Director of Philanthropy

Organization Overview:

The Potter League for Animals is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and advancing the well-being of Rhode Island’s companion animals. As the most comprehensive animal welfare organization in RI, we impact more than 10,000 companion animals annually. We are a 4-star Charity Navigator-rated nonprofit, ranking in the top 1% nationally, and have been committed to serving the needs of people and animals in the RI community and beyond for over 95 years.

Position Description:

Department/Location: Development – Animal Care & Adoption Center in Middletown, RI
Classification: Full-time, salaried, exempt
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Supervises: Events and Stewardship Manager; Development Associate; Administrative Assistant

Job Purpose

The Director of Philanthropy plans, develops, implements, and leads all fundraising activities for the Potter League for Animals, ensuring adequate funding for operational programs and special project activities. The Director of Philanthropy engages staff and volunteers to foster a culture of philanthropy within the Potter League.

Accountabilities

• Works with the CEO and Board of Directors to set and meet annual fundraising goals. Is responsible for the achievement of the department’s goals and financial objectives.
• Ensures the maintenance of appropriate systems and databases for donor management, research and cultivation, gift processing, and donor recognition.
• Oversees and enhances ongoing donor cultivation.
• Researches opportunities for grants, write grants, and follow up on grant reporting and new opportunities.
• Oversees direct response fundraising, including direct mail, email marketing, donor acquisition, sustainer acquisition, and major donor communication.
• Regularly informs the CEO, Development Committee, and Board of Directors of progress toward established goals and objectives and provides comprehensive recommendations.
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, directs, and guides the performance and professional development of the Philanthropy Team members.
• Maintains accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
• Establishes performance measures and monitors results. Regularly informs the CEO, Development Committee, and Board of Directors of progress toward established goals and objectives and provides comprehensive recommendations.
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, directs, and guides the Development Team members’ performance.
• Ensures that philanthropy and fund development are carried out in keeping with the Potter League’s values, mission, vision, and plans. Maintains accountability and compliance standards for donors and funding sources.
• Creates and adheres to an annual budget for the Development Department. Is responsible for the achievement of the department’s goals and financial objectives.
• Demonstrates initiative and a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of executive leadership while working enthusiastically and cooperatively with all departments and key management staff to ensure that the goals of each department are met.
• Participates as a member of the Senior Leadership Team to lead and support overarching organizational strategies and goals.
• Adheres to all Code of Conduct standards and fosters a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all staff, volunteers, patrons, and supporters.
• Genuinely enjoys people and instinctively shows kindness and compassion to others
• Other duties as requested.

Success Factors

The individual who will thrive in this position:

• Enjoys driving and controlling multiple projects simultaneously, often in a fast-paced environment.
• Instinctively shows kindness and compassion to others.
• Makes well-conceived strategic decisions with independence, authority, and results-oriented.
• Delegates details, as opposed to overall control, with consistent and structured follow-up.
• Maintains high standards, structure, organization, and efficiency both for self and others.
• Is dynamic, outgoing, confident, self-assured, and has a sense of humor.
• Manages a wide variety of personalities with professionalism.

Preferred Credentials and Experience

• College or graduate degree in business or a related subject
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
• At least 10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or philanthropy positions with a record of successful campaigns, events, and donor cultivation strategies.
• Proficient in the use of Bloomerang donor management software.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products, especially Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Savings Plan
• Simple IRA Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Paid Holidays
• Annual Sick Time Bank
• Generous Vacation Time Accrual
• Continuing Education and Professional Development
• Pet Owner Perks and Discounts

How to Apply:

Interested candidates, please apply here.

Direct questions about the position to Laura Chabot, Director of Human Resources, at hr@potterleague.org.

Employment Disclaimer:  This job description is not a contract – management reserves the right to change its contents at any time. This organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.