Director of External Affaits for Homefirst

The Director of External Affairs is the lead on-staff fundraiser for the organization. The primary focus of the position is one-on-one and small group work with current and prospective individual donors. The day-to-day emphasis of the position is personal outreach, engagement, cultivation and relationship building.  Extensive phone, face-to-face and email communications with donors and prospects is the staple of the position?s duties. Development professionals with high energy for individual donor work, through experience with Majors Gifts, face-to-face Annual Fund work, Capital Campaigns or significant Special Events will be matches with this position. In concert with the Executive Director, Management Team and Sustainability Committee, the Director of External Affairs must be an articulate advocate and spokesperson for the organization.

 

The Director of External Affairs also has broad responsibility for coordination and results on all aspects of Homefirst?s private fundraising efforts. The Director utilizes vendors to produce marketing collateral and media relationships to advance/promote the public profile of the agency. A part time Grant Writer, full time Development Associate and a part time Outreach Coordinator (for volunteer management) report to the position. The highest degree of team work, professionalism, caring and sensitivity in interpersonal relationships is expected from the successful candidate.

 

The organization strongly desires a candidate who intends to stay and grow with the organization for a sustained period of time.

 

Core Candidate Requirements

 

Bachelor?s degree

At least 3-5 years successful fundraising experience, with an emphasis on individuals

Understanding of and commitment to, the mission of Homefirst

Exceptional interpersonal skills with respect and appreciation for diversity

Demonstrated commitment to a career in fundraising, CFRE designation (or work towards completion) preferred

Very strong priority management skills and personal focus 

 

Critical Skills in Priority Order

 

Cultivation ? Donor Relations

Solicitation

Prospect Identification

Board Development and effective skills in working with other volunteer leadership groups

Public Speaking

Persuasive Writing

Foundation/Corporate Donor Work

Comfort using technology

 

Value of Working with Homefirst

 

This position offers a unique opportunity to make a strong positive impact on the growth of services for homeless individuals and families in Union County. In this small, but growing organization, an incoming fundraiser can make an immediate, direct impact on the organization?s success. The working environment is warm, positive and team oriented. The foundation for successful fundraising has been laid, and the possibility of expanding the giving constituency is very good. 

 

Benefits offered include: 4 wks vacation, 13 paid holidays, medical, dental and life insurance, 401K plan with company match after 1 year of service.

 

The office of the Director of External Affairs is located in Plainfield, NJ. The job requires some local travel, primarily within the Union County service area.