Established in 2014, The Venture Center is a globally recognized, Arkansas-based nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization (ESO) that accelerates success for start-up founders, small business owners and corporate innovators through award-winning entrepreneurship programs, platforms and partnerships. In addition to providing opportunities to local entrepreneurs and small businesses, we are the home of award-winning industry accelerators.
About this Role
The Venture Center team is growing, and we are looking for an experienced Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts by identifying potential sponsors that align with our programs and services, securing funding, and maintaining relationships. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will plan and implement a comprehensive fundraising program, including major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies.
Success in this role will require aligning sponsorship opportunities with program objectives and supporting The Venture Center's mission and strategic goals. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, excellent judgment, and a proactive approach. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package. If you are a motivated and experienced fundraising professional passionate about making a difference in the community, we encourage you to apply.
Responsibilities
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet the organization's annual revenue goals
Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, as well as corporate and foundation donors
Plan and execute special events that engage donors and raise funds for the organization
Collaborate with the entire Venture Center team, and especially with the Communications team, to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials
Work closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to develop fundraising strategies and goals
Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed
Collaborate with team to ensure alignment of program objectives with potential partnerships or sponsorships
Meet with potential collaborative partners
Nurture sponsor and partner relationships
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, related field or relevant experience encouraged
5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of success in major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and special events
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications and marketing materials
Strong leadership and management skills
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and volunteers
Experience with fundraising software and donor databases
A deep commitment to the mission and values of our organization
Strong interest in entrepreneurship or experience as an entrepreneur/working with entrepreneurs
Must be willing to participate in after-hour events and programs (approx. 1-2 per month)
Occasional travel
Bonus
Experience with project management tools such as Asana
Working knowledge of Google Workspace
Experience with grant writing or managing grant proposals
Benefits
Dental Insurance
Health Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid downtown parking
Hybrid Schedule
13 Paid Holidays + Flexible PTO
Paid Parental Leave
EEOC Statement
The Venture Center is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We believe that our differences are our strength, and we know that diversity builds a better team.