GIFTS OFFICER
Organization
Founded as a 501-c-3 nonprofit in Rochester, NY, in 1981, Writers & Books is a community-based literary arts center that engages youth and adults with enrichment opportunities through workshops, camps, readings, discussions, and presentations. The organization owns and operates an on-site indie bookstore and a 24-acre property in Naples, NY, where we host literary and inter-sectional experiences and writing retreats.
Our mission is to promote reading and writing as lifelong activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their lives and the intellectual, social, and cultural vibrancy of their communities. We believe in the power and importance of the written word; in celebrating the written word as a tool for communication and an art form; that storytelling is a vital aspect of the human experience that unites humanity; that reading builds empathy and brings people together; and in creating a safe space for voices of all backgrounds, beliefs, origins, and abilities. We are committed to an antiracist philosophy and practice; to making our programs welcoming and accessible; to continually educating ourselves; and to transforming our organization in support of justice, equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Gifts Officer develops and implements strategies designed to increase philanthropic support from current and prospective private and corporate donors at all levels. The Gifts Officer oversees all cultivation events and is responsible for meeting the goals of our annual fund campaign, Phase Two of our Gell capital campaign, youth scholarship campaigns, programs earmarked for corporate and individual support, and planned giving.
This is a 24-28-hour/week hybrid position with government mandated benefits; plus paid holidays, time off, and wellness/illness days. Compensation is expected to be $33,800 - $42,000, with determination based on experience. To apply, by May 31, 2023, submit a resume, three references, and a cover letter in one combined PDF, addressed to [email protected], with “Gifts Officer” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Responsibilities
➢ Leadership
● Help plan and strategize toward broad organizational goals
● Work collaboratively as a member of the organization’s leadership team
● Foster a culture of generous and optimistic philanthropy around the organization
● Lead, inspire, and mentor the part-time Development Associate
➢ Fundraising and Stewardship
● Identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts from individuals and corporations
● Build and maintain a portfolio of 50–70+ sustaining-level donors and prospects
● Oversee and continuously improve systems and processes for donor identification, outreach, cultivation, and stewardship, as well as for gift management, reporting, and policies
● Monitor and report on funds development to the Executive Director
● Collaborate with the Board’s External Relations Committee
● Support solicitation activities of the Executive Director and the Board
● Oversee the execution of cultivation events
● Oversee advancement communications and correspondence, including community-facing donor news, campaign progress reports, donor-facing proposals, and stewardship materials
➢ Qualifications
● 5–10 years’ progressively challenging experience with successful fundraising
● Proven track record for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts at multiple levels
● Advanced knowledge of all aspects of fundraising and donor relations
● Experience building and meeting metrics-based goals
● Self-motivated, ambitious, optimistic, creative, goal-oriented
● Ability to prioritize, problem solve, and balance working independently and collaboratively in a cross-functional, small team environment
● Strong interpersonal skills with a life-long learner’s approach to engaging with individuals and groups of varied backgrounds, identities, and experiences
● Excellent written and oral communication skills, with an ability to convey messages clearly, concisely, and deftly
● Demonstrated networking and relationship-building skills
● Ability to work occasional evenings and Saturdays
● Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google suites
● Knowledge of donor databases, Kindful preferred
● Passion for justice, equity, diversity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging
Preferred
● Bachelor’s degree
● Knowledge of the literary arts
● Knowledge of Monroe and Ontario Counties’ philanthropic landscape
● Conversant in Spanish