Director of Resource Development
Florida Rural Legal Services seeks applicants for the newly created position of Director of Resource Development to increase our capacity to provide civil legal aid to vulnerable residents of our service areas.
Position
Type of Position: Full-time professional with benefits
Position Reports to: Executive/Deputy Director, Florida Rural Legal Services
Location of Position: Fort Myers or Lakeland Office
As an Administrative professional, the Director of Resource Development will work closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Director to design and conduct a multifaceted resource development program. They will be responsible for seeking private, unrestricted funds in order to increase assistance for the many eligible applicants now being turned away due to a lack of resources.
The main objectives of this position is to create and implement a strategic fundraising plan that will develop, sustain, and expand relationships with law firms, corporations, social services agencies, bar associations, and the judiciary. The Director of Resource Development will work to establish long-range goals, strategies, plans and policies to further the organization’s private attorney involvement program and fundraising initiatives.
Responsibilities
Work with FRLS leadership team to create and implement a strategic and comprehensive fundraising plan to secure unrestricted and special funds for FRLS through individual and major gifts, corporate and foundation contributions, special events and other initiatives.
Interact with highly-skilled legal and other professionals who provide ongoing services and support to FRLS.
Identify and cultivate key potential major donors and nurture existing donor relationships.
Prepare and implement strategic communications activities and materials in order to raise the public profile of FRLS and to support fundraising, in collaboration with the Director of Private Attorney Involvement.
Manage all aspects of the resource development including planning, database, and recordkeeping and reporting as requested by our funders.
Work with administration to track all pledges, gifts and renewals, provide acknowledgements to all donors, and follow up on pledges with reminders as needed.
Working knowledge of Florida Statute § 496 Solicitation of Funds, as well as other donor and funder requirements.
Assure that ethical fundraising practices are understood and practiced by staff, Board members and volunteers.
Identify available grants and assist in grant writing.
Oversee and supervise the production of written materials and mail-outs in support of development and public relations activities, including annual reports, newsletters, recognition ads, press releases, direct mail pieces, staff participation on talk shows, etc.; work with media to relay the facts and successes of FRLS.
Qualifications
Education, training, experience:
• Minimum of five years related experience in development; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• BS or BA degree as a minimum. Juris Doctorate preferred.
• Appreciation of the importance of the legal system, commitment to the mission of FRLS and compassion for the clients.
• Ability to forge positive relationships with prospects and colleagues.
• Good organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively, yet independently.
• Creativity and ability to maximize the use of existing resources.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Legal Server Software.
• Skill in using social media.
Physical Requirements of the Position:
• Must be able to drive vehicle.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with peers, supervisors, clients and the public.
• Must be able to effectively work at in high pressure situations which involve deadlines.
• Must be able to work weekends and travel when needed.
Send Resume to:
Email: beverly.mccoy@frls.org or Fax: 239-936-7038
**FRLS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.