Communications & Development Professional

Job Description

Job Description : \n\nPlease read : At this point in time of the Brazos Valley Food Bank (BVFB)’s history, we need committed, ethical and talented fundraiser who has demonstrated experience in finding, strategizing and successfully obtaining a significant amount of new funds for the organization, while simultaneously overseeing the work of a department / team to successfully sustain a $4 million base of annual funding. We need someone with major gift solicitation success (individual asks of over well over $5,000 regularly), success retaining those supporters, demonstrated ability in managing a high performing team and Department and past success in implementing a major communication plan across Departments of an organization. Full Job Description Below : Facility : Brazos Valley Food Bank (BVFB) Position : Full-time (30 hrs. / week; exempt)Position Title : Communication & Development Professional (CDP) Department Name : DevelopmentReports To : Executive Director Pay Range : $60,000-$70,000 / annuallyClassification : Exempt Job Summary of the Communication & Development Professional : The Communication & Development Professional (CDP) leads the Development Department, (a sub-department of Administration), which plays a supporting role to the departments of Operations and Programs. The Development Department includes the key functions of fundraising and communications / marketing. The CDP is responsible for sustaining, growing and diversifying BVFB revenue; ensuring the successful execution and outcomes of BVFB’s Special Events; oversight and delegation of external communication requests, as well as development and / or updating of collateral and / or processes for BVFB’s portfolio of marketing tools (website, social media, fliers, emails, media advisories, etc.). The CDP will display great passion and optimism for Development and Communication tasks; balance ambition with humility; be researched and intentional in action; understand the importance of collaboration across departments, while also being a team leader who drives results and remains mission and donor centric. Department culture should emphasize quality and meaningful relationships and content; truth in advertising; dignified portrayals of people facing hunger; appreciation for all contributions of all donors and all BVFB Departments; a healthy harmonious work environment that embraces innovation in research / technology, cross department collaboration and transparency, all while exemplifying core BVFB values. CDP supervises the Communications & Development Coordinator (CDC), who supervises the Community Experience Assistant (CEA), reports to the Executive Director, and works closely with the Fundraising & Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors. Hybrid work (some in office and some from another location) within the set work schedule may be considered for the right candidate. Strategic OperationsDevelopment (60% of time)Overarching Values for this WorkAppreciation for all DonationsEnsuring Quality Experience for Supporters Privacy, Confidentiality and TransparencySustaining BVFB RevenueParallel with BVFB’s Annual Organizational Budgeting Process, developing a written, annual fundraising plan that captures all existing sources of revenue (direct mail campaigns, special events, known 3rd Party Fundraisers, renewal grants / trust / foundations), with estimated revenue projections, in partnership with the entire Development Team, to be reviewed by the Executive Director and Fundraising & Marketing Committee of the Board of DirectorsWorking with the Development Team, ensuring deadlines for individual aspects of the sustaining funding strategy are documented, charted, and adhered to, leaving room for needed pivots, unexpected changes, etc. Direct Mail : Guiding the Direct Mail strategies and annual budget with BVFB’s contracted company, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Director’s Fundraising & Marketing Committee and Development StaffWith the Development Team, ensure that resources are gathered, discussed, prioritized, and submitted by deadlinesTracking direct mail outcomes (Rate on Return, results compared to budget, new donors, average gift size, etc.) and reporting monthly to the Executive Director and Fundraising & Marketing CommitteeWritten Proposals : With Development Team, ensure that BVFB’s grants portfolio is effectively managed Resources and data are gathered in a timely fashion for applications and reportsApplications and reports are reviewed for accuracy and clarity and submitted by or before deadlinesGrant funds are spent according to funder requirements and timelines. Collaborating with other Directors when issues ariseAssist Development Team and / or Program staff in defending proposals, when needed Special Event CoordinationManages pre-event progress Ensuring planning begins early with the Fundraising & Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors, including dates, locations, goals, etc. and coordinates across departments internally, when appropriateWith the Development Team, secures annual support for events early, then, based on existing donors and new donors, outlines additional sponsors to solicit to meet goals. Gets buy-in of selections from Executive Director and the BoardEnsure development and timely submission of application or donor proposals that may be required from corporations, foundations, and / or major donorsEnsures asks are being tracked and outcomes recordedLiaison with event location, handling contracts, layout design, IT, food, and any other logistical concerns, in consultation with the Executive Director and Fundraising & Marketing Committee Strategies with the Fundraising & Marketing Committee calendar for advertising, including use of various media, including social mediaDevelops and communicates plans for the Board, other volunteers, and staff roles for the actual event Oversee other tasks as needed (ticket / raffle sales, etc.)Event coordinationPoint of contact for event questions, unless delegated to another appropriate personEnsure event plans have been implemented and are correctTroubleshoots unexpected challengesPost-event Ensures all donations are accounted for correctly and acknowledged (monetary and in-kind)Facilitating Strengths Opportunities Aspirations Results (SOAR) meeting with pertinent playersEnsures all other loose ends are tied up 3rd Party Fundraisers : With Development Team, secure written commitments, and dates well in advance for annual fundraising events done for BVFBEnsuring reporting of outcomes for each ask within each strategy is documented, including detailed notesMaintaining consistent, professional relationships with different donors, 3rd Party partners, contacts within different entities to ensure satisfaction, alignment, etc. Increasing & Diversifying BVFB RevenueMonthly reporting to the Executive Director and Fundraising & Marketing Committee of the Board of Directors : Written analysis of the breakdown of BVFB’s overall funding, noting trends, changes and researching context (year over year, external factors influencing, etc.)Deep dive analysis of individual funding sources, charting results to budget, results to previous month and previous yearBased on findings, development, and implementation of specific, actionable activities to pivot to capture more revenue, with timelines and responsibilities delineated, including but not limited to : Major donors (individuals and / or corporation) ask (in person meetings or proposals, when requested), with the Executive DirectorResearching and selecting new grants (private and government), Trust & Foundations and corporations to pursueSoliciting and stewarding monetary gifts from other BVFB supporters - volunteers / volunteer groups and food donors - with assistance and cooperation with relevant Operation Department team membersAnnual meetings with each Board Member, with the Executive Director, to discuss specific ways each Board Member plans to assist with fundraising that year (individual giving, introductions to make, sponsorships, etc.)Proactively marketing and solicitating Donor Advised Funds (DAF) and other Planned Giving opportunitiesAdditional focus on untapped donors in outer counties (Burleson, Grimes, Madison, Robertson, and Washington)Community Networking to increase and enhance relationships, including representing BVFB at various business meetings, conferences, ribbon cuttings, etc. Monthly meetings with Directors and Accounting & Finance Professional to chart plans for potential new opportunities, determining : Where funds are most needed, as well as best intersection of donor desire and BVFB offeringsFollow-up with the Development Team on course of action and responsibilities to complete the asksDonor Recognition, Appreciation & EnhancementWith Development Team : Ensuring the integrity, organization, and confidentiality of all development records (donor, neighbors, etc.)Verifying through monthly reports from the team that all donors have been adequately and accurately acknowledged, according to IRS regulationsDevelop, discuss with the Executive Director, then implement budgeted and sustainable efforts / campaigns to acknowledge, appreciate, and retain donors more creatively and comprehensivelyDevelop, get approved and implement new donor education strategies (i.e., virtual coffees with the CDP / Executive Director, tours of the facility, etc.)Identify and cultivate relationships with potential event sponsors, including corporations, foundations, and individual donors.Policy Development & ImplementationResearch, draft, and get reviewed by the Executive Director and / or appropriate Committee / s of the Board of Directors, various fund development / fundraising processes and procedures, such as : Organizational Gift Acceptance PolicyMonetary Donor Recognition Guidelines (photo Opps, social media posts, etc.) by financial gift size, frequency of donations, etc. Guidelines for size of donations that necessitates BVFB staff engagement (such as recruiting volunteers, staffing a table at an event, being fiscally responsible for collecting funds at the event, etc.)OtherCommunication (40% of time)Overarching Values for this WorkTruth in AdvertisingDignified Portrayals of People Facing HungerPrivacy, Confidentiality and TransparencyMedia Advisories / Press ReleasesWith Executive Director, develop and send media advisories and / or press releases regarding organizational updates of interest to the public When directed to do so by the Executive DirectorBe point of contact for all incoming media requests and delegate to staff when appropriate Conduct in-person and / or in studio interviews alone or with BVFB subject matter experts Story & Photo BankingEnsuring BVFB has ample, varied (by type and location) stories and photos ofNeighborsAgency PartnersVolunteersDonorsBVFB Departments and Programs in actionFor use in direct mail, website, print and other electronic communications, etc. Boilerplate Information UpkeepEnsures the Communications & Development Team update annually and alerts All Staff ofNew Map the Meal Gap data, specifically providing Brazos Valley indicators and Brazos Valley averagesWhat $1 a BVFB gets a donorNew income eligibility guidelinesBVFB’s Administrative overhead percentagesPrint MediaAnnual ReportWith the Executive Director, develop high level look, tone, and overarching themes of BVFB’s Annual Report. Work with CDC to draft the report according to agreed upon look, etc. Develop and with the CDC implement creative ways to disseminate the Annual Report to the public, media, constituents, funders, etc. With Development Team and in collaboration with Operations and Programs staff, create high level yet engaging marketing tools for the organization (one pagers, fliers, post cards, etc.) Develop and maintain a system to track marketing value of each strategyElectronic MediaDevelopment and editing of various videos demonstrating the work of BVFB – for use with volunteers, donors, visitors, during off site presentation for the website, etc. Ensuring BVFB’s website is easy to navigate, has the most to date information, has a consistent tone and reflects the communityOversee website content management and maintenance for donor related sectionsDevelop and maintain a system to track marketing value of the websiteResearch, choose with other Directors, then implement an organization-wide social media collaboration and integration plan for BVFB. Update and train as neededDevelop and maintain a system to track marketing value of social mediaDevelopment of ads for TV or other media, when neededWith the Development Team, set a schedule and develop eblasts to supporters not focused around an askReview and approve all marketing and education materials related Communications and Development, including social mediaPublic Speaking / ToursPoint of Contact for Requests : Point of contact for external requests that are not volunteer related for partnership with BVFB, including Speaking Engagements, Tours, class projects, attendance at events, etc. When directed to do so, speaks publicly in a wide variety of environments about BVFB and how they address hunger in the Brazos ValleyOrganizes and presents information and responds to questions from groups, donors, partners, volunteers, managers, clients, and the publicPolicy Development & ImplementationResearch, draft, and get reviewed and approved various fund development, fundraising policies, and procedures, such asDevelopment of Communication Style GuideDevelopment of a Crisis Communication PlanUse of AI in the Department policySocial Media comments response policyEtc.Department FocusDepartment GoalsWith Development Department team (and all available data and dialogue with the Programs, Operations and Finance Departments), setting the annual operational goals for Communication and Development, keeping people facing hunger as the focus of these goalsEmpowering the Development Department team to frame those goals into action items (annual workplans) to achieve those goalsEnsuring clarity around the person responsible, timelines, etc.Ensuring staff performance assessments are in line with the annual department goals assignedRoutinely assessing progress on those goals and workplans, charting new courses of action, when neededInter-Departmental CoordinationParticipate in interdepartmental work groups to create systems and processes that interact and work well with other systems and for all staff involvedDevelopment and Accounting / FinanceReview monthly reports to ensure all revenue is coded correctlyRegularly reconcile department records against each otherRevenue projections for the Annual Organizational Budgeting processDevelopment and OperationsBrainstorm and create actions plans, designating who is responsible, to realize new ways to collaborate, including deepen volunteer commitment through donatio