Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Foundation Overview:

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is a private not for profit organization committed to raising funds to support the work of the Free Library of Philadelphia. With a mission to ‘advance literacy, guide learning and inspire curiosity’ the Free Library of Philadelphia is building an enlightened community dedicated to lifelong learning. In more than 60 locations throughout the Philadelphia region the Free Library of Philadelphia system has a tremendous impact on supporting the literacy of Philadelphians of all ages. From toddler story hours to workplace readiness programs to engaging author lectures, the Free Library of Philadelphia is one of the most important cultural and educational institutions in the city.

Position Overview:

The Director of Major and Planned Giving is an integral part of the Development team at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation. As a senior member of the Development staff, this highly experienced development professional will work closely with the Executive Staff and Boards of Directors and Trustees to devise and implement solicitation strategies for the 21st Century Campaign and for programs, special projects, and other purposes that align with the FLP’s strategic plan, as they are defined by the President, the Advancement Committee, and the Vice President of Development. This position is primarily responsible for managing and growing the Library’s major gift and planned giving programs, overseeing a large portfolio of high-level individual donors, and identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual major gift and planned gift prospects.

Specific Responsibilities:

The Director is primarily responsible for managing and growing the Library’s major gift and planned giving programs. Specific responsibilities include:

Working with the Vice President of Development, establish a strategic plan for and manage the process of identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individual donors.
Working pan-institutionally, identify strategic initiatives and specific programs and special projects for major gift fundraising.
Build and manage a significant portfolio (150 high net-worth donors) of major gift donors and prospects. Identify the gift opportunities for each donor.

Develop action plans for prospective donors, develop appropriate solicitation and briefing materials, including letters, pledge instruments, and proposals, including relevant budget information.
With the President and Vice President of Development, develop the case for support, identify giving opportunities within the framework of the capital campaign and participate in feasibility planning for the current and future campaigns.
Establish annual fundraising plan and revenue/expense budget, with justification around projected goals.
With the Vice President and the Major Gifts team, establish and meet mutually agreed upon annual goals for unrestricted and restricted contributed revenue.
Design and implement a comprehensive plan for increasing major unrestricted gifts, including through planned giving instruments.
Proactively schedule meetings with donors, averaging 15 substantive visits per month, to asses potential and to identify areas of interest, inform and/or update them on FLP activities, and cultivate them toward making a major gift.
Submit monthly reports to the VP outlining completed actions and ongoing strategies.
Identify opportunities to engage the President and Director of the Free Library and other senior executives and volunteers in cultivation and solicitation efforts.
Cultivate donors at FLP and other events. Attend weekend and evening events as required.
Appropriately steward donors toward sustained growth in their commitment to the FLP. Coordinate an effective program for recognition, involvement and stewardship of major gifts.
Cultivate donors and volunteers for future leadership roles within the Foundation.
With Marketing/External Relations team, develop strategy for marketing planned giving program.
Establish strategies and manage programs to educate donors about planned giving opportunities and to increase the number of these commitments.
Staff advisory boards or project-specific development committees on a long-term or short-term basis, as determined with the Vice President and other members of the team.
Maintain accurate and timely tracking of all donor activities using Raisers Edge, ensuring that major gifts is in compliance with best practices in record keeping.
Other duties as assigned.

Managerial Qualifications

Supervises and meets regularly with all direct reports to review operational metrics and provide ongoing guidance, documents and shares constructive feedback regarding job specific functions, responsibilities and competencies with the Vice President.
Maintains written documentation of supervision for oversight and review by other parties as appropriate.
Demonstrates the ability to maintain a stable, productive team environment through effective communication, staff appreciation and other activities that yield a high level of employee engagement to support and preserve the employee’s interest in working for the FLP.

Monitors, supervises and holds accountable all employees in the areas of attendance, performance, completion of documentation and implementation of all Foundation policies, procedures, and protocols.

Qualifications:

7 to 10 years minimum of progressively responsible development experience with emphasis on soliciting and closing major gifts from individuals.
Demonstrated ability to manage a large, active major gift portfolio and close significant major gifts from individuals and/or organizations.
Understanding of campaign feasibility and strategies, including moves management and strategizing plans for increasing individual commitments.
Demonstrated competency with gift tax and estate planning regulations, and contract and proposal preparation.
Demonstrated ability to solicit and close major gifts from individuals.
Ability to function with a high degree of independence with prospect portfolio, while interacting collaboratively with colleagues participating in and contributing to total team effort.
Ability to learn the needs and priorities of the Free Library of Philadelphia and translate those into cases for support and written proposals.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills.
Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office Suite with strong working abilities in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Demonstrated proficiency working with robust fundraising donor database, preferably Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge.
Evening/weekend work and valid driver’s license required.
Bachelor’s degree required.

This position has a Full Benefit Package: Health, dental, life, and disability insurances; flex benefits and retirement plan; generous leave time allowance.