Vice President, Development at The Gay Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender Community C – Denver, Colorado

Organization Description

The Center on Colfax is the largest LGBTQ+ community center in the Rocky Mountain Region. As a collaborative leader that positively impacts the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in Denver and throughout Colorado, we produce a variety of inclusive programs and events. The Center produces Denver PrideFest including the Festival, Parade and Pride 5K, together forming the largest Pride celebration in the Rocky Mountain Region.

General Description

The Vice President, Development is a key senior leadership role responsible for driving corporate and donor fundraising and event strategies at The Center. This role leads revenue generation through donor engagement, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and special events, including Denver PrideFest.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Leads the fundraising strategy of The Center on Colfax by developing an annual fundraising plan and detailing objectives, budgets, timelines and procedures to successfully accomplish the goals outlined in the plan.
• Coordinates the cultivation of all gift prospects through a strategic, relationship-based major gift strategy encompassing prospect and donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Manages donor relationships; develops and oversees a giving program that includes continually advising prospects and donors on the status of The Center and its programs in order to solicit future gifts and sponsorships.
• Oversees research and development of net-new prospect pipelines to The Center, including individuals, organizations, and foundations.
• Directs the timely and accurate response/acknowledgement of donor gifts, concerns and requests.
• Works with the CEO to further develop and implement a full-service planned giving program.
• Trains, supervises and directs development staff and volunteers in the performance of their respective fundraising strategies.
• Works with staff and contractors to research, apply for, and track grant applications.
• Supervises staff to ensure proper management of the fundraising database, including maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and timely entry of donor data. Ensures that the fundraising database is used to its fullest potential to drive all fundraising success and activities and to track response and participation in Center activities.
• Prepares and manages approved department budget on annual basis to include projected income and expenses.
• Tracks fundraising activities in cooperation with the Vice President, Finance and Administration; prepares fundraising reports for the Board of Directors of The Center.
• Manages the Development Committee of the Board of Directors. Actively works with the CEO and Board to develop individual giving and fundraising plans for each Board member.

Communication in Partnership with the CEO

• Supports the CEO in The Center’s storytelling campaign to highlight our mission and community impact.
• Supports the CEO in developing strategies in cooperation with communications staff and PR partner to engage the community with The Center.

Special Events

• Oversees the organization, preparation and coordination of special fundraising events including Denver PrideFest, annual gala, donor cultivation events, and other fundraising opportunities.
• Develops relationships with corporate sponsors; negotiates sponsorship agreements and directs the implementation of sponsor benefits.
• Oversees and tracks third-party fundraising events including promotions through local businesses; ensures that proper agreements are in place and that donations are secured as agreed to.

Management

• Works alongside the CEO/CCO to support Communications Managers.
• Manages consultants who support The Center’s fundraising, communications, and events.

Other duties

• Shares organizational responsibilities with other senior staff and the CEO of The Center.
• Participates in long-range strategic planning for the organization.

Qualifications

• A minimum of ten years of applicable professional experience.
• Awareness and understanding of the issues and needs affecting Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community.
• Proven track record of successfully executing a major gift program for budgets over $3M.
• Knowledge and experience in major gift solicitation, grant research and writing, planned giving, corporate solicitations.
• Experience managing the planning and execution of special events.
• Experience in management and supervision of personnel.
• Strong commitment to work in a team environment. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities.
• Personal commitment to, and working knowledge of, the work of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and/or ability to learn new computer skills as needed.
• Experience with database/data platforms entry. Salsa CRM preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team member.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Effective communication skills with internal and external audiences.
• The ability to pass a criminal background check is required.

Working Conditions

• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Work in a loud, fast paced and continually evolving professional environment.
• May work in outside areas.
• Occasional lifting up to 25 lbs. with reasonable accommodation.
• Frequent giving, receiving and analyzing of information.
• Frequent use of computers, standard office equipment and Microsoft Office software on PCs.
• May involve some travel in and around the Denver Metro Area.
• Expected to work extended hours as needed.
• Must be available to work Denver PrideFest on the fourth weekend of every June.
• As part of the senior management team, shares responsibility for the safety and security of the physical office.

Disclaimer

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, leadership reserves the right to revise the job or to require additional or different tasks be performed as assigned.