ORGANIZATION

Local Matters is a nonprofit working to improve nutrition and economic security, and prevent diet- related disease through equitable food education, access, and advocacy. The organization reaches 15,000 people annually at over 80 sites in the greater Columbus area.

Since 2008, Local Matters has provided essential services that directly benefit the health, education, and quality of life for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. By providing both access to and education about nutritious foods, we are meeting people where they are and filling a critical gap in our community’s services.

We actively strive towards an inclusive culture that values celebration, diversity, equity, and inclusion, collaborative leadership, and integrated education, access, and advocacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director is a critical member of the Local Matters leadership team, overseeing all contributed revenue for the organization. This fund development includes directing and soliciting major donors, foundations, and corporations; directing a major fundraising event; planned giving; and stewardship of all supporters. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years experience leading fund development and an understanding of nonprofit communications strategies for both donor and participant engagement. This individual should be self-directed and must be highly reliable and accountable. The Development Director is a key participant in the growth and impact of the organization with a strong interest in

CORE COMPETENCIES

·      Fundraising Expertise: Ability to direct all elements of nonprofit fundraising including major donor solicitation and retention, grant-writing and administration, corporate sponsorships, government grants, and moves management.

·      Strategic Communications: Exemplary written and verbal communication abilities, with comfort and ability to communicate clearly and concisely across channels including email, grants, donation appeals, marketing documents, and earned media opportunities.

·      Understanding of Relationships and Influence: A keen understanding of the importance of building and leveraging relationships of staff, board, committee, and donors to maximize support for the organization.

·      Financial Acumen: Financial management experience and comfort with budgeting and forecasting.

·      Future-thinking: The ability to observe and translate organization direction, vision, and impact for external audiences that inspire and engage both donors and program participants.

·      Leadership Skills: Exhibits exceptional leadership skills with the ability to direct a team of 1-2 team members and model behavior for the entire organization.

·      Commitment to centering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Experience and comfort with communicating about DEI issues and a commitment to prioritizing DEI-focused, antiracist messaging in internal and external communications.

·      Event Planning: Ability to execute/supervise at least one major fundraiser a year and develop additional stewardship and small fundraising events for major donors.

·      Collaboration: Builds on existing knowledge and expertise of team members to bring innovative ideas to the table to move the organization forward.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee all aspects of development including but not limited to:

·      Identify, cultivate, pursue, and retain major donor, foundation, corporate, and government contributor support to meet annual budget goals.

·      Support the Executive Director in building out strategic direction and identify the funding that will be needed.

·      Create and implement the annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the Executive Director, Development Committee, and Board of Directors.

·      Supervise 1-2 direct reports.

·      Create and coordinate opportunities for the Executive Director and members of the Board of Directors to meet with current and prospective donors.

·      Provide leadership for prospect research, database management, relationship building, cultivation and solicitations, and donor relations.

·      Develop a detailed understanding of the motivations and interests of our supporters.

·      Direct and participate in planning for fundraising events, most notably Local Matters’ signature gala event, Harvest Ball.

·      Prepare donation reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

·      Monitor, analyze, control, and report on contributed income and related expenditures.

·      Plan and supervise direct mail and annual appeal solicitations.

·      Supervise all donor communications.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES

•      Extensive knowledge and at least 5 years experience in leading fundraising, campaign planning and implementation

•      Demonstrable experience and understanding of managing donor/ customer relations

•      Proven fundraising results across varied revenue streams

•      Effective and thoughtful communication skills

•      Staff supervision experience

•      A proven ability to distill complex information and convey ideas to a range of stakeholders.

•      Enthusiasm for the work of Local Matters and an interest in joining an organization which aims to affect significant change

•      Excellent administrative and database-management skills

•      A high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness

•      Ability to work independently with minimal direction

•      Experience on a leadership team

•      Comfortable with accountability

Compensation and benefits: Local Matters offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package for the nonprofit sector including medical, dental and vision insurance; generous paid time off; 11 holidays; a 401k with discretionary match; hybrid work environment with a flexible schedule and a subsidized fitness membership. The salary for this position is $77,500-$85,000. Please provide a cover letter with a resume to employment@local-matters.org by Friday, August 4, 2023. Please direct any questions to employment@local-matters.org. No phone calls, please.

Local Matters is an Equal Opportunity Employer.