The Organization

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports and fitness. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence, and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $134 million has been raised and over 35,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts impact another 60,000 individuals each year. CAF is headquartered in San Diego, CA. 

Position Overview 

Working under the direction of the Chief Development Officer and with the Sr. Director of Fundraising for the Northeast, the Director will conceive, plan and implement CAF’s Northeast major gift program with strategies for individual major and legacy gifts to support the work of CAF. They will lead the implementation of strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of a portfolio of current and prospective major gift donors & prospects consisting of individuals and family foundations with a giving capability of $100,000 over three years. The Director will additionally identify and pursue opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and real estate. This is a full-time, remote, exempt position. Applicants must reside in New Jersey or Connecticut. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conceive, plan, and implement a major gifts program focused on Northeast prospects that ensures an achievable strategy and timeline in support of the organization’s campaigns/programs and planned giving.
• Qualify and manage an active portfolio of approximately 120 donors and prospects, including individuals and family foundations; manage CAF’s overall Northeast prospect list.
• Create and implement personalized cultivation/stewardship plans and gift requests for each donor within the portfolio, based on their philanthropic focus and maximizing their giving to CAF.
• Actively engage in all aspects of the gift cycle:
  - Initiate contacts with potential leadership and major gift donors.
  - Develop appropriate cultivation strategies for each donor:

o Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.

o Make solicitations when appropriate.

o Design and implement donor recognition strategies and events.

o Provide donors with customized, frequent, and meaningful communication and involvement opportunities.

o Maintain stewardship contacts with donors.

o Update CAF CRM with all donors moves.

• Responsible for reaching a budgeted revenue amount for annual Heroes Heart & Hope gala.
• Work with Donor Relations Associate on wealth screening and preparing profiles of current and prospective donors; establish and refine benchmarks for department research processes.
• Support the fundraising efforts of high-level volunteers, including members of the Board of Directors, local Advisory Council Members, Volunteer Ambassadors and senior staff in securing new and renewed gifts.
• With the Chief Development Officer, create & manage budgets as well as report out on progress to goal for gifts, pledges, and planned giving. 
• Help support existing CAF events and programs in the Northeast. 
• Serve as the local “face” of CAF in the Northeast through networking, donor meetings, attending key meetings and events that support our business and program relationships.
• Ensure that CAF leadership is kept informed about current and active trends, competitors and constituents that are in the CAF marketplace, current fundraising conditions as it relates to changing outside factors like the economy, latest technology and perspective.
• Build and manage a local Northeast “Advisory Council” created to assist you in your local outreach.
• Participate in the effort to create gift-related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. 

• Willingness to travel and be available evenings and weekends related to events or site visits.
• Work requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to lift and small carry parcels, packages and other items, to walk short distances, and drive a vehicle to attend occasional events.

Experience 

• A minimum of 7 years Major Gift experience. Bachelor's degree in related area preferred. 
• Demonstrated ability to initiate major gift fundraising strategies including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition resulting in gifts of $50,000 or more.
• Successful experience in building and maintaining long-term relationships with donors.      
• Successful experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and quickly gain the respect and support of various constituencies including board and staff members, donors, foundation & civic leaders.
• Demonstrated knowledge in written gift proposals and agreements, strategic donor (existing donors and prospects) “moves management” and engagement strategies.
• Ability to present and persuasively convey the mission of CAF to diverse groups including donors, prospects, board members and others who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
• Knowledge of or experience with Adaptive Sports is a plus. 

Skills & Competencies 

• A strong commitment to the CAF mission to the objectives, goals, and programs of the organization. 

· Knowledge of fundraising concepts for gift planning and procedures, as well as current trends in charitable giving, particularly in the areas of major and legacy gifts. 

• Exceptionally strong communication, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within own team, cross functionally, with Board members and Volunteers.

• Knowledge of and proficiency in the use of computers, office equipment and software programs including Microsoft suite, Salesforce and Donor Drive (or other donor databases).

Ability to manage projects, establish and monitor priorities, maintain flexibility and meet deadlines with little direct supervision in a fast-paced environment.

Compensation

CAF offers a competitive compensation package including Health/Dental/Vision insurance, employer paid Basic Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401k match, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, and more.

Location: Fully Remote position

Salary Range: $125,000.00 – 140,000.00 annual base salary depending on experience. 

All applicants are required to provide a Cover letter, resume and salary requirements. 

Diversity and inclusion are a critical component of our business strategy, mission and vision. We welcome candidates from an array of backgrounds and experiences to join our team. Learn more about our commitment here: https://www.challengedathletes.org/diversity-and-inclusion-policy/ 

 CAF is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or veteran status.