Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy, the Associate Director is a fundamental member of the Vail Valley Foundation’s frontline fundraising team. This individual will focus on donors giving lower- to mid-level gifts across all areas of the Vail Valley Foundation. Specifically, gifts ranging from $250- $5,000 and up. This individual will manage a portfolio of current and lapsed Vail Valley Foundation donors as well as create marketing strategies to identify and engage with new donors. The Associate Director will create solicitation strategies and timetables with a focus on attracting new donors to the Vail Valley Foundation. The Associate Director will also be responsible for analyzing and reporting specific metrics as they relate to the VVF’s lower- and mid-level giving. This individual will work collaboratively with the Vail Valley Foundation Development Team on specific projects and initiatives as directed by the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy.
This position is designed for a professional with 2-5 years of relevant fundraising (or professional experience) who is seeking a to grow as a fundraising professional. Excellent communication skills as well as the ability to establish and grow relationships both internally and externally is a requirement for this position. Knowledge of fundraising best practices is preferred but not required.
The Associate Director will have the opportunity and responsibility to raise funds for all aspects of the Vail Valley Foundation including the Vail Valley Foundation Fund, the Vail Dance Festival, Vilar Performing Arts Center, YouthPower365 and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater. This position will work closely with the organization’s marketing and communications professionals to strategize and implement fundraising campaigns. Of critical importance is the ability to work cooperatively and in support of the VVF mission.
This position requires the following skills, knowledge, and abilities:
- Knowledge of successful fundraising principles and practices, gift solicitation experience, and ethical professional standards; non-fundraising transferrable skills may be considered for a highly motivated professional.
- Ability to apply sound judgment and conduct oneself professionally and with integrity.
- Ability to development marketing and communication strategies and work with the VVF team to execute resulting in successfully meeting annual fundraising goals.
- Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, together with the ability to listen to colleagues and donors, and tact in dealing with potential areas of conflict.
- Ability to be discreet and handle highly sensitive and confidential information in a respectful and responsible manner.
- Knowledge of prospect research techniques and an ability to successfully utilize those techniques.
- Strong written and oral communications skills and proficiency in English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Strong organizational skills and high-level attention to detail.
- Ability to work under pressure, effectively plan the workload, and meet assigned objectives independently.
- Must be proficient with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge and proficiency in the use of a fundraising/alumni database – The Raiser’s Edge (“RE”) preferred.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, select holidays and travel out of town as necessary to meet with donors and prospects.
Essential duties and responsibilities:
- Manage a portfolio of 400+ donors and prospects and provide stewardship to donors in the portfolio.
- Consistently meet or exceed annual and campaign related fundraising goals.
- Create cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for all assigned prospects and donors.
- Report and document all contacts in RE and adjust plans as needed.
- Utilize RE to its highest potential including but not limited to updating constituent profiles, recording actions, and creating efficient workflows.
- Other projects related to discovery, cultivation and solicitation of gifts to as appropriate and assigned.
- Support the Development and Finance Departments in adhering to budget goals and budget management.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding all areas of the VVF mission and be able to effectively communicate the impact of the VVF to prospective and current donors in a way that inspires philanthropy.
Required, bachelor’s degree, 2+ years of proven fundraising experience with management experience, direct mail experience and/or relevant experience in sales, marketing, or other related fields; meaningful experience with donor/client stewardship and cultivation, donor/client solicitation/sales, and donor/client moves management, and fulfillment of donor stewardship program.
The ideal candidate should also possess basic knowledge overseeing annual giving programs, volunteer management to assist in events; must have a valid driver’s license and be able to successfully pass a background check.
Successful candidates must provide proof of vaccination for COVID-19 due to the nature of the work of the Vail Valley Foundation. Candidates needing accommodation may be considered depending on the essential functions of the job.
This is a salaried, full time year-round position eligible for all VVF employment benefits.
Salary Range: $51,000 – $62,000 annually (may vary based on experience)
Our employees are a critical part of who we are and employee wellness is an important priority for our organization. As a result, we offer an array of employee benefits, including but not limited to:
- Employee and family health insurance plan
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending accounts
- Life insurance
- Supplemental insurance options
- Short and long term disability plans
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employee Assistance Program
- Added Perks!
- Tickets to shows at the VPAC and GRFA
- FREE ski pass
Please send a cover letter, resume and references.
