Assistant Director of Development, Heartland Forward

Job Description

Heartland Forward is seeking a skilled fundraising professional to serve in the role of assistant director of development to help implement and manage the fundraising strategy.

Summary

The Assistant Director of Development will help spearhead development efforts for Heartland Forward, a new position in the organization, supporting the work of the current Director of Development and the entire team.

Responsibilities

• Meet prospective donors, funders and supporters and develop relationships for funding.
• Help grow a major gifts program including the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors. Must be able to ask prospects for major gifts.
• Own and manage a portfolio of 50+ prospects.
• Hold 11 scheduled engagements/meetings with prospects monthly with at least 50% of them being new prospects to cultivate.
• Perform prospect research to evaluate prospects
• Responsible for conducting the full range of activities required to prepare, submit, and manage proposals
• Comply with all reporting and stewardship required/expected by donors
• Maintain records of donations including tracking and reporting
• Manage the fundraising database -- SalesForce, gift processing and tracking systems
• Acknowledge all donations and pledges
• Coordinate the organization of special fundraising events
• Develop, update and track proposals and reports through the solicitation calendar
• Work closely with director of development, chief communications and development officer and president and CEO.

Who we are looking for:

Basic qualifications for the role:

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising
• Entrepreneurial and/or start-up experience
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills with an ability to present to small and large groups of people
• Operate standard office computer applications and manage databases and spreadsheets. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications to include Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; and standard office equipment to include copiers, fax machines, telephones required

Additional preferred qualifications and helpful experience includes:

• Experience working in small to medium sized companies or a start-up environment
• Ability to navigate and use relational data base including gift management systems, prospect tracking, and the creation and management of reports
• Interface with high profile corporate leaders and philanthropists
• Relate well to donors to strengthen relationships between them and the leadership and board of Heartland Forward
• Ability to create and manage small and large events
• Work well under pressure of deadlines and meeting stated goals

Characteristics that support success:

• Unquestionable ethics and integrity. Demonstrated ability to protect privacy and maintain discretion in dealing with highly confidential information.
• Very strong interpersonal skills, professional demeanor, and ability to maintain grace under pressure when adapting to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities.
• Must be a self-starter who takes initiative.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Resourceful team-player, solution-oriented, intellectual agility, and the ability to analyze and think critically.
• Effective independently and in a semi-remote environment.
• Remain accessible and responsive beyond business hours.

Location: Negotiable

About Heartland Forward

Heartland Forward is a 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan, nonprofit “think and do tank,” focused on improving the economic performance in the center of the United States by advocating fact-based solutions to foster job creation, knowledge-based and inclusive growth, and improved health status. Most research and policy efforts by existing think tanks in the Heartland are focused on their individual state or metro areas within a state. We think a cross-cutting view is critical to solving the region's challenges, and Heartland Forward will fill this void. While recognizing the differences between places in the center of the country, we will analyze the region holistically to identify common issues and solutions.

The Institute will pursue its mission through independent, data-driven research, action-oriented convenings, and impactful policy recommendations. Its flagship convening is the Heartland Summit, a two-day summit where policy leaders, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and economic development officials come together to meet in the middle and pursue solutions to strengthen the Heartland’s economy.

Heartland Forward is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Additional Information

Location: Negotiable

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising
• Entrepreneurial and/or start-up experience
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills with an ability to present to small and large groups of people
• Operate standard office computer applications and manage databases and spreadsheets. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications to include Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint; and standard office equipment to include copiers, fax machines, telephones required