Wilkinson Center transforms the lives of Dallas families by providing pathways to self-sufficiency with dignity and respect through Food and Emergency Services, Adult Education, and compassionate, effective Case Management. We serve our clients at multiple locations throughout Dallas County. Our target population is individuals and families living below the federal poverty level, high school dropouts, unemployed and under- employed adults, and non-English speaking residents. In 2023, we served over 16,000 individuals.

Overview

The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of Wilkinson Center’s fundraising activities including the annual fund, capital campaign, planned giving and major gift programs, and fundraising events. The Director works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors in all development and fundraising efforts and oversees the Development department, made up of three additional team members.  This is a full-time position reporting to the Executive Director.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership, Administration, and Supervision:

• Serve as part of the executive team helping execute the organization’s mission and strategic plan
• Model behavior that reflects a high level of integrity consistent with the organizational culture
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the development function, including supervision of other development staff
• Provide thought leadership to the organization as an expert in fundraising best practices
• Translate annual organizational fundraising goals into executable plans
• Develop and manage the Development Department’s budget
• Provide regular reports on fundraising progress
• Support major gift cultivation and other fundraising activities of the Executive Director and Board of Directors

 Partner Cultivation, Solicitation & Stewardship:

• Responsible for raising $2-$3M annually
• Manage donor strategy and analysis with both an internal and external lens
• Conduct proactive donor cultivation and stewardship planning and execution
• Oversee the execution of fundraising events
• Direct capital and other major fundraising campaigns
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors
• Build the planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequests
• Develop proposals and budgets and deliver presentations via email, phone, and in person
• Maintain gift recognition programs
• Direct the annual fund program, including mailings and annual fundraising campaigns
• Oversee the organization’s donor information within the fundraising database and tracking systems
• Oversee creation of marketing materials to support fundraising activities
• Secure public speaking opportunities for organizational leadership

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university required. At least five years of related fundraising experience required.

Competencies

• Ability to motivate staff, board members and other volunteers toward common goals
• Self-motivated to spend time within the greater Dallas community, build external relationships and initiate donor visits
• Ability to communicate with all levels of personnel, stakeholders, and supporters
• Positive attitude, demonstrating concern for people and the community, a professional presence, self- confidence, sound judgement and active listening skills
• Appreciation and respect for principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Ability to set goals and take accountability for outcomes
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects while effectively maintaining a high degree of professionalism and confidentiality in a team-oriented, complex environment
• Write clearly and concisely, using proper grammar, vocabulary, and appropriate tone for a message or audience and speak in a clear, articulate manner

Skills

• Creative, innovative, flexible, with excellent analytical skills
• Ability to read, analyze, apply astute understanding, and to carry out instructions in written or oral form
• Ability to professionally present the organization’s mission, programs, and goals through effective storytelling
• Ability to gather, assess and present mathematical data and research as it relates to the organization
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and solve practical problems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook)
• Ability to work with donor database programs (DonorPerfect a plus)
• Ability to use basic office equipment and the ability to learn and use other software as necessary
• Ability to work occasionally in the evenings and weekends.

Send cover letter and resume to HR@wilkinsoncenter.org