Director of Development

Director Of Development

The Jacksonville Children's Chorus (JCC) is seeking a skilled and dedicated Director of Development to join our team. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to shape JCC's development strategy and long-term impact as we have recently launched an Endowment and embarked on a $3 million endowment campaign. Reporting directly to the President & Artistic Director (PAD), the Director of Development will foster a strong culture of philanthropy, cultivate a community of advocates, and drive fundraising efforts in support of JCC's mission in Northeast Florida. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in fundraising, exceptional relationship-building skills, and strong organizational and management abilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary manager for a portfolio of at minimum 75 prospects, moving new and existing donors in an appropriate and timely fashion from identification, cultivation, solicitation, and to closure of gifts of $5,000 and up with a goal of $150,000 in the first year.
• Facilitate short, intermediate, and long-term individual donor/prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies for the President & Artistic Director (PAD), board members, and community advocates (as appropriate) to identify and engage new prospects for purposes of meeting fundraising goals.
• Research and pursue grant opportunities, write persuasive proposals, and manage timelines for submissions and reports.

Development Strategy and Operations:

• Develop and oversee the execution of a comprehensive annual and major gift fundraising ($450,000) strategy including cultivating existing donors (individual, corporate, and foundations), as well as exploring new avenues for fundraising opportunities.
• Incorporate individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, and special events into a strategic fundraising plan that supports the long-term goals of the endowment campaign.
• Research and identify prospective donors, preparing compelling proposals and presentations to secure financial support.
• Ensure the appropriate systems, staffing, and procedures are in place to support fundraising goals, including oversight of gift tracking in Bloomerang (CRM database).
• Monitor fundraising progress, analyze data, and adjust strategies to meet annual goals.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices in nonprofit governance, state and federal laws and regulations, and significant trends in philanthropy, adapting fundraising strategies, as necessary.

Engagement and Stewardship:

• Promote positive external relations by representing the organization in various community and regional activities.
• Be responsible for the overall quality of major fundraising-related events.
• Liaise with the Board and its Development Committee to foster a culture of philanthropy and support their fundraising efforts.
• Provide training and guidance to board members and staff to ensure cohesive fundraising initiatives across the organization.
• Oversee and ensure timely donor recognition and engagement for donors.

Communications:

• Collaborate with the Marketing Coordinator to create effective donor communications and marketing materials.
• Ensure all development-related communications are consistent with the identity and mission of the organization. Write narrative profiles, briefings and materials for use by executive staff and other officers and volunteers as needed.

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The JCC reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet institutional needs.

Characteristics and Qualifications:

We seek a proven fundraising leader, manager, and expert with a demonstrated track record of accomplishments and who is committed and passionate about the JCC. The successful Director of Development will be goal-oriented and highly self-motivated, balancing both autonomy and collaboration with finesse. They will be both highly accountable with strong attention to detail and exceptional follow-through in partnership with the PAD, Director of Operations, and Board of Directors. This individual will have the ability and cultural competence to build authentic relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising with demonstrated progressive fundraising leadership and management experience in a dynamic and multi-faceted institution.
• A proven track record of success in personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from individual and institutional donors. Experience directing campaigns.
• An entrepreneurial and creative approach to fundraising and constituent engagement.
• Ability to serve as an insightful, collaborative partner to leadership in an effort to lead, support, and strengthen their fundraising initiatives.
• Experience serving as an advisor to senior executives on matters of donors, board relations, and philanthropic initiatives.
• Outstanding written, speaking, and presentation communication skills and the ability to influence, with sincerity and passion, others to support the JCC's mission.
• Comfortable in a dynamic environment that has experienced rapid growth.
• Ability to work independently and as a team.
• Familiarity and experience using donor information management systems, especially Bloomerang.
• Understanding of art institutions is desirable.
• Familiarity and experience with Northeast Florida is desirable.