Join the Bell – we're looking for a Development Director

Mollie Cross Leone, our longtime director of development, has retired, so we are seeking someone to fill the position. Here is the job description.

The Bell Policy Center seeks a Director of Development. Based in Denver, Colorado, the Bell is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and advocacy organization with an annual budget above $1 million.

Founded on progressive values, the Bell's mission is to make Colorado a State of Opportunity for all. Our work is guided by nine "Gateways to Opportunity" that build on one another over a lifetime. Recently, our work has focused most on K-12 and post-secondary education, health care, the economic well-being of working families and state fiscal policy. To learn more about the Bell, go to www.bellpolicy.org.

The Bell Policy Center has a 501(c)(4) affiliate (Bell Action Network). The Development Director works for both organizations, though the large majority of work is for the Policy Center. The Development Director reports to the Bell's President and works closely with the entire staff and Board of Directors.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop, update and implement the Bell's fundraising plan to:
  • Maintain, strategically expand and diversify the Bell's strong base of institutional funders (largely state-level foundations).
  • Maintain and significantly expand the organization's individual donor base, especially major donors.
  • Identify and develop opportunities for new types of donors, including national and corporate donors and funding collaboratives.
• Oversee all development activities, including:
  • Building relationships, writing and managing grants, and reporting and compliance activities (including use of outcome-based metrics models).
  • Solicitations and appeals to individual donors, including use of e-giving and social media tools.
  • Planning and organizing donor-cultivation events and activities (individual and group).
  • Maintaining donor database.
• Build and maintain strong relationships within the donor community on behalf of the Bell.
• Serve as a key member of the organization's finance and communications teams.
• Serve as a key member of the organization's leadership team.

Desired Qualifications
A candidate for this position should possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree or beyond.
• At least seven years of broad experience in development for non-profit organizations (familiarity with public policy research and advocacy organizations is preferred).
• Proven effectiveness as a grant-writer and grant-manager.
• Proven effectiveness at individual donor solicitation and cultivation.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and to learn and adapt quickly to new opportunities.
• Experience managing projects and contracts.
• Facility for building and maintaining strong and productive professional relationships with donors, program officers and others.
• Familiarity with the foundation and donor community in Colorado and beyond.
• Familiarity with generally accepted development practices and protocols.
• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours on occasion.
• Commitment to the vision and goals of the Bell.

Compensation
Salary is commensurate with experience and comparable to similar positions in similar organizations in Colorado and the Metro Denver area. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement program and flexible spending accounts; and a flexible work schedule in addition to paid vacation and sick leave.

To apply
Please send a resume, writing sample and cover letter to Elaine Rumler, Director of Operations, at rumler@bellpolicy.org. Inquiries accepted by email at rumler@bellpolicy.org (no phone calls please).

Applications received after 5 pm MST on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, may not be considered.

The Bell is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a diverse applicant pool. The Bell does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, creed, national origin, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental ability, religion, veteran status, military obligations or marital status.