Development Director

Are you looking for a job that makes a direct impact in the lives of families, and is positioned at the cutting edge of science? This is the perfect time to join our team. Researchers are driving key advancements for SADS conditions right now – including gene therapies – and there’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of our Foundation.

The Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndromes (SADS) Foundation is leading the way to save lives through education, research and advocacy for families and individuals at risk for genetic heart conditions that can cause sudden death in young people. 

We promote increased medical research, develop and disseminate information and initiate programs to assist children, parents and families affected by SADS conditions. The values of passion and compassion are the underlying forces that motivate SADS families, researchers, medical professionals, board members and staff to fulfill our mission and goals.

Since its inception, 

the SADS Foundation has demonstrated its strong commitment to reducing sudden arrhythmia deaths by initiating programs to encourage continued research, raise awareness, and provide ongoing support to affected families. We remain dedicated to informing individuals and communities about the warning signs of SADS conditions.

Role:
To ensure the Foundation's long-term financial stability through the implementation of a diversified fundraising plan and marketing strategies that support fundraising.

Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Development Director is responsible for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive, diversified, and effective fundraising strategy to support and grow SADS’ annual budget.

Fundraising Strategy and Implementation:

• Develop and implement a multi-faceted fundraising program, including major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate and foundation campaigns, planned giving, grants, and special events.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, budget targets, and specific strategies to meet or exceed goals and targets.
• Apply trend analysis and insights to identify opportunities for growth

Donor Cultivation and Relationship Management:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations to secure financial support.
• Proactively identify and engage potential new donors and sponsors through cold calling, networking, and in-person outreach, demonstrating a “hunter mentality” to build a robust donor pipeline.
• Build, nurture, and maintain personal, long-term, strategic partnerships with donors, demonstrating sincerity and professionalism.  Ability to showcase exceptional donor management skills and a track record of growing those accounts.

Proposal Writing and Volunteer Coordination:

• Oversee and develop compelling fundraising proposals, solicitation letters, invitations, and grant applications, leveraging expertise in crafting and delivering persuasive presentations tailored to diverse audiences.
• Oversee and guide interns and volunteers in fundraising efforts, grant research, and application processes, ensuring alignment with the Foundation’s mission and goals.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Enhance systems for identifying, tracking, and analyzing donor contributions, utilizing donor database systems to manage relationships and generate accurate reports.

Qualifications and Requirements

Experience:

• Over 10 years of fundraising, sales, marketing, and strategic partnership work, with a strong history of meeting and exceeding goals.
• Proven ability to secure large contracts, partnerships, or grants
• Demonstrated expertise in identifying, prospecting, and closing new opportunities in public and private sectors. (i.e., cold-calling by phone and in person, etc.)
• Experience in cultivating and maintaining long-term professional relationships, including building personal rapport and trust with clients or donors.
• Proven history of raising significant funds and major gifts
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and connect with diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently and self-motivate, consistently delivering measurable results.Strong ability to build and maintain long-term professional relationships, showcasing a personable and approachable demeanor.

Knowledge and Training:

• Knowledge of grant writing, fundraising best practices, and innovations in non-profit development.
• Experience with donor databases, analytics, and data-driven decision-making to refine fundraising strategies.

Education:

• University degree

Key Attributes

Personality Traits:

Bright, cheerful, and highly personable, with a natural ability to inspire confidence and enthusiasm in others.

Sincere and authentic, demonstrating a genuine passion for the Foundation's mission.

Optimistic and solution-oriented, with the resilience to navigate challenges and setbacks.

Approach:

Willing and motivated to take the initiative in outreach, proactively identifying opportunities, and making connections.

Collaborative team player who works well with staff, interns/volunteers, and board members to achieve shared goals.

How to apply: Interested candidates please submit a resume and cover letter indicating your interest, skills and experience, relative to the job description to heather@sads.org.