CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

Director of Fund Development and Communications

POSTING DATE:          March 6, 2012

REPORTS TO:              Executive Director

HOURS:                        Full-time, 40 hours/week, includes some evenings and weekends

PAY RANGE:                DOE

BENEFITS:                   Medical, Vision, Dental, Life/Disability, Vacation and Sick Leave

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), a nonprofit housing organization serving Seattle and the Puget Sound region, is seeking a full-time Director of Fund Development and Communications.  The Low Income Housing Institute develops, owns, and operates housing for the benefit of low-income, homeless, and formerly homeless people in Washington state; advocates for just housing policies at the local and national levels; and administers a wide range of supportive service programs to assist those we serve in maintaining stable housing and increasing their self-sufficiency.

LIHI’s portfolio includes 1,845 affordable rental & homeowner units in Seattle and surrounding areas. We house a diverse population formerly homeless and low-income individuals and families including veterans, senior citizens, women and children at risk,persons with disabilities, immigrants, refugees, young adults, and the working poor. LIHI has been an extremely productive low-income housing developer for 20 years. LIHI is at the forefront of developing green affordable and sustainable housing as well as creating innovative solutions to homelessness.  LIHI provides a range of supportive services to residents and operates the Urban Rest Stop in downtown Seattle to provide free showers, laundry and restroom use for homeless men and women. 

Non-profit organizations who serve the most vulnerable populations are hardest hit from the impact of our economic recession.  As the need for affordable housing continues to grow, fundraising in this current environment poses unique challenges as well as opportunities. 

LIHI seeks an experienced leader in the fund development and communications field.  As a member of LIHI’s senior management team, the Director will assess the organization’s fundraising capacity and develop a comprehensive fund development and communications plan which aims to expand outreach and enhance agency presence through communication and marketing strategies, build upon the existing individual donor base, increase and develop strategic foundation and corporate partnerships, and organize events and campaigns to carry out the vision. The Director will supervise the part-time Grants Manager and Fund Development Associate and will serve as an advisor to staff, senior management, the Board of Directors, Auction Coordinator and other contractors on fund development and communication goals and strategies.

The Director will assist in creating a compelling organizational narrative and messaging to reach a broader audience of donors and supporters and continue to enhance our media, public relations, website, and social media presence. The candidate must have outstanding writing skills and demonstrated expertise in fund development.  

Primary Responsibilities include:

 Fund Development

  • Supervise Grants Manager (part-time) to ensure that all donor and funding prospects are researched and identified to increase funding base.
  • Maintain strategic relationships with donors and funders and cultivate new relationships with private foundations and corporate entities.
  • Supervise Grants Manager in the creation and maintenance of a donor calendar and ensure that all grants are submitted in timely manner; maintain a data base of all existing grants and reporting requirements and ensure timely submission.
  • Oversee development and implementation of a new strategic Fund Development and Communications plan.
  • Supervise Fund Development Associate (part-time) to maintain updated donor data base; identify and implement strategies to expand LIHI’s individual donor base.
  • Ensure coordination of LIHI’s fund development reporting with accounting reports.
  • Prepare annual Fund Development department budget and regular reports as required.
  • Coordinate all fundraising and public relations/promotional events as required; work closely with Auction Coordinator on annual gala and auction event.
  • Develop Major Gifts program.
  • Other duties as required.
Media and Communications

 

  • Develop and maintain strategic relations with all media organizations and key contacts; develop all media releases and work closely with Executive Director on handling media inquiries.
  • Develop all LIHI branding strategies, social media tools, monthly email newsletter, and all forms of marketing materials.
  • Assist in development of Housing Washington, a state-wide quarterly publication.
  • Provide necessary support and assistance to Executive Director, staff, and Board members regarding public relations, marketing, and communication efforts.
  • Prepare communications or policy reports as required.
  • Liaison and coordinate with LIHI’s Volunteerism & Outreach Coordinator on projects as necessary.
  • Other duties as required.
Qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability in evaluation, development and implementation of a comprehensive fund development and communications plan.
  • Demonstrated leadership in planning and organizing.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage successful fund raising campaigns.
  • Familiarity with the foundations and corporate giving, and the local donor community; familiarity with regional and national trends in philanthropic giving is desired.
  • Experience securing and maintaining major gifts from individuals.
  • Experience with grant management software.
  • Expertise in preparing content for websites and effectively utilizing social media tools (email marketing, Facebook, Twitter, blogs, and such).
  • Strong writing and communication skills.
  • Three years or more years of supervisory experience (fundraising personnel preferred). 
  • Able to perform multiple responsibilities simultaneously, detail oriented and strong creative problem solving skills.
  • Bachelor degree in communications, marketing, or related field required.
  • Master of Public Administration or related field is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with local affordable housing and/or social service field./li>
  • Knowledge of public, private and non-profit responses to poverty and homelessness.

 

If interested in this position, please send résumé and a cover letter addressing your qualifications to:

 

The Low Income Housing Institute

Attn: Human Resources

2407 1st Avenue, Seattle, WA  98121

Fax: (206) 443-9851       Email: hr@lihi.org

For more information review our website at www.LIHI.org.

 

Closing date:  Open until filled.

 

The Low Income Housing Institute is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified women and minorities are encouraged to apply.