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bout Palmetto Promise Institute
Founded in 2013 by Senator Jim DeMint, Palmetto Promise Institute champions free-market policies that advance freedom, innovation, and opportunity in South Carolina. We focus on five key areas: Education, Fiscal Policy, Healthcare, Energy, and Quality of Life. Our mission is to empower the people of South Carolina by promoting policies that unleash the potential of individuals, families, and communities.
As a small but growing organization, Palmetto Promise Institute has achieved significant successes, including leading efforts on education reform and school choice. With the recent launch of Palmetto Promise Impact, our affiliated 501c4 advocacy arm, we are poised for even greater impact. To fuel this growth, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Director to lead our fundraising efforts and ensure we have the resources to drive meaningful change.
Why Join Us?
Joining Palmetto Promise Institute means being part of a dedicated team working to shape public policy in South Carolina. As Development Director, you will be integral in driving the organization’s growth and ensuring our long-term sustainability. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference by helping us advance policies that promote freedom and opportunity for all South Carolinians.
Position Overview
The Development Director will play a critical role in Palmetto Promise Institute’s continued growth and success. Reporting directly to the President, the Development Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies that expand our donor network and secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations. This individual will work closely with our leadership team to support the organization’s growth and impact.
Key Responsibilities
- Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan including major gifts, annual giving, direct mail, and digital donor communications. Success will look like renewed and increased support through a greater understanding of the impact of their investment.
- Foundations and Grants: Identify opportunities for partnerships with foundations, build relationships with foundation staff and board members as appropriate, draft compelling written proposals, and manage grant reporting.
- Major Gifts: Personally manage a portfolio of 75 to 125 major donors, developing and implementing strategies to successfully cultivate, solicit and steward their support.
- Support Leadership: Assist the president and other staff in managing development strategies for the board and major donors in her portfolio.
- Prospecting: Identify, prioritize, and cultivate donor prospects capable of giving major gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Data Management: Maintain accurate donor records, including thorough notes from donor visits, and track progress toward fundraising goals.
- Event Planning: Collaborate with the team to organize donor engagement events and special fundraising initiatives.
Qualifications
- Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, or development, particularly within nonprofit or advocacy organizations. 4+ years in fundraising or major gifts.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage a range of supporters.
- Demonstrated experience securing major gifts and managing donor pipelines.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to execute day-to-day development activities.
- Passion for free-market principles and the mission of Palmetto Promise Institute.
- Familiarity with donor databases (Salesforce) and fundraising software is an advantage.
- Ability to travel across South Carolina as needed to meet with donors, participate in events, and collaborate with the leadership team. (Approximate travel: 30%; mostly day trips)
Benefits
- Flexible schedule
- Generous paid time off policy
- Remote work
- Medical insurance stipend
- Retirement savings plan with employer match
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- A cover letter explaining why Palmetto Promise Institute’s mission resonates with you, why you’re a fit for this role, your salary requirements, and your location preferences
- Résumé
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:
https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, Executive Director of Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].
Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.
