Senior Director, Development (Northeastern Region)

Job Title: Senior Director, Development

Department: Development

Location: Remote/Virtual, within the Northeastern Region* of the United States.

Reports to: Vice President, Development

Classification: Exempt

Position type: Full-Time Employee

Pay Band: $100,000 - $150,000

The Senior Director, Development must reside in the Northeastern Region of the United States ( Maine, New York, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, District of Colombia, Virginia).

Blue Star Families

We're a growing non-profit (Military Service Organization (MSO)) with a history of delivering innovative solutions. We're the team that senior DoD leaders seek out when they want ground truth on issues facing our military families. Our team members are motivated individuals who help each other do remarkable things for military families to bridge the civilian-military divide every day. We deliver first-class solutions that transform the military experience for military family members. We operate in an agile arena where great minds come together to make life better for military members and their families. We focus on data-driven insights while understanding the value of spirited storytelling. And we do all this in a highly flexible, virtual environment with unlimited PTO, time off for military moves, paid holidays, 403b match, and benefits! Our diverse and inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging among our team resulting in innovative and creative decision-making.

Are you ready to make a difference for the families of those who serve our great nation? We are the ideal match for the innovator, the out-of-the-box, strategic thinker who understands the value of social impact. You are self-motivated, curious, and have a passion for doing good. Challenging objectives, pivoting priorities, and the ability to react to an ever-changing environment that allows your true strengths to shine.

General Description

The Senior Director, Development (SDD) is responsible for building relationships with prospective donors, primarily corporate and foundation, and stewarding existing supporters across multiple sectors to ensure annual targets are met. The SDD is well organized, proactive, relationship-driven, and donor-centered with the ability to excite donors about BSF’s mission and impact. The SDD stays informed on philanthropic and marketing developments in the field and is comfortable researching donors and crafting appropriate strategies. The SDD is an excellent fundraiser and manager with sharp public speaking skills with the ability to deliver persuasive presentations to a range of audiences, including C-suite level donors and prospects and high-net-worth individuals. The SDD will be familiar with the New York philanthropic landscape, and will be able to build upon relevant experience and relationships to support BSF efforts in New York and nationwide.

Key Job Functions

Fundraising

Secure at least $ 3 million in revenue to support Blue Star Families (BSF) by leading development activities within the first 18 months. Manage and build a portfolio of more than 100 prospects and partnership expansions, at various stages in the moves management pipeline, that result in deeper relationships and new /increased revenue for BSF. Work with the Vice President, Development to create and execute an annual outreach plan with stated goals, objectives, and KPIs. Refine the plan quarterly based on current events, environmental changes, and emergent opportunities. Collaborate with the individuals and departments across the organization to achieve revenue and donor engagement goals. Collaborate with colleagues on program and budget planning efforts. Lead donor stewardship efforts for portfolio along with donor database and prospect management. Develop and implement custom proposals around BSF strategic priorities, mobilizing necessary internal and external resources to ensure all partnerships are effectively executed and partners’ needs are fully met. Support other functions as needed to support fundraising objectives.

Donor Research, Communications, and Stewardship

Use SalesForce appropriately to maintain the accuracy and integrity of BSF donor data. Help develop stewardship strategies for donors in SDD portfolio and help build a sustainable BSF stewardship program. Serve as the relationship manager for a portfolio of current and potential funders; responsible for maintaining funder briefs and setting donor investment and stewardship strategies, including research, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term relationship management. Develop and update prospect research reports and funding profiles.

Department Coordination

Provide updates at Team and Departmental meetings. Collaborate and coordinate with the BSF Chapters Team, Social Impact and Programs Team, and Storytelling and Experience Team for fundraising coordination and activities/events. Assist BSF colleagues with the creation of development collateral and assets for proposals and relationship offerings. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Experience, Skills, Background

Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or communications, or related experience. 8-10 years of experience in fundraising and development for nonprofits. Ability to create, cultivate and maintain partnerships and relationships Significant experience with New York funders. Public speaking and presentation experience. Entrepreneurial temperament, and the ability to execute the development plan without continuous supervision by superiors. Excellent interpersonal, communications, and organizational skills. Proficiency with Google Suite applications (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Slides). Proficient in database management and handling confidential donor information; Salesforce or equivalent CRM experience preferred. Demonstrated ability to multi-task and innovate effectively in a fast-paced environment and produce results while being able to adjust to changing circumstances, deadlines, and parameters with a positive and ambitious attitude. Ability to plan, manage, and lead projects. Ability to lead and motivate both remote and in-person teams. Up to 50% local and out-of-town, overnight travel is required. May be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to carry out key job functions. Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment up to 30 lbs.

Desired Experience, Skills & Background

Master’s degree preferred in business, marketing or communications, or related experience. Familiarity with membership-driven organizations. Familiarity with the military community. Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.Works and communicates effectively with people from different backgrounds, and fosters teamwork.

More About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families empowers military and Veteran families to thrive by connecting them with their civilian neighbors — both people and organizations — to create strong communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another.

Our groundbreaking research is raising the nation's awareness of the unique challenges of military family life. With the help of neighbors across the country, Blue Star Families is overcoming the isolation and alienation of frequent moves, deployments, and reduced support from the government. Our innovative programs are solving specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.

Blue Star Families is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

EEO Policy

Blue Star Families is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why Blue Star Families?

Virtual/remote nonprofit organization that moves with you (position specific) Career growth opportunities Excellent benefits (403(b) with matching, Flexible Spending, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Communications Allowance, and more) Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Leave for Active Duty Military Spouses On-the-job professional development training Front-line opportunity to positively impact the military experience Competitive salaries Workplace flexibility