The mission of Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter is to provide a safe haven, high-quality care and hope for the future to children who have been abandoned, abused or neglected.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Since opening in 1993, the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter (NWACS) has cared for more than 8,500 children in crisis from throughout the state of Arkansas. Our capacity of 48 beds, state-of-the-art complex, on-site school and on-site counseling services make us unique among children’s emergency shelters in Arkansas and our region. The combination of these features creates a stable, secure and loving environment where children who have experienced abuse, abandonment or neglect can begin to heal.

OUR VALUES:
Compassion: Recognize and meet the needs of children with respect, sensitivity and unconditional love;
Excellence: Set the standard for high-quality service to children by performing above the expected; 
Integrity: Strive with our words and actions to be worth of the trust placed in us.

The Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter seeks a passionate, hands-on, results-driven, development professional to serve in the newly created position of Development Manager. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Development and Marketing, the Development Manager is responsible for the development and management of a comprehensive, strategic, integrated effort to build the base of all types of donors and achieve annual fundraising goals through events and annual giving activities.

Special Events

• Responsible for the successful planning and execution of all NWACS events to achieve revenue targets.
• Establish and manage all event committees.
• Create and effectively manage event goals and budgets.
• Lead solicitations of corporate and individual event sponsorships.
• Responsible for all event logistics.
• Responsible for all communication to all donors who contributed to the event, as well as key prospects following the event, thanking them for their support.
• Responsible for establishing and executing clear event follow-up plans for participants.
• Responsible for cultivation of relationships with organizations that conduct third-party fundraising events to benefit NWACS.

Annual Giving 

• Work with the Senior Director of Development and Marketing to develop and lead a comprehensive annual giving program, including strategies to be incorporated, additional giving levels, focus on new donors, and increasing average give amounts to achieve established goals.
• Manage stewardship activities to ensure regular contact with donors by the Executive Director, Senior Director of Development and Marketing, and other key individuals.
• In conjunction with the Senior Director, conduct personal solicitations.
• Lead and manage all special events in association with Giving Clubs.
• Provide stewardship to current donors, including regular written updates (newsletters, etc.) to corporate and foundation donors.
• Manage all Annual Giving marketing activities.
• Work closely with the Volunteer Services Manager to engage volunteers in annual fund activities.

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years professional fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization with a clear track record of achieving fundraising goals.
• Minimum of three years organizing large nonprofit events.
• Tangible experience and results expanding and cultivating existing donor relationships over time.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• High-energy, self-starter with a passion for the Children’s Shelter mission is essential.
• Exemplify NWACS’s values and uphold high professional and ethical standards.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail; ability to work in a high-paced environment; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and partners and build long-term relationships.
• Establish effective professional relationships with peers, support staff, volunteers, supervisors, and other professionals.
• Flexible and adaptive team player willing to help with other development department duties as necessary or assigned.
• Must be able to successfully work with and manage volunteers and committee members.
• Proficient in all Microsoft Office, experience with Abila donor software a plus.

Working Conditions and Environment/Physical Demands

The demands described are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Tasks may involve walking, standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and lifting for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Some evening and weekend work events required.
• Must pass all criminal history and child maltreatment background checks.
• Must submit to pre-employment drug screen as well as random drug screens when directed.
• Valid driver's license, proof of personal automobile insurance, and acceptable driving record required to drive shelter vehicle for shelter business.
• Must maintain confidentiality and privacy regarding all Children’s Shelter residents' information in accordance with NWACS policy and all applicable Federal and state laws/regulations.
• Attend and participate in mandatory trainings, staff meetings, and all other events, as required.
• Set, maintain, and communicate appropriate personal and professional boundaries.
• Complete all required documentation in a timely manner per NWACS procedures.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. NWACS offers excellent benefits and a competitive salary based on experience. For consideration, qualified candidates  are requested to submit a detailed resume and cover letter.