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Bluffton Self Help (BSH) seeks a motivated and professional individual, committed to the organization’s mission, to lead its expanding philanthropic efforts in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The Director of Development will oversee a well-developed and robust program, planning for and executing the organization’s annual giving, grant writing, special events programs, with a focus on the build out of its planned giving and major gifts programs, as well as leading marketing and communication efforts. This is a senior level position. As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Development reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the CEO, support staff, volunteers, and the Board. 

The ideal candidate will be a compelling advocate for the mission of Bluffton Self Help, able to broaden and deepen the organization’s base of philanthropic support. They will need to be a strategic thinker as well as a detail-oriented project manager, bringing energy and enthusiasm to BSH’s outreach, messaging, and advocacy in the community. In building relationships with our donors, integrity, maturity, and confidentiality are absolute requirements.

Previous fundraising, marketing, sales, or management experience is required. Strong written and verbal communications skills are essential. Proficiency with databases, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other software are also necessary. The Director must be able to manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and possess a high level of analytic skills balanced with good judgment, and strong people skills.

• Be a philanthropic leader, working to develop and maintain a positive culture of giving at BSH.
• Build the annual planning and budgeting process for the development program within the context of supporting BSH’s annual and long-range goals. 
• Direct the annual giving appeal/program, including mailings, and annual fundraising drives.
• Develops and maintains relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and civic organizations. 
• Manages partner and donor relations, stewardship, and recognition programs.
• Grow a major gifts program including prospect research, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
• Manage the online-donor database platform, Kindful, and oversee gift entry and acknowledgements.
• Oversee planning, implementation, and day-of logistics for all fundraising events to include CEO lunches, corporate partner events, and the annual Sips & Seafood event.
• Acquire sponsorships and underwriting for events.
• Manage the grants program to include budgeting, research, writing and reporting.
• Work collaboratively with program directors to ensure appropriate messaging and marketing collateral in support of programs.
• Lead the organizations marketing and communication efforts across all channels including web, digital, social, and earned media.
• Oversee monthly budget monitoring and income forecasting of revenue streams.
• Serve as the staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• A genuine commitment to the mission of Bluffton Self Help
• Bachelor's degree in health or human services, communication, business, or related field.
• Five-to-10-year track record of successful non-profit fundraising or professional management, sales, or marketing experience with a preference for experienced fundraising background.
• Special events, public relations, or marketing and community advocacy experience.
• Confidence presenting to large groups.
• Confidence and willingness to meet with donors to solicit major gifts.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills and a results-oriented work ethic.
• Ability to set priorities, lead, initiate, and work collaboratively and with a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Positive attitude, concern for people and community, and exceptional listening skills.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office including PowerPoint, donor software, spreadsheets, databases, and word processing. 
• Ability to handle sensitive matters with tact and discretion.

Supervisory Responsibility 

The Marketing Manager and Donor Specialist report to the Director of Development.

Salary

 $75,000 - 85,000, based on experience.

Physical Demands

Based on environment and tasks, this role could be physical and require lifting of boxes and bags.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Typical days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., however this position does require some evening and weekend work to accommodate event and program schedules. Bluffton Self Help is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.