Director of Development
Compensation
Annual salary range $70,000 - $75,000
This is a permanent, non-grant funded, full time position that reports to the Executive Director.
This position allows the flexibility for 20% of the time working remotely.
The NJVVMF offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including life, health, vision and dental insurance. We also strongly support professional development and related travel opportunities.
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
We value diversity and seek actively to build an inclusive applicant pool and pursue a thoughtful hiring process, including a diverse hiring committee, carefully designed interview questions, and mindfulness about unconscious biases.
Responsibilities
Major Gifts
The Director of Development for the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation (NJVVMF) is the organization's primary staff fundraiser. This frontline fundraising professional will identify, cultivate, solicit, and build strong relationships with donors, patrons, key businesses, foundations, government, and other community partners.
The NJVVMF's support base is in a crucial moment as we think strategically to shift our core support base away from the Vietnam Era generation. As detailed in our strategic plan, every aspect of our mission and work is impacted by this shift. This position is central to navigating the path forward gracefully and sustainably, ensuring that the legacies of the Vietnam Era remain relevant to current and future generations.
The NJVVMF is in the planning stage of a Capital Campaign to expand our Museum. This position is responsible for the implementation and management of the Capital Campaign through all phases, coordinating activities between the Capital Campaign Committee, Board, and staff to set and achieve fundraising goals.
Oversee all aspects of fundraising including the development of a comprehensive fundraising plan (annual and long range). Key elements of this plan include; annual giving, individual and corporate donor acquisition and cultivation, and revamping our membership program. Develop a legacy giving program and endowment plan. Tracks data using Neon CRM software, develops and oversees fundraising and operating budgets, and fulfills program fundraising goals. Ensure donor acknowledgement, stewardship and public recognition is timely and appropriate; Coordinate and manage communication to donors (i.e. thank you letters, information letters, campaign update letters, etc.)
This position is responsible for raising contributed income each year of approximately $650,000 comprised of 30% special event income, 55% individual and corporate giving, 10% grants, and 5% membership.
Public and Private Grants
Work with the Executive Director to enhance the NJVVMF's grant support. Research and identify funding sources, assist with and draft grant proposals, letters of intent, tracking and reporting on grant requirements, assist with grant submission and administration. Ensure all application materials are of the highest quality and all deadlines are met. Assure that all grant reporting requirements are met during and after the grant agreement. Manage Foundation Search subscription/prospects.
Special Events Fundraising
Oversee sponsorship acquisition and overall event logistics to ensure the success of our signature fundraising events. Work with event committees and key community stakeholders to improve communication with sponsors/donors for these events and ensure a meaningful and positive experience for these people/groups. Develop and implement new events with a focus on expanding our community and support base.
Membership
Manage and revamp membership programs with a focus on the development of members' events.
Communications & Marketing
Manage Communications Manager and collaborate with PR/Marketing Consultants. Manage administrative staff (of two) on project/campaign specifics (i.e. membership, donor acknowledgements and event logistics). Provide strategic direction and inspiration for the communications manager to develop compelling communications materials that spur continuous growth in revenue-generating programming and inform our institutional and individual donors about our innovative programming. This will require both a broad overview and a detailed understanding of the NJVVMF's programs and projects.
Team Management
Manage Development Committee and related Trustees. Work with the Executive Director and Development Committee Chair to define, encourage and implement Board development responsibilities. Monthly reporting to Executive Director and Board on development and Marketing activities
Develop and implement an annual schedule of meetings with the Board Development Committee and all development subcommittees. Regularly meet with the Chair of the Development Committee to discuss and strategize about all development department initiatives, programs, and events. These meetings should include full Committee meeting agendas and preparations. Attend all Development Committee meetings.
Expected to work with regional colleges/universities to recruit interns and graduate assistants to assist with clerical, administrative and research as needed. Responsible for the management of these assistants.
Organizational Mission, Vision, And Values
We understand that museums are reflections of our culture and that our role is continually evolving. Our work is transitioning as the founding members of our community - the Vietnam War Era generation - age and pass on. From new interpretive frameworks and technology to cultivating the support of younger generations, every aspect of our mission is impacted.
Mission
The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation is committed to sharing the experiences of the Vietnam War Era and its enduring legacy with future generations.
Our Memorial recognizes the valor of New Jersey's Veterans and the sacrifices of their families and communities. Our Museum encourages learning by exploring the Vietnam War Era through inclusive and objective exhibitions.
Slogan:
Complex History. Powerful Perspectives. Personal Reflections.
Values
We value the foundation built by Vietnam Veterans and community groups that has enabled us to evolve into a thriving, community-oriented, nonprofit organization. With these values, we look toward our future, while embracing this foundation:
- Relevance: Understanding that museums are reflections of our communities and culture and that our role is continually evolving. A commitment to best practices in interpretation and technology as a means to visitor engagement.
- Inclusivity: Commitment to expanding our understanding and narrative of the Vietnam Era considering new perspectives, historical sources, and scholarship.
- Transparency: Openness in our practices, values, and mission to foster and preserve the confidence of our community.
- Professionalism: Commitment to excellence in support of all aspects of our mission - promoting best practices and professionalism of our staff, board of trustees, volunteers, educational offerings, and collections care.
Vision
Innovative interpretation, best practices in preservation, and excellence in public programming will engage visitors in dialogue that enhances and expands understanding about the Vietnam War Era.
- Grow as an organization into a world-class museum and memorial site with widespread appeal and recognition.
- Maintain the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial as a sacred place where the state's fallen are honored and remembered and where Veterans, families and communities of all generations can find compassion and healing.
- Maintain the Vietnam Era Museum as the premier institution focused on the complex history of the Vietnam War Era:
- Continue to grow our unique collections, preserving diverse experiences and perspectives as historical resources, made accessible to all through current and evolving exhibition design and technology.
- Offer innovative and engaging educational resources and programs that supplement classroom curriculum on the Vietnam War Era for students and educators.
- Educate people of all ages to understand the lessons and legacy of the Vietnam War Era in terms of their relevance to our lives today.
- Present respectful, inclusive and objective narratives in our exhibitions and educational programs:
- Foster an appreciation for the way individual experiences make historical impacts. Through a focus on personal stories, we humanize the complexities of the Era in a relevant way.
- Integrate current historical research into our work so our exhibitions and programs evolve and deepen our understanding about the Vietnam War Era.
Institutional Expectations
Thrives as a member of a collaborative, dynamic and creative small team. Every employee participates as a team member and often steps outside the parameters of their job to assist in other tasks/programs. Works collaboratively with Executive Director, Curatorial and Educational staff as well as Trustees. As a collaborative office, this person will have the support of other staff members as they learn existing procedures and work to improve upon and develop new ones.
Professional Development is a priority amongst our team. Represent the NJVVMF to the highest professional standards with its various public groups (volunteers, veterans, students, members, business and government agencies, and other historical organizations). Maintain a statewide presence for the NJVVMF by participation in philanthropic organizations when possible. Attend and present at professional conferences and workshops to stay up to date on best practices and advances in the field.
Qualifications
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate is an experienced nonprofit professional who will be energized by the challenge of developing a fundraising plan and launching a public capital campaign focused on preserving the relevance of the Vietnam Era's historical legacies.
Thrive in a collaborative, hands-on workplace. Confident and receptive participant in interdepartmental project-focused brainstorming sessions. Creative, yet analytical thinker.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with all kinds of people, especially Veterans and military personnel. Comfortable working with diverse and at times, challenging, groups of people while maintaining their grace and maturity. Strong sense of humor and grace, especially during fast-paced moments. Ability to navigate competing priorities while staying focused.
The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional who takes pride in their work. Strong fiscal background related to budgeting, grant reporting and event tracking/analysis.
Professional Qualities
- Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 4 years of fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization, ideally within the museum, arts and/or culture fields.
- CFRE certification preferred
- Demonstrated experience gleaned from management of a successful capital campaign and cultivating major gifts.
- Proven ability to cultivate donor relationships and close $1000+ gifts.
- A deep understanding of the grant process including administration with demonstrable experience crafting letters of intent and grant proposals.
- Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, written communication, and public speaking skills.
- Strong computer skills including Google Workspace, Microsoft Office. Adobe Creative Suite CC a plus. Ability and willingness to learn new software.
- Strong proficiency and understanding of CRM systems. Knowledge of Neon CRM a plus.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evening and weekend work particularly around special events as needed.
- Demonstrated experience working with and motivating Trustees.
- Demonstrated experience managing consultants and vendors.