Job title: Development Associate
Reports to: Director of Development
Employment status: Position starts at 25 hours per week, with opportunity for up to full time as the organization grows.
Organization summary: Heart of Dance was founded in 2014 with a mission of transforming the social- and self-perception of individuals living with a variety of challenges by personally experiencing the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of social dance. Our vision is that youth, seniors, veterans, and individuals living with mental, emotional, or physical illness or challenges are renewed through the connectedness of partner dance.
Heart of Dance seeks a Development Associate to assist in fundraising and external relations, managing a portfolio of mid-level donors, overseeing fundraising and informational events, and creating new partnerships in the community. The Development Associate works closely with the Director of Development, Executive Director, and members of Heart of Dance board and staff.
Job summary: The Development Associate focuses on three important areas of fundraising and external relations:
· Develop and maintain donor relationships;
· Plan and oversee fundraising and programmatic events; and
· Expand strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and potential program partners.
The Development Associate will forge new relationships and strengthen previous relationships to build Heart of Dance’s visibility, impact and financial resources. The Development Associate works with donors and prospects to help shape organizational growth, enhance visibility of Heart of Dance, plan and oversee events, and build fundraising capacity through donor cultivation. This role requires a combination of attention to detail, innovative big-picture thinking, excellent communication skills, and strong relationship skills.
Responsibilities:
Build relationships with donors and partners of Heart of Dance, with particular attention to mid-level donors.
Develop and execute strategies to create a network of people new to Heart of Dance from funders, family foundations, program connections, schools, government connections, and prospective donors.
Oversee Volunteer Engagement Committee.
Refine strategies that shape and fuel the existing and new partnerships with an eye toward development trends, best practices, and future visioning/planning.
As appropriate, assist in recruitment of program partners and fundraising when presentations are involved for Neighborhood Councils, Rotary Clubs, or when individual donors are involved.
Create and cultivate connections with new business partners and foundations as new individual donors, new grantors, and potential sponsors of Heart of Dance events.
Oversee fundraising events and assist in programming events, including annual fundraising luncheon, point of entry informational events, program culminating events, and Colors of the Rainbow Team Matches.
Cultivate community partners as sponsors for all major events.
Participate in and assist Heart of Dance staff in recruiting volunteers for fundraising activities and celebratory events (Program culmination, point of entry, volunteer, and Benevon events).
Qualifications:
A minimum of three years of experience in fundraising, event planning and donor relations.
A high level of discretion and confidentiality concerning donors records.
Adopts and practices the Heart of Dance mission and values.
Develop and maintain harmonious working relationships with Heart of Dance staff, board members, business partners, volunteers, and donors.
Thorough understanding of non-profit development best practices, trends and cultivation.
Demonstrated previous fundraising success/campaign goals met.
Demonstrated previous event planning oversight and event goals met.
Understanding and experience in all aspects of donor cultivation, solicitation, retention, and stewardship.
Demonstrated ability to successfully solicit contributions, sponsorships, and foster relationships with donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
Knowledge and familiarity with Office programs, various email platforms, virtual event platforms, and Salesforce or other database software systems.
Excellent attention to details and deadlines.
Able to work under evolving timelines and ever-changing work environment. Adjust to changing conditions in a timely fashion and with minimal negative effect on productivity and pursuit of goals.
Ability to set short and long-term goals and establish realistic plans for attainment. Implement plans and follow through. Complete tasks/projects accurately and according to the agreed upon timeline.
Strong interpersonal and excellent written, verbal, and digital communication skills.
How to apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to careers@heartofdancemn.org before January 10, 2020. Applications will be reviewed as they come in.
This position starts at 25 hours per week, $18 - $22 per hour, depending on qualifications.
