Director of Institutional Advancement

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Er5uuYLS3opCaGLEF5mrMyRq6wnkK5yp/view

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
Pine Mountain Settlement School— whose mission is to enrich lives and foster community by offering experiential education focused on environmental literacy, sustainable agriculture, and Appalachia’s diverse people, art, and culture. Since 1913, the school’s programs have evolved over time to meet the changing needs of the community and Appalachian region. Today’s programs include environmental education, agriculture and sustainable food systems, and traditional Appalachian culture and craft. The richness of Pine Mountain Settlement School’s nearly 1,000 acre campus, which includes a 350 acre nature preserve, a 20 acre farm, and 20 historic structures, provides the ideal learning environment for a broad range of students of all ages and walks of life.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Institutional Advancement is a dynamic, strategic, people-oriented leader responsible for shaping and implementing the organization’s communication and fundraising strategies. This role will build awareness, foster engagement, and secure financial support to advance the organization’s mission. Collaborating with and reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Institutional Advancement will lead advancement communication efforts, support donor engagement and fundraising campaigns, and collaborate on marketing programs and public relations. The Director of Institutional Advancement will assist the Executive Director in cultivating relationships with individuals, foundations, businesses, and media outlets to amplify the organization’s impact and visibility. This individual will bring creativity and clarity to messaging, so that PMSS can use a data-informed approach to fundraising and inspire others to invest in the mission. This is a key leadership role that works collaboratively across departments and with
stakeholders to ensure consistent, authentic, and compelling communication and development efforts.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
Institutional Advancement

• Using current trends and best practices, develop, implement, and analyze a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and goals and focuses on engaging prospective donors.
• Create compelling storytelling and messaging that conveys the impact of the organization’s work in all public-facing content including newsletters, press releases, social media, websites, annual reports, and promotional materials.
• Work with the Executive Director to develop and execute annual fundraising plans including individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and planned giving.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, cultivate and steward relationships with donors, funders, and community partners.
• Identify new funding opportunities.
• Work with the Executive Director to plan and execute fundraising events, campaigns, and donor engagement strategies.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in the donor management system.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making, including budgeting.
• Provide leadership for staff and contractors to implement the development and communications plans.
• Collaborate with the administrative team to align communications and fundraising with
  organizational priorities, and set and monitor fundraising goals and revenue benchmarks.
• Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and community gatherings.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

Completion of a bachelor’s degree in education, communications, marketing, administration, or a related field, master’s preferred; 3 to 5 years of experience in fundraising, communications, marketing, or nonprofit leadership; and demonstrated experience in creating institutional advancement plans.

Skills

• Excellent writing and communication skills, especially public speaking; ability to work independently as well as with a team; strong organizational skills; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously; familiarity with the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, and email are required.
• Experience working with diverse populations is desirable.

Additional Components

• Position will involve travel
• Ability to lift 20 pounds
• Must pass a thorough background check

Competencies/Behavior Dimensions of the Position:

• Behave ethically
• Embrace diversity
• Work collaboratively
• Understand and appreciate the local community, its history, culture, and natural environment
• Assess situations, make thoughtful decisions, plan ahead, and solve problems

Salary and Benefits

• The annual salary is commensurate with qualifications.
• Matching 403(b) retirement
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Reduced rate on-campus housing
• Free meals during events