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Now Hiring: Development Consultant

Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Inc. (HFHWC) is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, serving the needs of families within Worcester County, MD. HFHWC addresses the permanent housing needs of hardworking families through its Homebuyer Build Program for new homeowners, and Critical Repair Program for existing homeowners.

During its 20+ year history, HFHWC has served over 30 families utilizing these programs. In August of 2018, the affiliate opened Worcester County’s first Habitat ReStore. This resale operation accepts donations of gently used furniture, appliances, and building supplies from the community, and the profits support the mission of HFHWC. 

HFHWC is a multifaceted non profit organization operating to the benefit of the local community in the areas of construction, mortgage lending, social services, and retail sales. HFHWC has experienced substantial growth in the past 18 months and is poised to grow its team with the new position of Development Consultant. 

The Development Consultant fills a critical role in support of the mission of HFHWC. The position serves as the key liaison between the organization and the community through donor solicitation and engagement, outreach opportunities, and key fundraising events and initiatives. Position in Summary:

The successful candidate will spearhead the new development department’s efforts in all facets of donor engagement from identification and solicitation to cultivation in order to increase financial support for HFHWC. Initial focus will target portfolio expansion of recurring and major gifts. The position will grow HFHWC’s network through outreach opportunities with local and state governments, area chambers of commerce, businesses, churches, schools, and partnering organizations. The Development Consultant will be responsible for planning and executing fundraising events and researching and writing grants. He/she will be responsible for meeting a revenue target in accordance with the annual operating budget. These efforts will advance the mission of HFHWC by increasing the organization’s capacity for number of families served, and will simultaneously enrich the experience of donors and community partners.

Key Responsibilities: 

Donor Development and Management: Develops strategy for donor discovery to qualify new donors. Works to create a program in support of regular monthly donation of small gifts, and establishment of major gifts program. Manages donor engagement and retention. Updates the affiliate database to maintain donor records, responds in a timely manner with donor thank you’s and develops a donor acknowledgement program. Responsible for minimum annual fundraising goal from individual donors. 

Event Planning and Execution: Responsible for planning 1 -2 major events and 3 smaller events on an annual basis. Major event concepts will be established in coordination with the Executive Director and Fundraising Committee. Event responsibilities extend from planning and on site execution, to event follow up. Primary duties include the solicitation of business partnerships and sponsorships, selection of and coordination with chosen venues, booking talent and vendors from tents to restaurants and florists, selling tickets, and working with the marketing coordinator to develop the event marketing plan; on site event coordination, and after event follow up including proper documentation for tax reporting purposes for sponsors and attendees. Each event will have a separate revenue goal. 

Grant Writing: Expand upon HFHWC’s current grant programs by seeking out new opportunities

through local, state, federal, and private foundation grants. Expectations will include identification, research, writing and execution of the grants, as well as fulfilling all grant reporting requirements once awarded. These efforts will be supported by the Executive Director and Development Committee. 

Outreach/Relationship Development: Accountable for expanding HFHWC’s existing network by cultivating new relationships with businesses, local and state government, partnering non profits, community leaders, churches, schools, and civic groups. The successful candidate will represent HFHWC at trade shows, chamber events, and other outreach opportunities and present to potential partners. Responsibilities include the solicitation of opportunities, the completion of outreach materials and presentations for each engagement, booth representation and set up, and the ability to tie potential partners to existing HFHWC programs such as the Home Sponsorship Package.  

Working with Volunteers: It is the expectation that the Development Consultant, with assistance from the Volunteer Coordinator, will recruit, train and work with volunteers and interns to enhance the capacities of the fundraising events and outreach initiatives as briefly outlined above. The Development Consultant must effectively work with volunteer counterparts to ensure they are being utilized as vital members of the HFHWC workforce in order to accomplish the mission-driven goals for the organization. 

This position works closely with and is supported by the Executive Director, Marketing & Volunteer Coordinator, and the Development Committee.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate:

•       Understands all of the above duties and what it takes to execute them property (aka has the experience)

•       Has worked in the development office for an established non profit in a leadership role

•       Has a proven and substantial track record for non profit fundraising or sales and business development

•       Loves people and engaging with them both one-on-one and in large group settings

•       Is often described as a leader who is comfortable taking charge in a respectful way

•       Public speaking is second nature

•       Excellent oral, written, and organizational skills 

•       An “idea” person who welcomes the opportunity to bring new and creative concepts into an organization and has the skills to execute them

•       Capable of working independently while meeting aggressive revenue goals and urgent deadlines

•       Is comfortable with “the ask.”

•       Has experience working with and recruiting volunteers, interns, and partners who work on behalf of an organization without compensation

•       Is comfortable stepping into a new role and making it their own, while keeping the best interests of the organization at the forefront

•       Able to work effectively with a small group of dedicated staff and volunteers, and “jump in” to assist with other duties as needed 

•       Is familiar with and believes in the mission of Habitat for Humanity International, and in particular the work of HFHWC

•       Proficiencies: Donor management software, Excel, Power Point, Google Docs and Drive, email marketing, social media marketing (primarily Instagram and Facebook), online event registration platforms (TicketLeap, EventBrite), and working knowledge of online fundraising platforms

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and direct experience required. 

Experience: Minimum of 5 - 7 years working in development/fundraising on behalf of a non profit in a leadership role. 

Management Experience: This position does not have direct reports. However responsibilities will include managing a team of volunteers to properly execute events and certain outreach goals. The chosen candidate will have proven experience to match these core directives. 

Travel: Minimal; primarily within Worcester County, MD

Hours: This is a contract position to start. 20 - 25 hours, with flexibility for the right candidate. Some night and weekend hours will be required in support of events. Hours may exceed 25 during event weeks. Transition to full-time is possible pending measurable success in the role after a certain period of time. 

Position to start: April 1, 2019

Please note: This is not an entry-level position. Only those candidates who meet the minimal qualifications as listed above will receive consideration for the position. 

If you are excited about this opportunity and feel you meet the qualifications above, please send a cover letter showcasing your communication skills, and resume to: inquire@habitatworcester.org

Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

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