Philanthropy Officer

*THE MISSION OF THE SEARCH DOG FOUNDATION* Founded in 1996, the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-governmental organization whose mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by recruiting and rescuing dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders to find survivors in the wreckage of disasters.
*ADVANCING PHILANTHROPY FOR THE SEARCH DOG FOUNDATION* The current operating budget of SDF is approximately $7.
7 million, including capital expenditures.
SDF does not receive any government grants, and each year, approximately 3,800 individuals, foundations, companies, and groups contribute to SDF.
The Philanthropy team (4 full-time positions), working collaboratively with the Executive Director, SDF Board of Directors, and members of all teams at SDF, is responsible for raising all dollars to meet SDF's operating and capital needs.
The Philanthropy team also works closely with the Communications team, which helps develop and produce Philanthropy materials and general agency communications.
At SDF, we embrace a culture of teamwork, innovation, compassion, and integrity, and all staff recognize that their responsibilities are vitally important to the success and overall health of the organization.
*PHILANTHROPY OFFICER ROLE OVERVIEW* The Philanthropy Officer reports to the Director of Philanthropy and is responsible for managing and executing major gift solicitations of foundations and individual stakeholders to help meet SDF’s annual fundraising and capital needs.
This position also provides critical support to the Philanthropy team by writing and editing material for distribution, managing and reporting on data and analytics, and performing other project management/administrative tasks as assigned.
The position requires exceptional organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, along with the creativity and insight to gain the attention of a target audience and the skill to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual donors and foundations annually.
Additionally, the ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and achieve results in a team environment is essential.
This is a full-time position; a hybrid remote schedule will be considered.
Our offices are in Santa Paula, CA.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and results-oriented individual to take on this critically important role on our Philanthropy team.
This person will have extensive experience in fundraising, including initiating and cultivating meaningful partnerships with prospective and existing donors, creating impactful materials for distribution to a large audience of donors, and a passion for working with creative people and dogs! The Philanthropy Officer will actively participate in all aspects of: managing and growing a portfolio of individual and foundation donors; preparing and writing funder updates and communications; attending personal visits to help cultivate, steward, and solicit gifts from funders, communicating directly with supporters, staff and volunteers; and managing data and analytics to support the agency’s activities.
Areas of responsibility include: * Manage a large portfolio of funders (~150), many with external deadlines.
This role is expected to actively develop and coordinate “moves management” plans for current funders and develop plans to engage new funders.
* Manage the solicitation and stewardship of donors to help raise funds for all programs and general operations.
* Directly solicit gifts through personal visits, presentations, follow-up telephone calls, and individualized email and written communications.
Travel to other states as required.
* Communicate proactively and persuasively with existing and pending funders via phone and email.
* Partner with Philanthropy and Communications teams to craft compelling cases for support for programs and capital needs.
* Work closely with Philanthropy and Program staff on joint projects, including gathering up-to-date Program data for requests, proposals, and progress reports.
* Participate in search team trainings and special events to cultivate and solicit prospects and donors.
* In collaboration with the Director of Philanthropy, set and achieve individual goals that support team and agency goals.
* As requested, produce grant requests, LOIs, reports, and funder communications.
Draft effective correspondences and written materials that clearly and accurately convey funding opportunities and reports consistent with agency needs.
* Ensure the quality of accurate recordkeeping in our donor software database for the assigned portfolio of funders and other pertinent administrative tasks related to tracking and management of funders.
* Demonstrate self-discipline, integrity, and collaboration and deploy strategies for individual goal achievement.
* Serve as an ambassador and representative for the Search Dog Foundation at events.
* Ensure a high-touch response to supporters and other stakeholders and deliver high-quality customer service to all constituents.
* Other daily administrative functions and duties as assigned.
*THE IDEAL CANDIDATE HAS THE FOLLOWING EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS* * Bachelor’s degree or higher or significant applicable work experience.
* 4+ years of experience in non-profit fundraising/management, including grant writing.
* Exemplary written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
* High degree of proficiency in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook (PowerPoint a plus).
* Ability to maintain, organize and manage donor data.
Experience working with donor database and/CRM, particularly Salesforce, a plus! * Self-motivated professional, able to work independently with limited supervision, yet also works well in a team-based environment, willing to manage multiple priorities and demonstrate flexibility.
· Demonstrates ownership of responsibilities, self-discipline, integrity, and collaboration and deploys strategies for individual goal achievement.
* Demonstrates mature judgment, initiative, and critical thinking, ability to embrace challenges, and recommend solutions.
* Experience with public speaking and presenting information to large groups preferred.
* Maintains a professional appearance, a positive attitude, and a good sense of humor.
* Ability to meet changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Ability to motivate and build relationships with a diverse group of supporters and volunteers.
* Commitment to maintain the highest level of integrity and confidentiality and to advocate for the mission of the Search Dog Foundation.
* Flexibility and willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays if needed.
* Passion for working with people.
* Valid driver’s license.
*COMPENSATION* We offer a competitive salary based on experience, as well as an excellent benefits program, working and contributing to a cooperative, collaborative and caring work environment.
*APPLICANTS* If you feel you would be a good fit for this fast-paced, dynamic team environment, we would love to hear from you! Please send your cover letter and resume electronically to be considered.
We value diversity, equity and inclusion, and we look forward to reviewing applications from all who are qualified to apply.
Please visit our website for additional information about SDF at www.
searchdogfoundation.
org.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
Principals only.
Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
The Search Dog Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer looking to build a diverse team.
Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, political beliefs, military service or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $70,000.
00 - $90,000.
00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift Application Question(s): * Will you be able to reliably commute to the Santa Paula, CA office on a weekly basis? Experience: * philanthropy/fundraising: 4 years (Preferred) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Paula, CA 93060