CANDIDATE PROFILE
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT
Waterford Country School is entering an exciting new chapter which allows us the opportunity to build upon our strong foundation while imagining what is possible for the future. This is a special time to join our team. We’re looking for an experienced development professional with strong vision, emotional intelligence and humility than can bring a wealth of ideas and strengths as we continue to grow and nurture Waterford Country School.
We believe that meaningful change happens when dedicated people come together around a shared purpose. If you are looking for more than “just a job” and want to join a team of talented individuals who are deeply committed to fostering hope and creating positive outcomes in the lives of the people and communities they serve, we invite you to consider joining us.
We are looking for an individual to fill the role of Director of Development & Engagement. This person will be a dynamic member of Waterford Country School’s leadership team, responsible for building essential donor and community relationships and developing sustainable fundraising strategies to support the agency’s mission to enrich the lives of children and strengthen the families we serve. This individual will champion a culture of philanthropy, cultivate partnerships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community stakeholders, and lead comprehensive development initiatives that expand the agency's impact.
This position is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of all fundraising activities, including major gifts/donations, grants, and special events, while focusing on cultivating partnerships to advance our cause and provide children and families in need access to comprehensive care. The Director of Development and Engagement will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and community partners to increase philanthropic support, elevate the agency's visibility, and ensure the financial resources necessary to advance our mission of doing “whatever it takes” to promote the wellbeing, safety, and success of the children and families we serve.
The ideal candidate is a collaborative and results-oriented professional with exceptional relationship-building, communication, and leadership skills. They are passionate about creating opportunities for others to invest in meaningful change and understand that every gift—large or small—helps provide hope, stability, and brighter futures for the children and families we serve.
Basic Function:
The Director of Development & Engagement plans and directs the engagement, philanthropy, special events, and public relations activities for the agency, working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. The Director of Development & Engagement directs the overarching agency development plan, remains current in philanthropy, development, and not-for-profit marketing. The Director of Development & Engagement is a member of the agency’s leadership and other agency committees as assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A. ESSENTIAL TASKS:
Development and Engagement:
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Serve as lead for seeking and tracking grant funding for agency programs and services
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Direct and support work of Development & Engagement Coordinator in creating a calendar of agency communications and marketing activities, organizing special events and fundraisers, and providing leadership and support to various components of the development program (including but not limited to: endowment donor annual event, newsletters, monthly sustainer program, Circle of Friends program)
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Identify and cultivate potential stakeholders and donors for the purpose of growing philanthropic contributions, including private individuals, businesses, and grant funders
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Coordinate the School's participation in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC), Neighborhood Assistance Act (NAA) and any other annual community and/or governmental funding programs
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Promote the understanding of child welfare and special education in the community
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Build, enhance, and accurately maintain the agency’s donor management system
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Create meaningful acknowledgements and stewardship plans for donors
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Provide leadership and facilitation of agency’s social media content plan, website updates, and general press releases and media outreach
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Direct and support work of Development & Engagement Coordinator in donor recordkeeping and cultivating, gift processing, solicitation, and various campaigns
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Educate the giving community, including corporations, foundations, and individual donors, about the work of Waterford Country School
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Work with the Chief Executive Officer and the Development Committee of the Board to develop a realistic fundraising plan that is effective at raising and increasing sustainable funds
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Chair event committees for fundraising events including the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Trustees, staff, volunteers, and community members; work with community partners in planning and implementing fundraising and engagement activities as appropriate
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Collaborate with agency leadership to generate compelling content for agency communications and solicitations
- Oversee and implement annual fund solicitations activities, including the Year End Appeal, Corporate Sponsor program, and various direct appeals throughout the fiscal year
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Provide support to community members and partners who initiate fundraising or visibility events
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Lead the creation of the agency’s Annual Report
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Inform staff of fundraising calendar and oversee their involvement at fundraising events
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Represent Waterford Country School in community as appropriate
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Participate and/or lead various agency committees
Provide Support to Chief Executive Officer in keeping the Board of Trustees informed and engaged in fundraising activities
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Staffs the Development Committee, prepare agendas, minutes, and other paperwork materials and communicate with committee members.
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Identify and promote specific functions and responsibilities for the Board of Trustees
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Support Board of Trustees in creating and achieving fundraising goals
Supervision
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Recruit, hire, counsel, mentor, and discipline department employees
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Write and deliver annual evaluations for department employees
- Enforce agency Policy & Procedures, providing feedback or counseling as needed and appropriate
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Provide or oversee department orientation and ongoing training of department employees, interns and volunteers
B. AGENCY ACTIVITIES:
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Keep the Chief Executive Officer informed of all program business and/or activities
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Serve as a member of the leadership teams
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Ensure compliance with external regulatory agencies including grant requirements, contracts, etc.
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Stay current with trends, developments, and advancements in field through professional development
- Participate in staff meetings, management team meetings, trainings, long-range planning, fundraising, and other agency activities and events
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Assist in the training and orientation of new staff and volunteers
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Participate in at least one internal agency committee or working group
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Follow safety plans and protocols as directed
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Maintain ethical and professional standards
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Maintain knowledge of and follow Agency policies and procedures as contained in the WCS Personnel Handbook, WCS Procedure Manual, and departmental manuals
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Function as a positive role model for all students and staff at the Waterford Country School.
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Maintain an awareness of and sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic differences present among the service population and fellow staff members of WCS, ensuring that cultural needs are respected and supported through the delivery of services and the development and implementation of agency programs and policies in a manner that is free from discrimination and bias relating to race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic violence or religious beliefs.
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Maintain a clean and professional workspace
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Other duties as assigned
C. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:
Qualifications:
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Pass State Police Bureau of Identification(SPBI) check
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Pass Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Abuse and Neglect Registry check
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Pass Department of Motor Vehicle record check
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Hold valid Connecticut driver’s license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel on occasion
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Must be able to work as a member of a team
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Passion and commitment towards child welfare and special education
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Ability to build consensus and work collaboratively
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Ability to think outside of the box and be open-minded
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Accurately document and complete paperwork within prescribed deadlines
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Proficient at Microsoft Word, graphic design software, and donor database
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Strong attention to detail
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Must be dependable and flexible
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Excellent written and oral communication skills
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Comprehensive understanding of fundraising, engagement, and volunteer recruitment and coordination
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Strong problem solving skills and the ability to think outside the box
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Able to maintain professional boundaries
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Knowledge of working with children and families
- Demonstrate sensitivity to, and understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic status of persons served
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Ability to maintain confidentiality
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Competitive base salary of $110,000-$150,000 with eligibility for a performance-based annual bonus structure tied to achieving specific fundraising, donor retention, and campaign milestones. We offer a competitive benefit package which includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 403b plan with matching employer contributions, life insurance and paid time off.
Flexible Telework Capability
Flexible ability to work remotely as approved by a direct Supervisor, or in the event of a declared weather or other emergency. Telework should be performed in accordance with the Remote Work Policy in the WCS Personnel Handbook.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS ALL-INCLUSIVE. IT IS INTENDED TO IDENTIFY THE MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS JOB. THE INCUMBENT MAY BE REQUIRED TO PERFORM JOB-RELATED TASKS OTHER THAN THOSE STATED IN THIS DESCRIPTION.
Exempt, Administrative Salaried Position
Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree required. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred but not required. Experience in major donor cultivation, public relations, successful federal and local grant writing, capital campaigns, endowment building, event planning, and multi-faceted fundraising. Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal communication and computer skills experience required.
