Director of Member Relations and Resource Development

Position Description:

The Director of Member Relations and Resource Development is an integral part of the WPN team and will serve as a key driver of WPN’s revenue and member retention strategies by directing all membership cultivation, revenue generation and communication efforts. This position regularly interacts with Wisconsin’s philanthropic community and will also focus on strategies designed to increase contributed revenue in support of the organization’s annual operating needs and established budget.

Working closely with the President and CEO, the Director will oversee membership acquisition and retention strategies; sponsorship and grant funding opportunities; and communications outreach strategies. The Director serves as the primary staff liaison to the Membership Committee, coordinating meetings, performing prospect research, maintaining communication; prospective member identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship; and overseeing all other efforts to ensure its maximum effectiveness.

This position designs, develops plans and implements the organization’s revenue generation platform (membership revenue, sponsorships and grant proposals) including coordinating cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies designed to increase external institutional and individual contributed revenue.

Responsibilities:

Promotes a Close to the Member mindset by articulating the value of WPN to current and identified new member prospects; coordinating and/or attending donor and prospective member meetings; identifying and implementing innovative strategies designed to attract new members statewide; orientating new members; and where appropriate promoting new member categories.

Participates in multiple current member touchpoints to cultivate relationships with the goal of retaining existing members to established annual number/revenue goals by developing member satisfaction and stewardship strategies.

Manages existing and new sponsorship opportunities for a wide-range of projects and events, including identifying, cultivating and soliciting sponsor prospects to expand WPN’s sponsorship revenue.

Explores and manages existing and new external institutional and individual funding opportunities, including researching, developing and submitting proposals and funding requests to foundations, other grantmaking organizations and individual philanthropists, persuasively communicating the organization’s mission and programs to potential funders. Assembles and submits funding requests including letters, proposals, reports, budgets, marketing materials, etc. Tracks all details of grant submissions, approvals, denials, etc. On a regular basis, forecasts progress toward established fundraising goals.

Shapes the Wisconsin Philanthropy Network and broader Wisconsin culture of philanthropy story by greatly contributing to the communication development of print and online content such as newsletters, member communications, reports and other promotional materials promoting WPN programming. In addition, works with appropriate staff to create invitations, flyers, news releases and other marketing collateral.

Core Competencies:

• Ability to demonstrate contribution and value on day one
• Strategic Thinking Relationship Building
• Revenue Generation Best Practice
• Engagement/Collaborator
• Customer Service Skills
• Writing & Editing Skills
• Asset Based Approach
• Team Player
• Highly Organized

Key Metrics of Success:

• Annual Membership and Revenue Goals
• New Member Recruitment and Retention Goals
• Member Outreach and Touchpoint Metrics
• Building on-going capacity in philanthropic professional development

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Incumbent will also be required to complete a background check.

Education and Experience:

• College degree base requirement. Advanced graduate degree preferred in business administration, marketing/communications, or leadership.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a research, consulting, revenue prospecting, or management position in a relevant professional setting. Experience with a charitable foundation or membership association a plus.
• Proven success in revenue generation and proposal writing.
• A demonstrated ability to stay current with sector-based innovations and best practices.
• Demonstrate a natural and authentic ability to inspire others to action and to effectively collaborate within diverse settings.
• Ability to flawlessly communicate through excellent oral and written communication skills. This includes strong skills in proof-reading and editing.
• Excellent time management capabilities.
• Working knowledge of social media and how to leverage tools for relationship building and resource development.
• Strong project management skills.
• Resourceful, opportunistic, creative, innovative, flexible, ability to work without micro-supervision and with limited resources.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office applications [Word, Excel, PowerPoint], SalesForce fund development database and Internet.
• Ability to adjust to crisis situations, motivate others, and utilize effective listening skills.

Licesnes:

 Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and insurance required.

Compensation is based on experience, education, and other factors.

WPN offers excellent vacation/sick/personal time off. In addition, WPN is closed for 10 holidays. Health and dental insurance available. WPN also provides short- and long-term disability. Ability to contribute to a 403B also available.