Job Summary

The Fund Development Lead (FDL) oversees the planning, organization, and direction of all fundraising initiatives for the Fund Development Team. This encompasses major gifts, annual fund campaigns, planned giving programs, special events, and capital campaigns. Working in tandem with the Chief Community Relations and Fund Development Officer (CCRFDO) and the Board of Directors, the FDL crafts and executes strategies to expand and diversify funding sources. The goal is to broaden the council's revenue base through enhanced adult-generated fundraising and other public support channels.

The FDL must work effectively in building relationships with individuals and organizations to secure philanthropic support. Achieving council fund development goals set by the Board of Directors in collaboration with the Fund Development and Communications Committee. Collaborating effectively with volunteer committees, community groups, and staff to ensure successful fund development for Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. Establishing and maintaining systems that promote organizational safety and quality while ensuring compliance with funding source requirements and fundraising standards. Developing and overseeing a comprehensive program for both monetary and in-kind resource contributions to the council. Supervising grant writing activities, including United Way proposals.

This role requires consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in matters of significance. This position is strategic and managerial in nature, not routine, clerical, or administrative. 

Major Accountabilities

This role collaborates with the CCRFDO to design and implement the council's comprehensive fund development strategy. The primary objective is to establish and nurture relationships with potential and existing donors, securing financial support for the council's initiatives. Accountabilities include leading a team to manage a portfolio of at least 150 major donors and prospects, capable of contributing between $1,000 to $250,000; conducting regular prospect engagement, including 15-18 personal visits monthly; identifying potential major gift donors, planned giving opportunities, and prospects from foundations and corporations; utilizing customer relationship management (CRM) systems effectively to research donor history, document interactions, and track proposals; implementing ongoing donor stewardship activities to strengthen relationships between donors and the council; developing and managing an annual travel and expense budget for fund development activities. 

This position requires expertise in relationship-building, strategic planning, and donor management to drive the council's fundraising efforts and ensure sustainable financial support. There is a two-day requirement of being in office and on nonscheduled office days the FDL is required to be in the community promoting, updating, and ensuring fundraising and public support goals are met. While residency in Tarrant County is preferred, it is not a requirement.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Designs and executes a comprehensive, balanced fund development program to meet annual and long-term fundraising goals, leveraging strategic planning, analysis, and budgeting expertise.
2. Implements strategies to boost individual donations through various channels, including planned giving, alumnae outreach, and major gift solicitation.
3. Collaborates with the CCRFDO to optimize fund development resources and engage volunteers in donor cultivation and stewardship.
4. Recruits and oversees the fund development volunteer committees.
5. Fosters a positive fundraising environment within the organization through presentations to staff, volunteers, and community members, working alongside the Fund Development Committee and fundraising consultants when appropriate.
6. Develops and implements annual fund development plans, including marketing strategies for departmental events and activities.
7. Establishes and manages a major gifts program, focusing on systematic development of donor relations and recognition.
8. Identifies, evaluates, and pursues corporate, foundation, government, and other grant opportunities aligned with council goals and resource availability.
9. Devises and recommends appropriate strategies and evaluation mechanisms for grant-funded programs.
10. Manages relationships with United Ways and other grant-funded programs, overseeing proposal preparation and evaluation reports.
11. Supervises the execution of fundraising events.
12. Partners with the CCRDO to monitor and ensure cost-effectiveness of the fund development department's operating budget.
13. Serves as a council representative in various communities, cultivating positive relationships with current and prospective individual and corporate donors.
14. Collaborates with Mission Delivery, Property, and Finance departments to oversee research and writing of grant proposals and corporate funding solicitations.

CORE COMPETENCIES

1. Mission Focused                                                        10.  Customer Service Responsiveness
2. Drives Revenue                                                          11.  Time and Self-Management
3. Strategic Relationship Building                               12.  Information Management
4. Effective Communicator                                          13.  Conflict Management
5. Team Leadership and Coordination                      14.  Organization Knowledge
6. Talent Development and Management                15.  Critical Thinking   
7. Adaptability                                                               16.  Creative Problem Solving
8. Planning and Implementation                               17.  Decision Making and Judgement
9. Fostering Diversity

JOB QUALIFICATIONS - - Knowledge, skills, and abilities

1. Bachelor’s degree required. Ten (10) years of professional experience in fundraising, sales or related profession required.
2. Advanced degree preferred; 3-5 years of success in fundraising at a major gifts level, preferably in a nonprofit environment.  
3. Commitment to the mission and purpose of Girl Scouting.
4. Membership in the Girl Scout organization.
5. Must be willing to work with all persons without regard to race, religion, ethnic origin, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, or disability. 
6. CFRE/AFP Certification preferred but not required.
7. Highly organized with the ability to take direction and handle multiple tasks in a rapid-paced environment required. 
8. The ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines and fund-raising goals required. 
9. Proven ability to work well with diverse groups; excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills required. 
10. Management and supervision experience preferred. 
11. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
12. In partnership with the council’s mission delivery and finance departments, oversee research and writing of grant proposals and corporate solicitations for funding.
13. Proven ability to lead a team to success and foster a culture of accountability, inclusiveness, teamwork and collaboration with others; experience implementing and managing performance measurements to achieve success.
14. Proven ability to work with volunteers, community leaders, organizations, and businesses to advocate and promote the value and mission of the organization.
15. Proven experience in strategic planning, analysis and budgeting.
16. Ability to work a flexible schedule including travel, nights and weekends. Evening and weekend events, significant local travel and some out of state travel is required.
17. Have and maintain a valid Texas driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, acceptable insurance, and reliable transportation.
18. Must complete and pass a criminal background check, motor vehicle records check, and drug screening.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee should be able to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

    CFRE/ AFP Certification preferred.