Director of Individual Giving

The David Lynch Foundation (DLF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2005. Our mission is to reduce the epidemic of trauma and toxic stress among at-risk populations through the implementation of the evidence-based Transcendental Meditation technique. DLF has served more than 500,000 children and adults worldwide, with a focus on underserved middle and high school students, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress and their families, and women and children dealing with domestic violence and sexual assault. DLF also works with those in recovery, the homeless, prison populations, people living with HIV/AIDS, and others. In addition, DLF offers programs for companies and government agencies, the proceeds of which help support our mission-directed programs.

Job Description

The Opportunity

The Director of Individual Giving plays a key role in the David Lynch Foundation’s Philanthropy team with responsibility for developing and executing a comprehensive plan covering all facets of DLF’s donor program to raise and increase funding from individuals. This includes working closely with a Direct Response firm, managing Affinity Groups of committed supporters (i.e. Generation Meditation, Leadership Circle), identifying new opportunities to attract donors, deepening relationships with current donors to maintain and increase their donations, and utilizing a variety of methods – classic and new – to increase revenue.

Responsibilities

The Director must be self-motivated, committed to working at the highest level of quality, able to work both independently and in collaboration, multi-task on concurrent projects, and thrive within tight deadlines. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation of best practice individual fundraising knowledge and a track record of using effective strategies and tactics to maximize revenue. The successful candidate must have a focus on customer service when dealing with donors and be able to work well with different areas of the Foundation, including Senior Management, Programs, Finance, and Communications.

Major areas of responsibility include:

• Working closely with a Direct Response firm, providing information, insight, and oversight for the development, implementation, and analysis of their projects.
• Developing, maintaining, and cultivating donor relationships.
• Researching and recommending new donor targets and opportunities.
• Being the primary liaison and working partner for DLF affinity donor groups.
• Managing the Database Associate in terms of Salesforce optimization including donor records, processing, tracking, and reporting.
• Overseeing the timely preparation of donor acknowledgements.
• Tracking donor commitments including payment schedules and renewal dates.
• Collaborating with DLF Live (an earned revenue arm of DLF) on optimizing opportunities for individual support.
• Collaborating closely with Communications on special outreach to donors and prospects.
• Supporting other projects as requested.

Qualifications

The Director of Individual Giving will have a minimum of 5 years of proven experience, skills, and knowledge in the area of non-profit fundraising with an emphasis on individual giving. Additional qualifications include:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience in delivering positive customer service.
• Solid presentation skills.
• Strong organization and prioritization skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
• Tremendous attention to detail.
• Interest in utilizing new methods and implementing new ideas.
• Collaborative and positive nature.
• Strong work ethic.

Additional Information

What is Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental Meditation (TM) is a simple, easily-learned, evidence-based technique, practiced for 20 minutes twice a day, sitting comfortably in a chair with the eyes closed. During TM, the body gains a profound state of rest and relaxation while the mind is wide awake and the brain functions with increased coherence. More than 350 peer-reviewed studies verify the physiological and psychological benefits of Transcendental Meditation for reducing stress and stress-related disorders, including hypertension, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, while increasing creativity, energy, intelligence, and focus.