Advancement Director

Description

The Senior Center (now The Center) was founded in 1960 by the University League (now the Junior League of Charlottesville) and became an independent nonprofit organization in 1963. The nationally accredited Center is Charlottesville’s most comprehensive and accessible resource for increasing the number of older adults who live productive, high-quality, and independent lives. It does this by offering more than 100 programs every week in learning, arts, fitness, recreation, travel, and volunteering.

Longer lifespans have brought a new stage of life with new challenges and different expectations. By closing the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy, multidimensional programs like those at The Center promote independence; lower health and long-term care costs; reduce demand for social services; and support individuals, families, and community. The Center also supports other nonprofits, making our community a better place for people of all ages.

The Center’s mission is to positively impact our community by creating opportunities for healthy aging through social engagement, physical well-being, civic involvement, creativity, and lifelong learning.

We are a 501(c) 3 organization governed by a caring, 21-member Board of Directors. The Center has eleven full-time and five part-time paid staff members who are supported by hundreds of volunteers who lead programs, assist with administrative work, help with special events, and much more.

The Center is currently in the midst of a capital campaign and has raised $14.5 million toward an overall goal of $18 million. Funds from the campaign are being used to construct The Center at Belvedere, a new home for the organization that will provide more than 48,000 square feet and will encompass a performing arts auditorium with rehearsal space; a fitness and wellness wing with two group exercise rooms and an equipped fitness room; an educational wing with flexible classroom spaces; a volunteer center to support area nonprofits; an art studio; a game room; and a coffee shop, primary care clinic, and travel office to serve the community. Capital fundraising of approximately $5 million for phase two is expected to start immediately at the close of the current campaign.

The Advancement Director will be a key member of the leadership team and report to the Executive Director.

Job Duties

Essential Job Functions:

• Oversee development initiatives including annual fund, campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, foundation grants, corporate relations, fundraising, and outreach events
• Provide leadership, oversight, and strategies for the current capital campaign
• Manage relationships with and engage in direct cultivation of major prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, along with identifying partnering opportunities to leverage existing support for the organization
• Advise Executive Director and Board of Directors on trends in philanthropy and provide counsel and direction on matters related to fund development
• Manage and coordinate the philanthropy department staff
• Manage and coordinate volunteers for fundraising events including annual fund, major gift, and grant writing
• Manage grant proposal development and submission process; ensure proposals, reports, and other documents are well written and submitted on schedule
• Serve as the primary team liaison to the philanthropy committee and campaign committee
• Initiate and implement support for all development projects
• Work collaboratively with the marketing, membership, and programming departments to expand the reach and grow awareness of The Center
• Other related duties as required

Skills Required

Relevant Skills and Abilities:

• Understand current philanthropic trends and stewardship practices
• Create and execute innovative fund development initiatives
• Identify potential funding sources
• Provide outstanding representation of The Center to the Board, staff, volunteers, community, and foundations
• Manage multiple development projects, both independently and in a team setting
• Excellent communication, listening, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent verbal, writing, and editing skills
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to craft persuasive oral and written presentations

Additional Info

Desired Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher
• Ten years minimum development experience with a proven track record and a progressive increase in responsibility
• Previous experience leading a successful team

Desired Personal Characteristics:

• Integrity, trustworthiness, discretion, and credibility
• Innate capacity for listening and learning
• Decision-making ability
• Highly organized, detail oriented
• Collegial and respectful
• A desire to become an active member of the community

To apply for this position provide a cover letter, resume, and three references to Meredith Handakas, meredith@bryanandjordan.com no later than February 8, 2019.