- MarQuis Fair
- Tue, 8 Feb 2011 02:27PM EST
- Job
- OPEN
-
Akilah, a training and leadership institute in Kigali, Rwanda,seeks an experienced and driven Development Director.
Who we are:
Akilah, a training and leadership institute in Kigali, Rwanda, transforms the lives of young women by empowering them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to find meaningful employment and to serve as leaders in their communities. The Akilah Institute is now in its 2nd year with 120 students, having launched its inaugural class of 50 students in February 2010 with the goal of equipping young women with the necessary skills to flourish in the Rwandan and global economies while imbuing them with an appreciation of their traditional values, thus promoting responsible citizenship and a willingness to give back to their community. The students in the Institute’s inaugural class are taking courses in Leadership & Ethics, Hospitality, Health, Computers, English, and Public Speaking, and we recently launched our new Diploma in Leadership & Hospitality Studies.
What we need:
Akilah seeks an experienced and driven Development Director to steer our fundraising efforts and strategy. With the primary responsibility for building and driving Akilah’s comprehensive development strategy, the Director of Development will work to increase Akilah’s visibility and financial sustainability through foundation and corporate grants, events, and major gifts. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Development Associate, the Development Director will cultivate and manage relationships to meet the ambitious goals of building and growing the Akilah mission and vision.
Location: Washington, DC
On the ground
This opportunity is for: Professionals, Anyone
Who you are:
The ideal candidate is a creative and enthusiastic fundraiser with a track record of cultivating donor-centric relationships that have resulted in major gift donations. Strong candidates will also have experience cultivating and managing volunteers and donors at the highest levels. The ideal candidate displays an entrepreneurial spirit, is a self-starter who can manage multiple tasks, and is comfortable working in fast-paced, flexible environments. He or she will be deeply motivated by Akilah’s mission of empowering young women, and will be committed to finding new and creative ways to support the organization’s goals.
Location:
The Development Director’s location is negotiable, but there is a strong preference for Washington, D.C. or New York City. The Akilah Institute is located in Kigali, Rwanda. The COO and Development Associate are currently based in Tampa, Florida, and the CEO splits her time between the US and Rwanda.
Responsibilities:
Development Strategy:
Develop and implement an organization-wide development strategy and growth plan
Vigorously expand and diversify Akilah’s funding base by leveraging existing resources to identify and tap into new networks of investors and supporters
Participate in the creation of Founders Circle and major donor cultivation and solicitation mailings
Ensure accurate maintenance of records, prospects, and donor information in the Common Ground database
Events:
Lead the development team to leverage existing and future Akilah events, major donor cultivation receptions/dinners, introduce new events to raise awareness for Akilah, fundraise, and engage individuals, foundations, and corporations
Manage the Development Associate to ensure the effective implementation of events
Donor & Partner Relationships:
Research philanthropic interests of prospective partners and develop and implement strategies for engagement; prospective partners may include American and international foundations, corporations, and private individuals
Cultivate and steward donor relationships through regular, tailored, and timely contact and follow up
Work closely with the founder and CEO to realize an outstanding experience for major donors through their charitable investment of time, advocacy, and financial support to Akilah
Develop presentation materials, funding proposals, and prepare reports or other information required by donors
Serve as a representative of Akilah to a wide range of external constituents
Strategically engage members of the Board of Directors and other Akilah staff in fundraising efforts
Qualifications:
Minimum of 5 years professional fundraising experience (annual giving, individual and major gifts, planned giving, foundation support, corporate sponsorship, capital campaigns, and other key fundraising events)
Ability to bring his/her own networks of contacts to the organization as well as to serve as a liaison to Akilah's existing network of top US-based donors
Demonstrated success cultivating and growing a network of individual, corporate, and foundation donors, including evidence of securing major gifts in the $50,000 range
Phenomenal relationship building skills; ability to personally connect with and engage diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders and investors
Experience leading and motivating development teams to achieve fundraising targets
Strong interpersonal skills and poise; ability to demonstrate diplomacy and the ability to work in high-pressure situations
Skills and Characteristics:
Excellent written and oral communication skills; superior presentation skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Must be able to work well both independently and with others
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly entrepreneurial environment
Excellent computer skills, including competency with Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Candidates must be willing to work in the office 60% of the time, and 40% of the time in “the field” meeting donors and partners in New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, and Tampa, in addition to a large fundraising tour in the fall
International travel includes an annual trip to Rwanda
Compensation:
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
To Apply:
Akilah has engaged Koya Consulting to help in this hire. Please send a compelling cover letter and resume to Molly Brennan at executivesearch@koyaconsulting.com.
Akilah is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBT applicants
