Director of Development and Communications - GLBT Historical Society

The GLBT Historical Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that collects, preserves, exhibits and makes accessible to the public materials and knowledge to support and promote understanding of LGBTQ history, culture, and arts in all their diversity. Founded in 1985, we are recognized internationally as a leader in the field of LGBTQ public history. We steward and make accessible one of the world’s largest repositories of LGBT historical materials through our archives and operate the nation’s first museum of LGBT History and Culture in San Francisco. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

This is a key leadership position within our organization that leads our fundraising efforts and effectively communicates our mission and impact to stakeholders. The position will be critical in advancing the organization’s fundraising goals, cultivating donor relationships, and raising awareness of our work through strategic communication initiatives. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and supervising the full-time Development and Events Coordinator and the full-time Marketing and Communications Manager, this role requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in all aspects of fundraising. This position will join the Society during an exciting moment of expansion and will play an important role in sustaining operations and planning for growth and anticipated capital campaign.  

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

Fundraising Strategy and Execution 

• Develop, refine and and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve revenue goals.  

• In partnership with the Executive Director, Board, Program Directors, and Volunteer fundraisers, identify and cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, government agencies and other potential funding sources. 

• Oversee and engage in grant writing and reporting processes, ensuring timely submissions and compliance with funder requirements.  

• Supervise staff engaged in the planning and execution of fundraising events (including the annual gala), auctions, and campaigns to engage supporters and raise funds for the organization.  

• Develop annual fundraising plan and budget, monitor performance against goals, report progress to staff and Board of Directors on an on-going basis.  

Donor Relations and Stewardship 

• Cultivate strong relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring personalized engagement and stewardship.  

• Oversee and implement strategies to recognize and acknowledge donor contributions effectively.  

• Regularly communicate with donors to provide updates on the organization’s impact and maintain donor engagement.  

• Supervise staff engaged in various administrative tasks that support fund development, such as processing donations, generating acknowledgment letters, writing thank you notes, data entry, and other tasks.  

Communications Strategy and Brand Management  

• In partnership with the Marketing and Communications Manager, develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy to effectively communicate the organization’s mission, programs, and impact.  

• Supervise staff engaged in creating compelling content for various communications channels, including website, social media, e-mail newsletters, and press releases. 

• Ensure the organization’s brand identity is consistent across all communication materials.  

• Support the Executive Director in responding to media inquiries and support the Marketing and Communications Manager in seeking opportunities for media coverage.  

Leadership  

• Provide leadership, supervision, and guidance to staff and volunteers to achieve departmental goals. Support the Board of Directors and Board Development Committee in engaging in fundraising, cultivation, stewardship, and event planning.  

• Serve as a member of the Society’s leadership team; collaborate with other Society operations and program teams.  

• Support capital campaign consultants during a campaign feasibility study and in planning and implementing a multi-year capital campaign.  

• Manage donor database and oversee communications tools  

• Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and equity throughout the organization’s fundraising efforts.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in fundraising roles within the nonprofit sector; previous director-level experience preferred.  

•  At least three years of staff supervision experience required.  

• Proven track record of success in developing and implementing fundraising strategies and meeting revenue targets; proficiency in budget management.   

• Excellent writing and communications skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences  

• Experience managing donor relations and stewardship programs  

• Proficiency in using fundraising software and donor databases is required. Experience with Salesforce is preferred, and strong computer skills, such as Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), and Google Suite, are required.  

• Excellent leadership, supervision, and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff, volunteers, interns, and stakeholders.  

• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities. Excellent time-management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously.  

• Experience working with LGBTQ+ and diverse communities is preferred; a commitment to and proven track record in advancing justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of fundraising and organizational practices is required.  

PHYSICAL ABILITIES 

• Ability to communicate via phone, video calls, and e-mail 

• Ability to lift and carry 25 pounds 

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods. 

POSITION DETAILS 

• Salary: $120,000/annually 

• Full Time, Exempt, January 2024 start date 

• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, commuter benefits, 14 annual paid holidays, and PTO benefits are included. A 401(K) employer matching program is available. 

• Ability to work evenings or weekends on occasion required. 

• This is primarily a remote position, with occasional onsite work or attendance at meetings and events in the community required. On occasion, the incumbent must be able to arrive in San Francisco on-site within 1-2 hours' notice.  

• Location: GLBT Historical Society, 989 Market St. Lower Level, and 4127 18th Street, both in San Francisco, CA.  

COVID HEALTH AND SAFETY 

COVID-19: We have taken enhanced health and safety measures—for you, our other guests, and our staff. All visitors, volunteers, and staff must follow and ensure the operation of all posted instructions while in GLBT Historical Society facilities. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. All GLBT Historical Society employees and volunteers are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The final shot must occur 15 days or more before the start date. Here is the link to our full policy: https://www.glbthistory.org/covid-19-information. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY 

The GLBT Historical Society affirmatively values diversity and seeks to hire staff that reflects the diversity of our communities. We are an equal opportunity employer. The Society is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and disrespectful or other unprofessional conduct based on sex, sex stereotype, race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, weight, height, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic or status protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices, including hiring, benefits, promotions, training, disciplinary action, and termination.