The Sophia Way’s Mission
To help end homelessness for adult women in East King County by providing shelter, case management, life skills training, social services and supportive permanent housing, offering a path from homelessness to stable independent living.
The Position
The Development & Communications Manager (D&CM) is responsible for fundraising, specifically with individual, corporate/business, and faith-based donors, publicity, and events. All activities under this position strengthen supporter relationships with The Sophia Way. Our successful D&CM will develop and manage a comprehensive donor development program that identifies, engages, and grows current and potential donors, and will engage The Sophia Way community with ongoing communications.
Responsibilities:
The essential functions include but are not limited to …
Fund Development:
Work with the Executive Diretor (ED) and Fundraising Committee to establish annual case for funding, fundraising goals and plans for achieving them.
Top priority of the position is to cultivate, maintain and strengthen donor relationships, and oversee donor engagement (both for major gifts and all other individual givers).
Work in concert with the ED and Fundraising Committee on relationship cultivation and donor outreach.
Work with board and staff to dispel fundraising myths, coach and educate board members in fundraising and development activities, support philanthropic culture.
Oversee drives for in-kind contributions in concert with program staff.
Media liaison as assigned, may include press relations, releases, supporting ED as media spokesperson, and promoting a communications plan and materials theme.
Work closely with program staff and ED to create “point of entry” opportunities, e.g. shelter tours, events.
Accurately track donor activity and communication through use of a database.
Event Management:
Support, plan, and manage all fundraising events (including at least one large event annually).
Support or advise other volunteer and outreach events on occasion.
Oversee all event logistics and post-event evaluation and follow up.
Supervise, train, and coordinate event volunteers.
Communications:
Produce regular newsletter, meals newsletter, e-mail outreach, Annual Report, and other promotional materials, with support from program staff providing content.
Generate regular thank you notes to donors.
Use on-line media, social networking, and organization website to optimize our public presence.
Other:
Adhere to agency policy, procedures and professional code of ethics.
Other duties as required.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in related field, or equivalent, required.
Ability to effectively interact with co-workers, clients, and volunteers with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and treat each individual with respect, dignity, and compassion.
Physical ability to lift 25 pounds, sit, stand, bend, reach, and perform cleaning skills.
Minimum of 3 years in fundraising or major giving in nonprofits.
Able to speak to issue of homelessness experienced by adult women.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, Publisher, and Power Point.
Experience with donor database, data entry & reporting; Donor Perfect preferred.
Knowledge and Critical Skills:
Ability to identify, acquire and steward gifts from individuals and groups.
Outstanding verbal, written, and e-mail communication skills that can articulate a compelling message.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, problem solve, and work as part of a cohesive team.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact diplomatically with diverse donors and groups; comfortable bridging cultural and class differences.
Demonstrated capacity to work independently.
Event management skills required.
Publishing or web-design skills a plus.
Concern for and capacity to relate to those we serve.
How to apply
To apply, please send a cover letter and a resume to info@SophiaWay.org.