Director of Development
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) seeks an experienced Director of Development with a record of accomplishment in raising significant funds for operating support and capital campaigns in a small, nonprofit setting. We are looking for a long-term staff member to join and enhance our team, embrace our mission and work to sustain our future.
Located in Holmdel, NJ, the NJVVMF is an established and growing 501(c) 3 whose mission is to “offer a meaningful and engaging experience that recognizes the sacrifices, courage and valor of Vietnam Veterans and that encourages and fosters a thorough understanding of the Vietnam Era, including the political, historical, social, cultural and military aspects which affected the United States, and especially New Jersey.” The NJVVMF operates the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial and the Vietnam Era Museum, the first and only of museum of its kind in the country. This unique and important site is hiring a Director of Development for the first time to ensure a bright and successful future for our mission.
The Foundation has a small but dynamic staff. We are committed to offering innovative and relevant programs and services, based in sound scholarship and relevant community needs. The collections, resources, programs and services offered provide important and unduplicated historical resources. Dedicated to encouraging an understanding of the Vietnam Era and its lasting impact on American culture at the local level, our programs and services include guided tours, lectures and public programs, ceremonies, educational programs and unique historical collections. The majority of our programs and services involve collaborations with local individuals and organizations.
As an organization, we have reached a point in our mission where we have outgrown our current Museum and administrative spaces and are preparing to launch a $5.5 million capital campaign. The Director of Development is a new position for our organization as we recognize the need to develop a long-term comprehensive fundraising plan to sustain the Foundation’s expansion and ensure that our future allows us to continue to grow.
Role and Responsibilities:
The Director of Development will work to build strong, meaningful relationships with current and potential supporters and increase general awareness of and support for the NJVVMF. Initial focus of this position will be on designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising plan and the development of a strategic capital campaign.
The Director of Development will work to increase and track strategic donor follow-ups, increase donor appreciation and oversee fundraising strategies. The role is focused on increasing the number of individuals, corporations, businesses, and foundations that engage with and will donate to the NJVVMF for our capital campaign and later continue to support our operating budget and programs.
This position manages the Capital Campaign Committee and works closely with its members to set and achieve fundraising goals. This position ensures that board priorities are translated into achievable objectives and goals. The Director of Development works closely with the Capital Campaign Committee and the NJVVMF’s marketing firm. This positon works closely with and reports directly to the Executive Director to ensure that annual fundraising goals are met.
Fundraising: Create and sustain a culture of philanthropy within the Foundation. Oversee all aspects of raising funds for the organization including, capital campaign, sponsorships acquisitions for fundraising events, annual giving campaigns, major gifts, individual and corporate donor acquisition and membership program. Tracks data using Neon donor software, develops and oversees fundraising budgets, and fulfills program fundraising goals. The primary task for this position will be the strategic design and implementation of a capital campaign and all related components.
Relationship Development: Develop relationships with key stakeholders to gain support and funding; maintain and nurture relationships with new and existing donors and sponsors; work to engage new businesses and foundations in NJVVMF events. Develop procedures and processes for donor relations.
Annual Fundraising Events (Golf, Gala, Clay Shoot): Oversee sponsorship acquisition and logistics to ensure the success of our signature fundraising events. Work with event committees and key community stakeholders to improve communication with sponsors/donors for these events and ensure a meaningful and positive experience for these people/groups.
Marketing and Outreach: Work with Executive Director and marketing team to develop and distribute fundraising/sponsorship/campaign materials including targeted emails, press releases, newsletters, packets and graphics. Act as the representative for the organization when appropriate for media-related events, fundraisers and other outreach. Work with marketing team and Executive Director to uphold and expand brand standards and consistency across all communication.
Grant Management: Work with Executive Director to enhance the NJVVMF’s grant support. Research and identify funding sources, assist with and draft grant proposals, letters of intent, tracking and reporting on grant requirements, assist with grant submission and administration.
Management: Since this position does not have directly related support staff, the Director of Development is responsible to work with regional colleges/universities to recruit interns and volunteers and graduate assistants to assist with clerical, administrative and research as needed. This position is responsible for the management of these assistants.
Institutional Expectations: We are a small but dynamic staff. Every employee participates as a team member and often steps outside the parameters of their job to assist in other tasks/programs. We understand that this is a new position with an ambitious set of goals. The Director of Development will work closely with the Executive Director and our Board. As a collaborative office, this person will have the support of other staff members as they learn existing procedures and work to improve upon and develop new ones.
Qualified Candidates:
The ideal candidate is an experienced nonprofit professional who will be energized by the challenge of developing a fundraising plan and launching a capital campaign for the NJVVMF.
Personal Characteristics: The ideal candidate has a passion for the Veterans’ community and our mission of preserving their legacies. This person has excellent interpersonal skills, writes well and enjoys forming and nurturing relationships. They are confident yet respectful and have a great sense of humor. This person is comfortable working with diverse and at times, challenging, groups of people while maintaining their grace and maturity.
This person is a self-starter with a strong work ethic and the ability to develop a positive and highly productive work environment. They are strategic, organized and detail-oriented yet flexible. The ideal candidate has a collaborative spirit and works well as part of a team and independently. This person handles deadlines well and maintains their composure and clarity under pressure. We are seeking an open-minded, creative thinker who can help the NJVVMF grow to its true potential.
Desired Qualifications: The ideal candidate is a college graduate, preferably with graduate-level training or related experience in philanthropy. They have at least 5 years of demonstrable experience of successful fundraising, event planning, grant writing and management of a capital campaign/major gifts program. CFRE credential preferred.
A solid understanding of fundraising concepts and processes. This person understands the grant process including administration and has demonstrable experience crafting letters of intent and grant proposals. The ideal candidate brings with them experience gleaned from a successful capital campaign and cultivating major gifts.
Extremely comfortable and proficient with computers including Microsoft Office, the Google platform, database programs, Constant Contact and CRM Systems. The NJVVMF uses Neon to track its supporters. Knowledgeable about the role of technology and electronic communication in fundraising activities and museums. They also have experience working with marketing professionals and understand brand management and the importance of technology in this work.
Compensation: This is a full-time position that is not grant funded. $50,000 – $65,000 annual salary commensurate with experience plus a comprehensive benefits package including life, medical and dental insurance, 3% employer retirement match and generous vacation time.
Hours: Full-time (M-F 9:00 – 4:00) with weekends and evenings for special events.
To Apply
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume to employment@njvvmf.org. Please include “Director of Development” in the subject line of your email. Should your experience meet our requirements we will contact you to schedule an interview. Only those candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in the NJVVMF.
