Director of Development

Director of Development – Generation West Virginia

Generation West Virginia (GWV)  is seeking a Director of Development who will work within a dynamic workplace of talented and committed team members at Generation West Virginia. The Director of Development will serve on the organization’s leadership team and will report to and work as a partner with the Executive Director.

The Director of Development (DOD) will bring proven nonprofit management expertise and experience in economic and community development programs, development/fundraising, finance, operations, and/or other relevant disciplines. Our ideal candidate is people-centered, results-oriented, and brings strong passion for the mission of Generation West Virginia.

Over the last several years, GWV has been successful in securing several federal grants and regional philanthropic support. Going forward, we are seeking a Director of Development who can elevate that work, bringing a proactive and strategic approach to relationship building that will result in an increased number of foundation and individual donors and growth in our overall fundraising.

About Generation West Virginia

We are working toward a vision of West Virginia where challenges are seen as opportunities, young people are drivers in our state’s future, and the Mountain State is a destination for young talent to live, work, and thrive.

West Virginia is one of the few states in the nation with a declining population. In confronting this reality, one thing is very clear: the state’s future depends on its ability to support its young talent.

Generation West Virginia (GWV) is the statewide organization dedicated to equipping  young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. We achieve this by:

• Supporting West Virginia’s workforce needs by connecting young people to jobs and opportunities in the Mountain State
• Providing accessible programs and educational tools that empower and inspire young leaders
• Identifying and communicating the priorities, motivations, and needs of the next generation of West Virginians
• Developing and sustaining an activated, diverse network of young people

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Director of Development will serve on the organization’s leadership team and will report to and work as a partner with the Executive Director.  The DOD will oversee the Marketing & Communications Manager.

Fundraising and Development

• Create and implement the annual development plan as part of the organization’s annual budget, including strategy for individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and foundations
• Develop compelling narratives to explain our mission and build a case for support
• Research and scope new potential funders locally, regionally, and globally
• Lead the organization’s work to maintain and expand foundation grant opportunities by maintaining relationships with foundation staff, managing grant application materials and drafting content, tracking the fulfillment of existing grant deliverables, and writing interim and final grant reports
• Lead the organization’s annual fundraiser in partnership with the Board of Directors as well as other fundraising events on an as needed basis

External Relations

• Oversee Marketing & Communications Manager
• Work with the Executive Director and Program Directors to develop and systemize processes for strategic partnerships that align with program needs and long-term organizational direction strategies, including attraction and retention.
• Attend organization functions and events as needed to represent GWV, including partner events, conferences, workshops, etc.
• Conduct meetings with new prospective funders and attend conferences/ invitations to meet, with the ability to share knowledge about GWV and its programs and make a compelling case for support.

You’d be great for this role if you:

• Have enthusiasm and proven track record for fund development, and foundation grant application experience in particular
• Are excited to build the long-term roots of our growing organization, to continue and deepen our current partnerships, and identify and develop new ones
• Possess superior interpersonal skills and deep curiosity about people, an ability to work with a diverse array of individuals and communities, and a willingness to engage in thoughtful and thought-provoking conversations that drive action, investment and positive change.
• Are ready to tackle challenges that don’t have easy answers, experiment with innovative solutions, mess up, and try again
• Are a “builder” with a demonstrated ability to create systems and strategies for fundraising that allow others to effectively participate; including experience working with electronic donor tracking systems/databases
• Understand and deeply care about West Virginia — you are honest about the challenges we face and at the same time you know a future that reaches beyond “we’ve always done it this way” or “it’s good enough” is not only possible, but already happening
• Have worked 5+ years leading nonprofit development strategies

Compensation and where you will work:

The starting salary for this role is $75,000 – $80,000. Due to the ways in which salary negotiations can perpetuate existing structural inequalities, GWV as a practice does not negotiate starting salary once an offer is made. GWV provides a competitive salary and a benefits package including, but not limited to, dental, vision, and health insurance, paid parental leave (including adoption), and flexible paid time off. At this time GWV provides 100% of medical premiums for staff.

As a statewide organization, we have staff located all across the state, and our day-to-day operations run remotely. This position must be done remotely, somewhere in West Virginia. Travel required approximately 20–30% of the time, including regular in-state travel throughout West Virginia and occasional travel to national conferences and events.

Apply

Applications will be reviewed immediately and the position will be posted until filled. Apply at this LINK where you will be prompted to submit your contact information, a cover letter, and your resume.