for a large organization; or equivalent education and experience required.
2. Proven success in fundraising strategies related to campaign goals and strategic design, along with tactical implementation for campaigns. Knowledge of fundraising strategies for major and planned gifts required.
3. Experience working with non-profit board governance; experience working within the non-profit industry required.
4. Strong written and verbal interpersonal communication skills to converse diplomatically and effectively with volunteers, donors, and staff. Excellent writing with meticulous grammar and spelling; analytical skills required.
5. Verified flexibility to work independently and in teams in an environment with staff overlap, emerging processes and the fluidity of a volunteer driven organization required.
6. Developed work ethic to be responsible, accountable; independently follow up, complete tasks, anticipate needs and meet deadlines in a professional manner with accuracy and on schedule required.
7. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, in English as required to perform the essential duties of the position required.
8. Demonstrated experience marketing and coordinating events. Knowledge of catering, banquet and event planning best practices required.
9. Aptitude to assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization required.
10. Demonstrated expertise using technology and relevant software applications, including Donor CRM, graphic design, social media, and the Microsoft suite. Be willing to embrace AI usage required.
11. Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, organize time efficiently, judge information and meet deadlines and to initiate and track routine independent short and long range projects to completion required.

Total Rewards

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Discounted Club membership
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• Staff discounts and exclusive perks

The information presented is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Discrimination Statement

The BGCGSD prohibits discrimination against current staff or applicants on the basis of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), race, religion, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. BGCGSD is an equal opportunity employer.