The Director of Development, reporting to the Executive Director, will work closely with the Development Committee and the Board of Directors.

The Director of Development will be an experienced, savvy, and energetic fund-raiser with the ability to assist SFFS’s growth by shaping and strengthening the organization’s philanthropic profile. In addition, he/she will be able to:

• Develop, implement, and lead all aspects of a comprehensive development operating plan to secure funding for the operations of both the Film Society and the San Francisco International Film Festival.
• Develop strategies for the identification, cultivation, stewardship and solicitation of major donors; develop and maintain a plan for the systematic cultivation of donors to ensure their growing commitment to the Film Society.

Duties and responsibilities of the position include:

DEVELOPMENT

• Build and strengthen SFFS’s annual fund capability and increase donor support.
• Solicit gifts in person from the Board, major donors, other individuals, and institutional funders.
• Identify and facilitate all grant funding efforts and maintain all existing relationships.
• Identify and prepare grants to generate funding from government sources.
• Participate in the development and implementation of Board and volunteer training and orientation programs, works to develop board leadership in fundraising and cultivates board asking and giving activities.
• Develop and implement aggressive major donor cultivation/solicitation programs.
• Responsible for the corporate areas, including sponsorship, general and corporate membership and marketing.
• Serve as the liaison to the Development Committee, so that the Committee provides the Development Director with assistance, guidance and counsel.
• Leverage contacts and resources to expand donor/resource base.
• Implement planned giving program.
• Stand in for the ED as needed, representing SFFS at events, programs, and other cultivation opportunities.
• Inititiating new projects and fundraising opportunities.

PLANNING AND MARKETING

• Initiate and coordinate the preparation of a comprehensive development operating plan, including fundraising and marketing, to support SFFS’s mission and goals as established by the Board.

ADMINISTRATION

• Direct and improve database management capabilities in order to implement and measure the results of the fundraising plan.
• Maintain development policies, procedures and required donor and prospect records, including current and capital pledge records.
• Work collegially with the program department and other senior staff to ensure the free flow of information and solicit cooperation.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT/BUDGETS

• Prepare and manage the development budget.
• Integrate fundraising requirements into the budget process.
• Create and maintain historical profiles and trends database.
• Direct and implement appropriate financial compliance and reporting activities to ensure the financial integrity and viability of the development function.

VALUE/ETHICAL STANDARDS

• Act ethically, responsibly and with utmost integrity.
• Maintain the highest standards of conduct and comportment.
• Treat employees and staff with respect.
• Set personal standards of behavior that serve as a model to others.

THE CANDIDATE

Education and Experience

• The candidate will have a successful fundraising track record, including a pattern of creativity and innovation, which will enable him/her to contribute and lead a comprehensive fundraising program in a growth-oriented organization.
• Advanced education in fundraising/philanthropy preferred.
• Seven years experience in diversified fundraising with a focus on major gifts.     Experience with cultural fundraising a plus.
• Knowledge of the Bay Area Community

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing and communication skills a necessity; attention to detail and deadlines essential; commitment to quality critical.
• High level of energy, enthusiasm, entrepreneurship, resilience and humor
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and willingness to perform both the glamorous and mundane aspects of the job with the same professional manner
• Empower Board members and Development Committee to make solicitations in pairs, with the Executive Director, or with the Development Dircetor.,
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to develop relationships at individual, foundation and corporate levels.
• Technology savvy and good computer skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as be a team player; willingness to take initiative in a challenging environment, and to take risks

Management Style
The candidate should be:

• Team oriented, collaborative and proactive.
• Flexible and goal oriented.
• Hands on and able to do whatever is needed.
• Organized and facile in creating and implementing effective fundraising programs.
• Astute in developing communications strategies for a competitive  fundraising environment.
• Adaptive to new situations as well as providing continuity where needed.
• Visible and accessible
• Open and inclusive

Personal Traits
Candidate should be/have:

• Confident
• Organized
• Diplomatic
• Articulate
• Able to think on his/her feet
• Creative
• Hard working/high energy
• A self-starter and entrepreneurial
• Strong personal character and credibility
• Motivated
• A professional demeanor
• High standards
• Sense of humor

To apply, please send cover letter and resume as email attachments to hr@sffs.org.