Description

CASA of Monterey County’s mission is to train and support community volunteers who advocate for children and youth placed in the foster care and juvenile justice systems. The Director of Development is a dedicated professional who embodies the mission of CASA of Monterey County by building strong, lasting support from the philanthropic and broader community of Monterey County. This position adds value to the organization by cultivating and strengthening relationships with donors, acquiring new supporters, and creating diverse giving opportunities for donors whose interests align with CASA’s work. The Director also leads CASA’s marketing and communications strategy, ensuring consistent, and compelling messaging across all platforms to strengthen awareness and support.

Pivotal to success in this position is working with the Executive Director and partnering with a talented Board of Directors and staff team for maximum impact. As a senior-level team member, the Director of Development is a key contributor to creating and implementing CASA’s fund development and communications strategies. This role provides training and support to staff and volunteers to ensure the success of fundraising campaigns, events, and outreach initiatives.

The Director ensures that CASA’s fund development and marketing strategies operate in alignment with its mission and adhere to the highest standards of donor-centric best practices.

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

 Fund Development

•         Inform and train staff and board members on CASA’s case for support
•         Develop, implement, and manage a 12–18 month plan for fund development with diverse streams of income
•         Research, identify, develop, and submit applications for public and private grant opportunities, and prepare timely reports
•         Prepare direct mail and related fundraising appeals (e.g., annual appeal, Monterey County Gives, Friends of CASA) with mission-focused themes and              materials
•         Develop standards and metrics to measure effectiveness and establish benchmarks for success
•         Grow the major gifts program, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, closure, and stewardship of existing and new donors, with a focus on              gifts of $25,000 and above
•         Manage corporate and foundation relationships, facilitating sponsorship outreach and proposals for events and programs
•         Oversee and expand diverse giving options, including recurring giving, planned giving, vehicle donations, and employee match programs
•         Assist in the processing of donations to ensure timely and accurate donor acknowledgment and stewardship 
•         Meet consistently with prospective and active donors to build strong relationships and maintain effective communication
•         Serve as project manager for signature fundraising and donor stewardship events, including planning, facilitating committees, and overseeing post-              event analysis
•         Utilizing fundraising database and tracking systems to provide financial analyses
•         Assist with annual budget preparation 
•         Provide staff support to the Board Development and Marketing/Outreach Committees
•         Represent CASA of Monterey County at conferences, functions and speaking engagements throughout the service area, presenting a professional                  image and promoting CASA's value to constituents

 Marketing and Communications

•         Oversee marketing and communications activities to ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across print, digital, broadcast, and social media                platforms
•         Coordinate with the Social Media Manager to plan and execute content strategies that support fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and community                 engagement goals
•         Oversee the creation and preparation of all marketing and fundraising materials, including the annual impact report, newsletters, end-of-year appeals,          et al.
•         Use a metrics-driven approach to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and outreach efforts, adjusting imagery and messaging in                  response to trends and data
•         Ensure the website is user-friendly and optimized for online donations and engagement
•         Maintain strong media relationships and assist with press outreach and public relations as needed

 Organizational Leadership 

•         Work collaboratively with staff, board members, and volunteers to align fundraising and marketing efforts with organizational goals
•         Participate in strategic planning and contribute to the development of annual goals/objectives related to philanthropy and the organization
•         Abide by and promote ethical fundraising standards
•         Be results and people-oriented, excellent at follow through with a strong work ethic and superb attention to detail
•         Take initiative in promoting new and innovative strategies and opportunities 
•         Undertake special assignments on behalf of CASA of Monterey County as assigned 

Requirements

Education/Experience:

•         Bachelor’s Degree or higher
•         Development Director prior experience (3-5 years) 
•         Experience in a ‘small shop’ organization 
•         Successful record in managing broad scope of fundraising tactics including but not limited to annual giving, grant solicitation, major gifts, and special          events
•         Ability to develop strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and relations
•         Excellent financial analysis skills and reporting capabilities

 Basic Responsibilities:

•         Proficiency with office equipment/technology necessary for success 
•         Excellent written communications and use of grammar
•         Maintain confidential records and reports
•         Interpret and adhere to administrative and organizational policies and procedures
          Comply with all required background checks
•         Successfully complete the CASA Advocate Training program within the first year 

Physical Working Conditions:

•         Evening and weekend hours may be required to meet donors and engage in community events
•         Out-of-area travel rare, but travel within the county routine
•         Frequently perform desk-based computer tasks, sit, and use a telephone, stand/walk 
•         Occasionally light grasping, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 25 pounds, writing by hand

 License and Certificates:

•         Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or comparable certification preferred, supplemented by an active professional affiliation (e.g. AFP)
•         Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license
•         Motor vehicle insurance with a declaration of automotive insurance as required