Kalmar Nyckel Foundation
Development Director Job Description
Background
Mission: Preserving and promoting the cultural and maritime heritage of Delaware and the Delaware Valley for the education and enrichment for all. The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation launched the iconic Kalmar Nyckel, the Tall Ship of Delaware, into the Christina River in 1997. The ship is a full-scale replica of the original 17th-century ship that carried Swedish and Finnish settlers to North America in 1638 to establish the first permanent European settlement in the Delaware Valley. Today’s Kalmar Nyckel is core to the Foundation’s unique hands-on educational programs, serving as a sailing classroom that teaches children and adults alike.
The Kalmar Nyckel Foundation is a volunteer-based educational organization that reaches 30,000 people annually. Visitors to the Copeland Maritime Center explore the rich maritime and industrial history of Delaware through exhibits that focus on the original Kalmar Nyckel as well as model ships from around the world, and Wilmington’s extensive train- and ship-building history.
We provide interactive educational programs that blend Kalmar Nyckel’s story with lessons in history, math, science, geography, economics, and more. These programs are taught on the ship, at the Copeland Maritime Center, in school classrooms, and at ports along the Eastern seaboard. Our programs reach students of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds; all Delaware public school students receive our programming for free.
The Director of Development will be responsible for leading and managing all fundraising and donor relationship activities. This position will develop and oversee a comprehensive cultivation and stewardship strategy using a broad array of fundraising and relationship development tactics. The position will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Board Development Committee.
Responsibilities:
• Prepare a comprehensive Development Plan annually to support the short- and long-term philanthropic needs of the organization. This targeted development plan and calendar will provide concrete metrics and goals for fundraising, outlining regularly scheduled donor communications and opportunities for cultivation and stewardship.
• Function as a major and planned gifts officer by ensuring that the external cultivation and stewardship of donors meets or exceeds the goals approved by the Executive Director and Board Development Committee.
• Oversee and manage areas including (but not limited to): annual fund, planned giving, capital fundraising, campaign fundraising, grant writing and reporting, gift processing policies, and oversight of donor database.
• Organize and plan special events and marketing efforts tied to fundraising activities, as appropriate.
• Research and recommend grant opportunities from corporations and foundations. Develop and write the proposals.
• Enhance and implement policies and procedures to support major gift fundraising and tracking.
• Oversee the execution of campaign efforts in order to meet revenue goals, working in conjunction with the Executive Director, Board Development Committee, staff, volunteers, and partner organizations.
• Facilitate board development meetings.
• Monitor fund raising activities and results to ensure that accurate and thorough records are maintained, including timely gift processing, donor records, mailing lists, contact and call reports, giving history, biographical data, etc.
• Prepare and present reports as required which include fundraising highlights and results.
Qualifications:
• A college BA or BS degree.
• A minimum of five years successful experience in fundraising, specifically the management of major fundraising campaigns, personally soliciting funds, and motivating others to solicit funds.
• Thorough knowledge of local, regional, and national funding sources, as well as laws and regulations governing the conduct of fundraising by nonprofit organizations in Delaware.
• Demonstrated excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Manage multiple projects with strong attention to detail and effective time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to work with and across teams to effectively manage a project to completion.
• Innovative and entrepreneurial spirit; ability to adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility.
• Ambitious work ethic with a high level of action and productivity.
• Results oriented and mission driven.
• Fluency in the use of software systems for documentation, reporting and presentation, including Microsoft Office.
Conditions of Hire:
• A satisfactory criminal background and reference check, a valid driver’s license, and an acceptable driving record are required at time of appointment and throughout employment in this position.
This position is a 30 hour/week hybrid job with a flexible schedule. It does require on-site work two days/week.
To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: info@KalmarNyckel.org
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