This new position is the senior fundraising position for the Sakyong Potrang, and includes the part time development work previously done by the Executive Director of Shambhala. The Director of Development reports to to the Potrang Chief of Staff, Joshua Silberstein.
The new Director of Development will join the current staff of two part time Potrang development positions, one focused on major donors, and the other focused on Kalapa Patrons (major donors within Shambhala with a personal relationship to the Sakyong).
The Director of Development will lead the effort, in collaboration with the other development positions and the Treasury Council, to develop an overall fundraising strategy for the Potrang. The overall strategy will include, but is not limited to the following elements:
- Overall messaging and donor communications
- Major gifts
- Planned giving
- Annual campaigns
- Fundraising events
- Donor acquisition and retention
- Donor stewardship
- Corporate and Foundation relations
The Director of Development will continue the existing work in the following areas:
- Ensure that fundraising initiatives are in line with best practices in fundraising.
- Lead and support the effort to improve donor stewardship and fundraising capabilities in local centres.
- Develop the timeline and approach with direct centre- of- the mandala donors
- Oversee the planning and implementation of annual campaigns on Harvest of Peace and Shambhala Day.
- Continue to develop Shambhala’s newly established Planned Giving program.
- Liaise with central support staff in providing support for improving membership best practices within centres.
The Director of Development will also develop new initiatives, and increase the financial resources of Shambhala by:
- Developing a major gift program
- Expanding and enhancing the Planned Giving program.
- Analyzing Shambhala’s member database to develop a plan to identify, cultivate and steward new and existing major donors.
- Researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals
- Communicating the mission and activities of the Sakyong and the organization to various audiences within and outside Shambhala through targeted and donor-centric E- communications and other media such as video, newsletters etc.
- Developing and maintaining sound relationships with individuals and organizations that share Shambala’s vision
- Further raising the visibility of the organization by increasing outreach efforts to friends of Shambhala.
Key Competencies and Position Requirements
- Minimum of 3-5 years experience at senior level fundraising for the not-for-profit sector.
- Proven track record with major gifts and planned giving, annual campaigns, special events etc.
- Proven ability to work to deadlines and multi-task as part of a flexible team.
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
- Positive interpersonal skills, including collaboration and the ability to work with and relate to major donors, corporate and foundation professionals, and Potrang and Shambhala leadership.
- Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point and fundraising databases (Blackbaud competence is an advantage but not essential.)
- Knowledge of the not-for-profit sector in Canada and the USA.
- Loyalty to Shambhala vision and the Sakyong.
- Ideally the candidate will be an advanced practitioner on the Shambhala path, having minimally attended Sacred World Assembly.
The position can be fulfilled from anywhere in North America.
Occasional travel is a requirement.
We are looking for initial 2-3 year commitment.