Senior Fundraising Consultant, Project Based
November 2024 | Remote / Northeast, USA
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Development Guild DDI (DG DDI) is a leading national consulting firm that provides executive search, fundraising counsel, and campaign services to mission-driven, nonprofit organizations and educational institutions. We bring a powerful combination of discipline and innovation to every client engagement, delivering solutions that are both strategic and deeply rooted in experience and data. Explore Our Services to learn more about our work and our clients’ successes.
About the Position
Development Guild DDI is seeking a strategic and experienced fundraising professional who shares our firm’s commitment to philanthropy as a driver of creating a stronger and better society. Ideal candidates will value the importance of excellence, innovation, and best practices. This position will report directly to Suzanne Battit, Chief of Fundraising Strategy and Services.
As part of a client team, the Senior Fundraising Consultant will lead and join teams delivering fundraising assessments and recommendations, providing campaign counsel that ranges from feasibility study to implementation, as well as serving as interim onsite fundraising counsel. This position represents an opportunity for a fundraising professional to work closely with organizational leadership on impactful projects, engage in Strategy projects, and support the growth of the firm’s fundraising portfolio through participating in sales. This position is project-based and provides a variety of ongoing work, exclusively for Development Guild. Regular travel and the ability to provide interim onsite counsel (up to two days per week in person) will be expected.
Key Responsibilities
- Be trained in Development Guild services, as a project lead and project member
- Lead or partner in the management of fundraising client project teams
- Apply and enhance personal expertise by providing excellent counsel in fundraising and all service lines, as well as contribute to developing emerging best practices
- Gather data, analyze, and present findings in reports
- Partner directly with clients and project team members to successfully complete client assignments
- Mentor client teams and colleagues to develop their skills and become strong contributors to client engagements
- Participate in sales; initiate and maintain excellent relationships with clients and friends of the firm, attend weekly sales meetings, manage a sales goal
- Interact with Development Guild’s AI product team and engage in Strategy projects, including moderating discussion groups
- Contribute to and/or lead executive search work as needed; foster positive relationships with candidates
- Embrace an environment that respects staff’s experience and potential, asks them to do their best work, and supports them in achieving it
Key Qualifications
- 7+ years of professional and progressive fundraising experience are required; additionally, professional experience in relevant fields is welcome
- Success with various aspects of fundraising including campaign, major gifts, and/or annual fund is expected, as is a strong demonstration of project management
- 3+ years of experience managing a team
- Experience working closely with senior management, boards and/or volunteer leadership
- A commitment to and evidence of best practices. Successful experience working in an organization with a commitment to best practices is of significant value
- Experienced adapting to new technology, including AI (ex ChatGPT or DonorSearch); picks up new programs and applications quickly
- Analytic ability, a demonstrated ability to develop and communicate data-based recommendations
- Demonstrated ability to work within an organization emphasizing teamwork, accountability, respect, and excellence
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow through
- Ambitious, seeks excellence, responsibility and personal and professional growth
- An appreciation for the mission of our clients and the ability to be a spokesperson for them
- Ability and willingness to travel (up to 1-2 trips per month to our project sites and/or conference locations, including overnight stays; travel may include weekends and may involve driving as well as flying).
This is a project-based position and will be compensated project-by-project. Project agreements will be hourly or fixed, based on an hourly rate starting at $70/hour (hourly rate will be commensurate with the skills, experience, and qualifications). This project-based position is eligible for variable sales compensation.
Our Commitment to DEI
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are essential elements of mission-driven and philanthropic work. At DG DDI, we recognize that diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences are required for the greatest impact.
Development Guild is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
For consideration, please use the form below to submit your resume and cover letter in confidence.