ASSISTANT DIRECTOR of DEVELOPMENT

WHO WE ARE:

The mission of Maryland Family Network (MFN) is to ensure that very young children have strong families, quality early learning environments, and a champion for their interests. We work in collaboration with public and private funders, community-based organizations, parents, and other individuals and agencies to support those who care for young children as families strive to reach their goals. Through two-generation programs that support parents to become economically self-sufficient, raise healthy, successful children, and find quality child care; through regional services that help child care professionals improve their practice; and through public policy advocacy of programs and policies that benefit families with young children, MFN strives to ensure that all Maryland children are cared for by adults who are skilled to raise them in environments that are conducive to growth and development.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Assistant Director of Development is to support MFN’s comprehensive resource development strategy, including generating new revenue to ensure a sustainable funding model that meets organizational needs. This role will expand the capacity of the current fundraising team, allowing the department to secure new donors, explore new fundraising streams, and enhance current operations. A successful candidate will possess strong communication skills, including an enthusiasm for face-to-face engagements with prospective donors, a willingness to support fundraising and organizational events, and ability to take initiative and work independently. Must also be willing to track activity in order to report to Leadership and the Board of Directors on new fundraising approaches that are being explored.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

• Generate $100,000 in new revenue to support general unrestricted operations. Revenue sources may include new foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors. 
• Create a system of in-person events, including happy hours and site visits, that introduce prospective donors to our mission. These events will be designed to support new board members in their fundraising efforts and will build a system of ambassadors who wish to engage in short-term volunteer activities.
• Reinvigorate fundraising campaigns that need a fresh approach, including our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day campaigns. Improvements may include more compelling storytelling, honoring special loved ones in a unique way, and utilizing new modes of communication. 
• Research and develop a planned giving campaign that will focus on soliciting our longtime donors. 
• Manage a direct mail appeal using a purchased mailing list that will allow us to reach new geographic areas of our state. This effort may be supplemented with outreach events in these areas that allow for face-to-face conversations with prospective donors and educational presentations about our mission. 
• Manage the silent auction at the annual First Years fundraising event and a winter online auction using our online mobile bidding platform. Responsibilities include tracking and soliciting items, supporting board members in their solicitations, writing descriptions, promoting the auctions, handling check out and item delivery, and thanking auction donors. 
• Support efforts of the Executive Director and Development Director in expanding major gift contributions, which may include utilizing wealth screening tools, prospect research, and qualifying donors based on previous giving history.
• Recommend and implement structural improvements to maximize fundraising effectiveness and organizational resources.
• Organize and support other outreach efforts as needed, such as diaper drives that benefit participating families at our Family Support Centers. These efforts are designed to keep current supporters engaged and connected to our mission, while directly supporting families with young children in our communities. 
• Create development content as needed for organizational communications, including annual reports, e‑newsletters, website content, e-blasts, and social media.
• Ensure all new fundraising activities comply with current best practices, ethical standards, and applicable policies, regulations, and reporting requirements.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY/MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position will include supervisory responsibilities

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in fund development that includes direct-asks and negotiating experience, or a similar field such as sales, financial services, or business development, and preferably supervision of volunteers or staff

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, and LICENSURE: 

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college, preferably in nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, or a related field

MINIMUM TECHNICAL SKILLS and EXPERIENCE:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Forms
• Proficiency in Salesforce or similar CRM
• Experience using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and/or other online meeting platforms
• Experience with One Cause, DonorSearch, and Smartsheet preferred
• Documentation of a successful history of fund/sales development and implementation of a fund development plan
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and community outreach that resulted in contributed income 

IDEAL SOFT SKILLS:

• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse audiences and build positive relationships 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and maintain effective partnerships 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 
• High ethical standards and integrity, aligned with MFN’s mission and values 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work under pressure, and adapt to changing needs 
• Knowledge of and passion for early childhood education, family support, and community development

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

The physical demands described here are those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. While performing this role, the employee is regularly required to lift boxes weighing up to 50lbs., sit for extended periods, and use repetitive wrist and hand motions for sorting and handling documents. The employee is also required to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities include close vision and color perception. The employee will have frequent visual contact with a computer monitor.

MARYLAND FAMILY NETWORK STAFF ENJOY A HYBRID WORK SCHEDULE & GREAT BENEFITS TO INCLUDE: 

• 15 Holidays per year plus 4 Floating Holidays
• Vacation Leave is accrued starting at 12 days per year
• 12 days of sick leave per year. Sick leave is prorated based on hire date
• 403(b) Retirement Plan including discretionary employer contributions at 5% after 6 months of service with 3 years vesting schedule.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (HMO & PPO Plans)
• HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement) is offered with our HMO medical plan only. The HRA is funded by MFN and helps employees cover qualified out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, including costs that apply toward the medical plan deductible. 
• FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for Medical and Dependent Care
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Company Provided)
• Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Supplemental Insurance Plans

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT:

Maryland Family Network is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on any protected characteristic or status. We also provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the employment process. If you require an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact Human Resources at HR@Marylandfamilynetwork.org We will engage in an interactive process to determine a reasonable accommodation, barring undue hardship.