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 1993, the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter (NWACS) has cared for more than 10,000 children in crisis from throughout the state of Arkansas. As the largest emergency children’s shelter in the state, NWACS annually serves more than 500 children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. Our 32-bed, state-of-the-art complex offers an array of trauma-informed services including onsite counseling and therapy, medical services, and a school. The combination of these features create 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.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Development Director is responsible for developing and implementing the development strategies, achieving the organizations fundraising goals and engaging donors in ongoing service activities through the leveraging of key relationships and contacts within the giving community.

PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities

• Develop and grow individual donor base; create and implement annual giving campaign; cultivate major gifts.
• Manage data input into fundraising software, gift acknowledgment and appropriate tax documentation.
• Develop and implement a planned giving program.
• Coordinate all development related materials with the community engagement department.
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures to carry out fundraising objectives.
• Maintain a personal portfolio of individual donors.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for this portfolio of prospects, developing and implementing a written donor strategy and relationship record.
• Communicate with portfolio through face to face cultivation, solicitation and stewardship meetings, and written strategies; ensure that each donor and prospect has a clear strategy and timeline for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Support the fundraising efforts of the Executive Director in securing new and renewed gifts.
• Develop and implement giving circles.
• Partner with the Corporate Engagement & Events Manager on all fundraising events
• With the Community Engagement Director, create and manage department budget; track and report on progress to goals, including contracts, gifts and pledges.
• Ensure proper recognition in all publications and oversee accurate donor lists for those publications.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Twenty-one years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent required. 
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) preferred.
• Minimum of five years fundraising experience.
• Flexible schedule to include some evening and weekend work.
• 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 and/or for shelter business.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes

• Basic proficiency in use of computers and software of basic office management or organization.
• Excellent verbal, writing and editing, and communication skills.
• Ability to present information concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task work; self-motivated and eager to build donor relationships that lead to personal face-to-face solicitations and increased gifts.
• Must be able to work with and manage volunteers and committee members.
• Good speaking, writing and editing skills, excellent organizational skills, ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Team player willing to help with other development department duties as necessary or assigned.

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.

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 may submit a detailed resume and cover letter.