Foundation for Prader-Willi Research Director of Development

Development Director Requirements and Position Overview

Background

The Foundation For Prader Willi Research (FPWR), established by parents of children with Prader-Willi syndrome , began operations in 2003. FPWR's mission is to raise money and increase availability of funds for the support of research benefiting individuals with Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) and promote expansion of a network of researchers focused on PWS. Annual fund raising has steadily grown over the years with over $500,000 raised in both 2006 and 2007. To date FPWR has committed to funding research projects in excess of $700,000 and plans to fund an additional $300,000 in 2008.

Historically, fund raising and general operations have been primarily conducted by board members and others on a volunteer basis. The only compensated functions of FPWR have been the Executive Director position and a few part-time clerical positions. In addition, some individuals raising money for FPWR have retained the services of event planners for specific events.  Today, FPWR is at a point where adding paid professional staff is necessary to continue the growth of the organization and meet our strategic objectives.

Strategy

FPWR's Board of Directors has established the following 12-18 month objectives:

  • Expand fundraising efforts beyond the historical "grass roots/event-based" towards a donor-development model.  This is based around developing and nurturing a growing donor base and establishing more consistent annual income to the organization
  • Grow other development channels, including foundation grants, government funding, and planned giving opportunities through FPWR's endowment program

  • Expand outreach efforts to the membership base and to other similar research organizations and government agencies.

  • Reestablish an FPWR office as base of operations and grow the paid staff commensurate with the needs of the organization.

Foundation for Prader-Willi Research (FPWR) Director of Development Job Description

FPWR intends to hire a Director of Development as a key means of achieving these strategic objectives.  The Development Director position will be responsible for continuing to expand FPWR's ability to grow and operate as national advocates for and financial supporters of research on Prader-Willi syndrome. The Development Director will provide administrative and strategic oversight for all of FPWR's fundraising. Responsibilities include strategic planning for donor development and execution of that plan, including: fund development, grant writing, information management, and basic financial administration and fiscal reporting related to fundraising efforts. The Development Director reports directly into the Board.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to email a resume and cover letter describing how your experience meets the needs of the organization, and interest in working with us. No phone calls please! We will respond to those we feel are a good fit. Compensation is attractive for an organization of our size and DOE.  Applicants should possess most of the requirements that follow, however we are flexible for the right fit. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Please email submissions to: Jobs@fpwr.org


Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum three years experience in charitable fund development
  • Ability to conduct strategic planning around donor and fund development and establish measurable tactics to execute on that plan
  • Demonstrated success in securing major and annual gifts from foundations and corporations
  • Demonstrated success in meeting annual fund goals, development management, sponsorships and special events
  • Demonstrated success in working as a member of a team and developing effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and donors
  • Demonstrated track record with respect to detail orientation and accuracy
  • Computer literacy and competency with electronic donor tracking systems
  • Demonstrated success in successfully soliciting and securing major gifts from individuals
  • Knowledge of Prader-Willi syndrome or similar genetic/medical disorders a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong knowledge of principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising
  • Knowledge of, understanding of, and commitment to the mission of the FPWR; ability to clearly communicate this mission to all consituencies
  • Ability to lead multiple long- and short-term projects simultaneously, meeting all related deadlines; ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage own work; ability to work unsupervised and make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively and creatively
  • Ability to work well under pressure
  • Excellent verbal communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills to effectively work with a variety of people and personalities; ability to communicate clearly in person and in writing
  • Ability to manage and share pertinent information with staff and Board
  • Proven ability to work effectively with board members, colleagues, donors and volunteers
  • Goal-oriented, persistent and persuasive in the contact, follow-through and completion of acquiring donor gifts
  • Thorough, organized and detail-oriented approach to work
  • Understands the confidential nature of fundraising efforts and donor information, and maintains confidences