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Byrne Pelofsky + Associates client partner Urban Neighborhood Initiative, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking an experienced fundraising professional to join its staff as Director of Development. Byrne Pelofsky is assisting with the search.  Please note the application instructions below.

Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI), one of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Big 5 Ideas, is a nonprofit organization established to revitalize neighborhoods in a target area in Kansas City’s urban core, focusing on health and safety, education, and prosperity for generations to come. UNI is a comprehensive community change effort implemented through collaboration of partners with a shared vision of, and commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and growing healthy and safe communities where children learn and play, families live in quality housing, and parents work in stable jobs.

Responsibilities
The Director of Development will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Board of Directors and donors. The Director of Development will be charged with growing and maintaining a diverse development department for the UNI. This will include maintaining past funding relationships while also identifying new opportunities. The Director of Development will likely devote 75% of his/her time to overseeing major gifts, grants and annual giving while spending approximately 25% of his/her time on administrative activities.

The Director of Development will manage all aspects of UNI’s development program, including the following areas:

Major Gifts
Create and carry out strategies to increase unrestricted income, particularly through individual gifts. Secure meetings with major gift donors and prospects and engage them in face-to-face solicitations. Prepare and guide the President/CEO and Board members to build donor relationships.

Annual Giving Program
Work with staff to strengthen and expand fundraising activities that cultivate regular giving. Author and maintain a Resource Development and Marketing Plan that includes print newsletters, e-newsletter, online giving, holiday appeal, annual reports and social media activities.

Grants
Cultivate relationships with foundations and program staff to develop grant applications. Prepare and submit grant applications.

Administration
Ensure timely gift recording and donor acknowledgement in the donor database, including individual giving histories, profiles, interactions, etc. Keep CEO and Board of Directors informed of trends and key donor information. Report to the Board of Directors on development efforts. Serve as liaison with the Development Committee of the Board of Directors

Minimum Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in fundraising, communications or related field
  • At least three years of proven experience in a senior development position, preferably in a nonprofit setting; knowledge of the Kansas City metropolitan philanthropic and business community is highly desirable
  • Must have an outstanding ability to build relationships with a diverse group of people and successfully meet personally with donors and prospective donors; must possess demonstrated leadership skills, as well as excellent oral and written communication skills

Salary commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions
Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references via email only to klord@byrnepelofsky.com. No phone calls please.  The position will remain open until filled.

Learn more about UNI by clicking here.

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