Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Director of Development & Public Relations, Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh, PA

Posted: 6/15/11

Position:   Director of Development & Public Relations
City/State:   Pittsburgh, PA
Classification:   Full Time/Exempt
Reports To:   Executive Director

Position Description

The Director of Development and Public Relations is responsible for the diverse and comprehensive fundraising and public relations strategic campaigns for this multi-faceted nonprofit organization.  The position is a key member of the management team and reports directly to the Executive Director.  This individual will be responsible for the development and public relations direction of the organization, supervision of staff and contribution to the general management of the organization. 

Organizational Overview                                                           

VLP is a 501(c) 3 organization with a 29-year history of serving veterans in the Western Pennsylvania region-an area having one of the highest per capita concentrations of veterans in the United States.
The Veterans Leadership Program provides essential housing, employment, and other vital supportive services to eligible veterans, service members and their families to improve self-sufficiency, sustainability and quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, direct and continuously improve upon the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising and public relations plan
• Build organizational capacity to successfully execute the plan in alignment with Strategic Planning goals and development priorities
• Plan and execute a diverse mix of fundraising vehicles to include at a minimum annual giving campaign, grant writing, special events, major and planned gifts, and employee contribution programs such as United Way Contributor Choice funding, etc
• Maintain awareness of trends, new developments and best practices in development and integrate in development and capacity building efforts
• Establish annual individual giving goals and manage the campaign monitoring progress to ensure targets are met
• Identify, cultivate and solicit prospective donors including major gifts donors
• Ensure the planning, marketing and coordination of special events especially the annual VLP Tribute event
• Manage media, electronic communication and community outreach efforts
• Develop, implement and monitor a public relations plan engaging a diverse range of stakeholders through the use of the website, brochures, newsletters, and news and media coordination
• Identify and manage corporate, governmental and foundation grant proposals with a special focus on funding cycles, requirements, deadlines
• Develop, implement and monitor donor communication and recognition vehicles including but not limited to an annual report, direct mail, newsletters and other printed media
• Supervise all gift tracking procedures ensuring that all gifts are recorded and recognized accurately and timely
• Prepare all necessary reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, funders, and other audiences
• Support and liaison to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors Development Committee
• Provide best practices for the development and public relations responsibilities for the organization
• Special projects as assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with a Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 5 – 7 years experience developing successful fundraising campaigns including annual giving campaigns, event planning, proposal development and grant or foundation solicitations is required
• Ability to support the organization’s mission along with sensitivity of cultural and workplace harmony
• Team-oriented with a strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a demanding environment
• Proven track record of success as a key member of management including working closely with a Boards of Directors
• Ability to engage and motivate various volunteer committees
• Presentation skills along with professional behavior, attitude and appearance
• Strong computer skills including familiarity with development software
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Experience with endowment and planned giving campaigns preferred
• Self directed and flexible with strong problem-solving abilities
• CFRE certification, Non-Profit sector experience, and Veteran status preferred

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work the hours necessary to complete the work
• Must be able to work at VLP’s offices

TO APPLY: 

Please send resume and cover to employment@vlpwpa.org

Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to be well informed of veteran issues in Western Pennsylvania and be prepared to suggest targeted development strategies in light of your findings.

Please mention that you heard about this opportunity from Dewey & Kaye Jobs Watch in your cover letter when applying for this position.

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