Position: Development Director (Contractor)
About the Dallas County Foundation
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for Dallas County communities through fostering private giving and strengthening local non-profit organizations by granting funds for projects in the areas of arts & culture, youth development, education, health and human services, recreation, environment, and community betterment. The Dallas County Foundation is an affiliate foundation of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
About the Development Director Position
The Development Director leads DCF’s efforts to promote charitable giving and build endowment funds for the benefit of Dallas County.
This includes, but not limited to, working with local nonprofit leaders, current and prospective donors, and area professional advisors and sharing the great work we do with our community. This opportunity is excellent for someone who is a self-starter, enjoys building relationships, has strong marketing experience, and wants to support Dallas County nonprofits.
Development Director Responsibilities
Relationship Development
Fundraising is an essential element of this position. Our foundation continues to grow due to our generous donor base. Continuing these relationships (and forming new ones) is key to our success.
Cultivate relationships with prospective and current DCF donors. This may include:
Scheduling coffee chats with prospective donors
Make donor presentations to local businesses, nonprofit boards and civic organizations/etc.
Network with and provide education for professional advisors (attorneys, CPAs, financial planners, etc.)
Present to community groups to raise the awareness of the mission and impact of DCF
Attend events and learning opportunities from the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.
*Board members are available to help facilitate relationships, create introduction opportunities based on their own personal networks and attend donor pitches.**
Strategic Marketing
We are proud of the impact we make in Dallas County. A critical piece of this position will be finding and sharing the stories of impact from our community.
Collaborate with DCF board to develop marketing strategies that promote gifts to DCF endowments and planned giving opportunities
Responsible for maintaining our online presence to stay connected to our community and share our impact (aka - post and engage from our Facebook page)
Create/write letter(s)/communications to existing donors/prospects complete with current pictures of recent projects and projects of particular interest or importance
Maintain and update annual collateral materials (vision boards, flyers, donor packets), for donor solicitation and marketing purposes (graphic design abilities appreciated, not required)
**Board members are available to help identify key impact stories in our community.**
Board Connection
The Development Director role is designed to work hand-in-hand with our board members to develop and execute strategies that help us reach our foundation goals.
Report at each board meeting the events/plans/expectations for the upcoming month (DCF board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month, 12-1pm. Attendance will be required.)
Attend Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines meetings and training sessions
Update and maintain DCF donor database (intermediate Excel skills necessary)
Create and maintain media contact list/service organization list and list of Dallas County community events
Identify resources from Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines to support and develop board member skills
Collaborate with board to create a scorecard to gauge marketing impact and effectiveness
Required Qualifications
Experience with nonprofit organizations (preferred experience working with foundations or development work)
Ability to network with organizations, other professionals and leaders in the county
Ability to connect with and build relationships with donors and potential donors
Strong social media skills (Facebook page management experience required.)
Excellent communication skills
Demonstrated ability to work with/serve a Board of Directors
Must have LLC (Limited Liability Company) or willing to obtain status within 6 months.
Hours and Payment
This is a part-time position.
Hours can be flexible, and work done remotely. Attendance at our monthly board meetings is required.
DCF board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month, 12-1pm.
The payment for this position begins at $1,500/month. (Payment to commensurate with advanced experience/expertise will be considered.)
This is a contract position. Contractor is responsible for payment of all taxes associated with the contract. Contractor must have LLC status.
The Dallas County Foundation is offering an annual contract with an individual or organization to provide development and marketing services. The Dallas County Foundation is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines who will hold the contract.
How To Apply
To apply for this contract position, please email a current resume and cover letter to