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Position Summary

The Development Officer will advance the vision, mission, and core values of New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) through a variety of strategic fundraising and engagement activities. The Development Officer manages the annual giving program and helps coordinate the stewardship of NESS's donors and volunteers. This position requires the ability and flexibility to prioritize activities and requires a comprehensive understanding of NESS's advancement operations. The Development Officer is an exempt, year-round position that will report to the CEO.

Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Giving and Fundraising

• Serve as a front-line fundraiser, developing, cultivating, and refreshing a portfolio of Annual Fund prospects, applying a moves management process to identify major gifts and planned giving prospects

• Engage donors through personal visits, campus tours, and events, to deepen an understanding of their alignment, interests, and giving capacity

• Manage the Annual Fund solicitation mailings, both physical and digital

• Closely manage donor database to ensure records are accurate and up to date

• Prepare advancement reports as needed

• Manage and keep up-to-date the advancement plan with funding goals, current status, and a detailed plan for meeting goals

• Work with Finance Director to compile needed and requested paperwork for yearly audit

Stewardship

• Help coordinate stewardship efforts, ensuring that activities are completed accurately and in a timely fashion.

• Manage information and activities of key constituents and provides regular reports to CEO and CFO

• Responsible for in-kind donation solicitations and acknowledgements

General

• Nurture strong, ongoing relationships between NESS and its constituents, while also developing new relationships

• Develop performance metrics that highlight advancement activities and progress against strategic initiatives and fundraising goals

• Serve on the Advancement Committee

• Develop and implement a strategic approach for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors and donor prospects

• In conjunction with Advancement Team members, research current and prospective foundation partners and analyze grant-making strategies and histories to position NESS to receive support

• Maintain detailed records of all donor and donor prospect interactions in Virtuous system

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

Education/Certifications

• B.A. or equivalent

Skills/Knowledge/Experience

• Minimum 2 years annual giving experience

• Virtuous or other donor database experience required

• Proven ability to solicit and close on philanthropic gifts of $1,000 and above

• Ability to establish rapport with donors quickly in a meaningful and professional manner

• Proven track record of successful digital campaigns including social media and email

• Knowledge and experience of stewardship and donor relations

• Authentic, effective communication skills

• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, CRM Software – Virtuous preferred)

• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills

• Practical knowledge of current fundraising strategies, tactics, regulations, and industry trends

• Represent NESS in a positive manner at all times

Compensation commensurate with experience and includes comprehensive benefits package

New England Science & Sailing Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at our organization without regard to age, ancestry, color, gender identity or expression, genetic information, race, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, past or present history of mental disorder, learning disability, physical disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. NESS welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who uphold our core values of inclusiveness, stewardship, personal growth, and experiential learning.

About NESS

New England Science & Sailing (NESS) is a nationally recognized, award-winning nonprofit that empowers students with a love of learning through ocean-based experiential programs. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), NESS engages students of all ages through sailing, marine science, and adventure sports. To learn more about NESS, visit NESSF.org.