QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor’s degree from four-year College or University
• Successful experience in major gift fundraising (minimum of five years preferred)
• Highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in the six-figure range.
• Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop relationships between them and NLCP
• Successful experience in making cold calls as well as developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals.
• Demonstrated passion for education and a dedication to promoting NLCP’s fundraising priorities.
• Experience working with high-level volunteers, donors and colleagues on collaborative activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with donors.
• Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and accuracy.
• Able to manage confidential information with discretion.
• Self-directed and proactive.
• Technologically savvy with excellent written and verbal communication.

JOB GOAL

The Director of External Affairs is responsible for all aspects of  fundraising, advocacy/government relations and communications  This position is a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES    *perform other duties as assigned.

• Develops and executes strategic plan for NLCP’s Development Office regarding fundraising, advocacy/government relations, and communication.
• Supervises the Development Officer and Grants Program Manager
• Manages a portfolio of current and prospective donors.
• Ensure the accurate reporting of financial status.
• Prepares regular reports (gift income, pledge, campaign, prospect, financial, etc.) as well as project-specific reports for leadership.
• Develops relationships with prospects through various cultivation calls, letters, visits and handwritten notes.
• Identifies and implements meaningful engagement activities for donors and prospects; including campus tours and student mentoring.
• Develops written donor cultivation materials, acknowledgements, trainings, and reports as needed.
• Participates in all aspects of the gift cycle:
• Initiates contact with current and potential major gift donors.
• Develops appropriate cultivation strategies for them.
• When appropriate, moves potential donors in a timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.
• Maintains stewardship contacts with donors; adhering to the highest ethical standards.
• Demonstrates a positive disposition, perseverance and conveys sensitivity to the needs of donors.
• Builds relationships with prospects and leverages institutional knowledge in order to identify entry points and connections.
• Actively visits and speaks to donors and prospects, and keeps them informed.
• Produces personalized proposals for donor solicitations.
• Assists in the coordination and execution of individual and major giving events and other donor meetings for cultivation and stewardship (staffing volunteers as needed).
• He/she will work strategically and collaboratively with NLCP’s Board, Associate Board, President, Development Team, other NLCP staff and volunteers to achieve fundraising goals.