Director of Development and Communication Job at Wisconsin Microfinance in Madis

Director of Development and Communication

Wisconsin Microfinance seeks a passionate, motivated nonprofit professional to join our team in this 1/2 time position. The Development and Communications Director leads fundraising efforts and is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies and event planning. The priority for this position will be to beef up our communications efforts and to secure revenue to advance our mission. Long-term goals include growing and nurturing a network of key donors, foundations and businesses.

Wisconsin Microfinance is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Madison, Wisconsin, working to empower the very poor in developing parts of the world. We do this by working with partners in the developing world. Wisconsin Microfinance is committed to creating empowered individuals, primarily women, that yearn to create a better future for their families. We are celebrating our 15th anniversary this year, and it is time to start transitioning to paid staff. This position would be our first paid staff. Though we are advertising for a Development and Communications Director, we are seeking someone that is passionate about our mission and is interested in helping in whatever way is needed.

Job Title: DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (50%LTE)

Reports to: President of the Board/Executive Director

Position Summary: WISCONSIN MICROFINANCE seeks a passionate, motivated, experienced professional to join our team. The Development and Communications Director leads fundraising efforts and is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies and event planning. This position will be the first paid staff for the organization and it is expected that the position will evolve over time. The current core responsibility of this position is to drive awareness and funding to support our programs. Long-term goals include growing and nurturing a network of key donors, foundations and businesses.

Position Responsibilities:

1. Fund Development: Donor Relations
   1. Design, implement, manage and evaluate WISCONSIN MICROFINANCE’s overall fundraising strategies.
   2. Manage fundraising campaigns; organize and coordinate the activities of board, and committees engaged in fundraising efforts.
   3. Build, manage and nurture a portfolio of prospects (from low-level contributors to major gift prospects); identify and cultivate relationships with donors through personalized engagement strategies to provide a diverse and sustainable funding base.
   4. Develop compelling and persuasive proposals and solicitation materials using WISCONSIN MICROFINANCE’s stories, resources and history.
   5. Manage a donor database, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of stakeholder information to support timely outreach and communication. Track interactions and ensure accurate reporting.
   6. Stay informed about nonprofit trends and innovative and creative fund development approaches.
   7. Develop, plan, and execute special events.
2. Fund Development: Public & Private Grants
   1. Work with WISCONSIN MICROFINANCE Executive Director to identify grant and funding opportunities and determine feasibility of grant/funding preparation based on alignment with mission and staff capacity.
   2. Take the lead on grant writing, budget development and other application requirements to ensure timely completion of grant submissions.
   3. Assist in managing grants received for fiscal accountability.
3. Marketing, Communications & Public Relations
   1. Work with Executive Director and Board to shape and carrying out WISCONSIN MICROFINANCE’s marketing, communications, and public relations strategy and media relations for maximum positive visibility.
4. Administrative
   1. Collaborates with the Executive Director on program improvement, systems development and ensuring the long-term success of the organization.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in growing an organization’s funding sources and creating a sustainable stream of income for the organization.
• Strong understanding of the nonprofit sector with an emphasis on microfinance, including knowledge of current trends, policies, and industry players.
• Demonstrated experience securing grant funding including writing and coordinating the submission of grant applications.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire donors and prospects.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute successful fundraising strategies including prospect research, donor cultivation, and solicitation.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems, donor management software, and other fundraising tools to manage donor relationships and track fundraising activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse membership, stakeholders, board members, staff, and volunteers.
• International experience, especially in the developing world, is a plus.

Education

Bachelor’s degree is preferred, though relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Licenses or Certifications

Valid driver’s license.

Level of Supervision

Must be able to work independently with general guidance. A high level of autonomy is required.

Work with Others

This position works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.

Location of Work

This position is remote with some travel required for in-person meetings as needed. May live anywhere in the state of Wisconsin with the ability to be in Madison as needed.

Salary: $30,000 Annually.

EEO/AA | We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Applying: To apply, submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, indicate your familiarity with Wisconsin Microfinance (check out our website at https://wisconsinmicrofinance.com/), discuss how your values align with our mission, talk about how this 1/2 time position will fit within your life and identify at least two possible, specific, sources of funding. These could be foundations, businesses, high net worth individuals or something else. Summarize the elements of how you identified these specific future donors, and how you would pitch our organization to them.

Questions: Executive Director Tom Eggert at 608 279-8608 or tom@wisconsinmicrofinance.com.