Sr. Director, Development
Chicago, IL, United States
Position Title: Sr. Director, Development
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is the leading peer-focused mental health organization whose mission is to "provide hope, help, support, and education to improve the lives of people living with mood disorders." At the national level, DBSA supports more than 400 support groups and approximately 80 local affiliate chapters. Each year, DBSA reaches more than 1.8 million individuals with support, educational resources, and tools to help individuals living with mood disorders lead productive and fulfilling lives. Additionally, through our advocacy efforts, we amplify peers' voices and work toward systemic change in the delivery of mental health care.
DBSA offers peer-based, wellness-oriented support, empowering services, and resources available when people need them, where they need them, and how they need them. DBSA is available online 24/7 and in local support groups, audio and video casts, printed materials, our chapters, and mental health care facilities across America.
DBSA is led by and created for individuals living with a mood disorder, and that experience informs everything that we do.
OUR VALUES
1. Community —DBSA creates the opportunity for meaningful lives by compassionately engaging with individuals and providing peer-led support groups, educational materials, and wellness tools that focus on resiliency, achievement, creativity, and connection.
2. Inspiration —DBSA celebrates peers' accomplishments, including those of the many talented, successful individuals recognized by the public for their contributions to the world.
3. Wisdom —DBSA advances learning through research and experience while promoting a transformative understanding of mental health through wide, timely dissemination of information about the latest treatments, wellness practices, and lived experiences.
4. Responsibility —DBSA advocates for the right of peers to choose their own paths to mental, emotional, and physical wellness while promoting structures and practices that advance whole health and accessible care for everyone.
THE POSITION
In collaboration with DBSA's senior leadership and the board of directors, the Sr. Director will create and implement a development plan that guides all aspects of the organization's fundraising strategy, including annual, corporate and foundations, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotech industry partners, individual gifts, and planned giving programs. The plan will build on DBSA's current fundraising success and focus on implementing a proactive and strategic relationship management approach.
DBSA recently completed a feasibility study and is in the early planning stages of embarking on a multi-year comprehensive campaign to expand our peer support programs and establish an endowment while also increasing annual giving. This plan includes creating a formal major gifts program focusing on individual giving while building upon our current donor engagement strategies.
The Sr. Director, Development will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DBSA. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Sr. Director will work collaboratively across the organization to ensure continued growth. The successful candidate will work to expand the culture of philanthropy at DBSA and continue the organization's efforts to build a comprehensive development program that meaningfully engages existing donors and attracts new supporters. This leader will play an essential role in setting measurable, short- and long-term goals and establishing metrics to evaluate achievement. The Sr. Director will supervise three full-time fundraising staff members with the potential of adding a fourth staff member in fall 2024, focusing on major gifts. Additional development staffing will be based on the organization's revenue growth.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Sr. Director, Development position includes the following primary responsibilities:
• Fundraising & Management
▪ In partnership with the CEO, leads the development team by developing and implementing work plans, setting short- and long-term strategies, and determining revenue goals.
▪ Motivates and supervises the development team members, establishing measurable goals and metrics for activity.
▪ Builds upon the current comprehensive campaign plans for DBSA, encompassing annual giving, corporations, foundations, industry partners, major gifts, and planned giving programs. A successful track record with growing earned income programs is a plus.
▪ Builds and manages an initial portfolio of 25-75 high-capacity individuals and organizations capable of giving six- to seven-figure gifts, moving these donors and prospects through the donor cycle. Assists the CEO and campaign co-chairs in developing and executing moves management strategies for high-profile donors.
▪ Works collaboratively with the development team to steward and expand the current donor base and oversee growth strategies while using strategic relationship management practices to track the activity, including providing strategic direction for the annual giving program and donor-based communications. ▪ Serves as the primary staff liaison to the board's development committee, developing and managing board fundraising strategies, educating board members about their fundraising role, and supporting their engagement. These opportunities may also extend to DBSA's Scientific Advisory Board.
▪ Coaches DBSA leadership, staff, and select volunteers in building and executing fundraising strategies and solicitations. Supports the fundraising role of the CEO by providing guidance and preparation on donor strategy and outreach.
• Donor Relations
▪ Works diligently to establish influential relationships nationwide within the mood disorder community, including industry partners, corporations, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals.
▪ Identifies opportunities, relationships, and partnerships for new and increased revenue generation.
▪ Serves as a cultural leader who can tell DBSA's impactful story and inspire giving.
• Operations & Systems
▪ Manages the development department's budget, utilizes fiscally responsible spending practices, and makes strategic decisions with the CEO and CFO to have the highest return on investment while working collaboratively to achieve organizational goals.
▪ Evaluates, analyzes, and interprets fundraising data and information to advance development activities while applying fundraising best practices to DBSA's work.
▪ Serves as primary liaison with program staff to interpret information related to new and existing programming and alignment with funding prospects in all donor categories.
▪ Fosters an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration and oversees the professional development of fundraising staff, including initiating training and mentoring opportunities for staff to enhance their skillsets in fundraising and relationship management.
▪ Identifies measurements necessary for fundraising, both qualitative and quantitative, and oversees the use of Raiser's Edge data capture, analysis, and reporting.
• Other duties
▪ Develops and maintains positive, collaborative working relationships with the senior leadership team, staff, board, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders
donor-based communications. ▪ Serves as the primary staff liaison to the board's development committee, developing and managing board fundraising strategies, educating board members about their fundraising role, and supporting their engagement. These opportunities may also extend to DBSA's Scientific Advisory Board.
▪ Coaches DBSA leadership, staff, and select volunteers in building and executing fundraising strategies and solicitations. Supports the fundraising role of the CEO by providing guidance and preparation on donor strategy and outreach.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email your resume and cover letter for consideration. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.
DEDICATION TO AN EQUITABLE WORKPLACE
• DBSA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of any form of discrimination and harassment. DBSA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through our equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training.
• At DBSA, we make a point to celebrate our differences and respect each other's unique perspectives. It is core to the work we do.