The Chief Development Officer (CDO) oversees the planning, development, and execution of a comprehensive fundraising program for The Jacksonville History Center (JHC). This newly created position leads all fundraising activities including annual giving, major gifts, special events, and capital campaigns. It fosters and stewards relationships with individuals, corporations and foundations to generate significant charitable support and grants for the organization. It reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and works closely with the Board of Directors to develop financial goals and strategies to increase fundraising efforts. The position also promotes the mission of JHC out in the community and with current and potential donors.

JHC has recently embarked on an ambitious $4M capital campaign to support several key initiatives. The CDO will provide strategic oversight of the campaign and work closely with the CEO and professional fundraising counsel to ensure campaign success. Renovation of the three-story, 104-year-old former Florida Casket Factory building is the largest priority of the campaign, and gifts will fund the building’s interior design and furnishings and create themed, experiential exhibits for the first two floors of the building. Once completed, this building will become the centerpiece of the JHC which encompasses not only this structure, but three other historic properties- Old St. Luke’s Hospital, Old St. Andrew’s Church, and The Merrill House Museum. Campus landscaping and hardscaping, renovations to Old St. Luke’s Hospital, and a campus endowment fund will also be a part of the campaign goal. Collectively, the campus will become an educational destination, a unique special event venue, and a cultural attraction for locals and visitors to the region.

Responsibilities

§ Build and implement a development strategy to achieve an annual, operational fundraising goal of $500,000+.

§ Develop an extensive donor prospect list. Evaluate and segment the prospect list according to appropriate levels of giving

§ Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward new and existing major gift donors.

§ Successfully secure five, six and seven figure gifts on behalf of the organization.

§ Work closely with the CEO to prioritize donor activity, determine solicitation strategy and effectively utilize CEO’s time.

§ Lead the execution of the campaign plan, strategy and timeline.

§ Coordinate the work of the campaign committee. Establish meeting agendas, manage meetings, and distribute meeting minutes and action items.

§ Communicate regularly with the CEO and campaign committee to ensure completion of action items.

§ Maintain a master campaign calendar to maximize cultivation events and keep the campaign committee on track.

§ Facilitate conversations with volunteer leadership to prepare for campaign solicitations.

§ Acknowledge all campaign gifts/pledges including preparing pledge payment reminders and pledge agreements.

§ Develop all appropriate donor correspondence including gift proposals, meeting requests, and meeting follow ups.

§ Properly track donor information with thoughtful research and engage with donors through timely stewardship.

§ Prepare meeting objectives and presentation materials in advance of donor conversations and solicitations.

§ Develop a multi-channel annual giving program that conveys the organization’s needs in a compelling manner and results in new charitable support.

§ Support the successful planning and execution of all fundraising events.

§ Prepare letters of appreciation for donors. Follow procedures for the proper receipt and acknowledgement of gifts.

§ Oversee recognition at different levels of giving, emphasizing donor stewardship.

§ Provide monthly financial reports regarding fundraising goals, initiatives and progress.

§ Serve as a public speaker and representative of JHC at community events and activities.

Qualifications

§ Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field

§ 3-5 years of fundraising experience with proven experience managing development programs and campaigns

§ Previous success in personally identifying, cultivating and closing major gifts from individual donors, corporations and foundations

§ Experience working with high-profile volunteer leadership and senior executives

§ Knowledge of best practices in nonprofit fundraising

§ Proficiency in donor database management, Microsoft Office, and other computer skills

§ Experience with major gift solicitations and stewardship, donor recognition, donor databases, and special events

Skills and Abilities

§ Excellent written, oral communication, and public speaking skills; must be able to communicate professionally, effectively and diplomatically

§ Exceptional interpersonal skills required, ability to effectively connect with donors

§ Very strong organizational skills and sense of self-direction

§ Professional with excellent judgment who performs well within a fast-paced organization with many priorities

§ Strong analytical skills; excellent attention to detail

§ Must be able to establish, monitor and meet timelines.

§ Must work well under pressure with demonstrated ability to juggle tasks, prioritize and manage multiple competing deadlines.

TIME COMMITMENT

This is a full-time role and requires 40 hours per week. Flexibility is necessary as some weekend and evening commitments may be required.

CONTACT

To apply, for further information or to discuss this position, please contact John Erstling at john@inspirephilanthropy.com or 904.476.1470.

To learn more about The Jacksonville History Center, visit https://www.jaxhistory.org/.

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Jacksonville Historical Society

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Chief Development Officer