Yankee Institute is Connecticut’s only free market policy organization. We are the eyes, ears and voice of hardworking people who want a prosperous Connecticut. Our common-sense solutions drive positive legislative results to strengthen our communities and build a vibrant, hopeful future. We are committed to creating a Connecticut where families and businesses can stay, grow, and prosper.
Development Director Job Description
Yankee Institute is seeking a Development Director responsible for leading efforts to build and sustain long-term relationships with donors to advance Yankee Institute’s mission. This individual will lead donor engagement, stewardship, and solicitation strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability. Working closely with the President and senior leadership, the Development Director will create and execute comprehensive fundraising plans, cultivate relationships with donors and foundations, oversee grant funding efforts, and manage fundraising data and reporting.
The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of related experience. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong communication skills and a passion for Yankee Institute’s mission. The Development Director will report directly to Yankee Institute’s President and supervise the Donor Relations Manager.
The Development Director will ideally work from Yankee Institute’s office in Wethersfield, CT full-time. However, candidates located within a reasonable distance of the office who are able to work from the office at least once a week may be considered. Limited in-state travel will be required.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop fundraising budgets and campaign plans for the fiscal year and ensure budgeted income goals are met.
- Work directly with the President to develop and implement strategies to enable Yankee to fund its strategic plan.
- Engage directly in cultivation and solicitation activities to develop a set of donor relationships with a specific emphasis on donor retention and donor upgrades.
- Liaise with Policy and Communications Departments to research and generate grant proposals that support the work of the organization.
- Serve as the organizational contact for grants received from national partners.
- Oversee the organization’s fundraising and relationship management software platforms and prospecting tools.
- Create and implement a strategic plan of action with timelines and evaluation plans for the direct and house mail programs that includes identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors.
- Prepare regular analysis of budget and fundraising trends, success rates of prospecting tools and donor retention rates for Yankee’s board of directors.
- Prepare fundraising update for board meetings, presenting reports directly to the board as needed.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in fundraising, outreach, external relations, client management or related field
- Excellence in organizational, managerial and communication skills
- Commitment to Yankee Institute’s mission and culture
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Consummate professionalism
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter detailing your philosophical interest in the Yankee Institute, and why the position interests you
- Resume
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.
Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Senior Manager of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. 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.
