2020 TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Texas Book Festival seeks a highly experienced development professional to lead the strategy, planning, and execution of a $5 million, multi-year capital campaign aimed at securing the organization’s financial and programmatic sustainability. 2020 marks the TBF’s 25th anniversary, presenting a timely fundraising opportunity for TBF to ensure the longevity of its iconic annual Texas Book Festival Weekend as well as the growth of its school and community outreach programs.
The Development Director position with the Texas Book Festival is responsible for developing the fundraising strategy for the organization and ensuring that fundraising efforts support the TBF’s mission, programs, and strategic vision. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director, the Board Chair, Board Development Committee, and other board members and TBF staff as appropriate to achieve the TBF’s fundraising goals.
All TBF staff members help with planning work, event support, and communication strategies for the annual Texas Book Festival, the Texas Teen Book Festival, Reading Rock Stars, Real Reads, and other literary events in Austin and around Texas throughout the year.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Development Leadership and Management
- Manage the organization’s fundraising by creating and overseeing a multi-year development plan in line with strategic plan and goals that includes annual revenue goals and growth margins for major gifts, corporate sponsorships, annual campaign, and special fundraising events
- Lead strategy on $5 million, multi-year capital campaign, focusing on major and planned gifts, working closely with Executive Director, Capital Campaign Committee, Development Committee, and TBF development staff
- Build strategy and communication to identify potential major donors and steward current major donors, helping organization secure gifts of $25,000+ for capital campaign as well as $15,000+ for operating budget
- Provide input on TBF’s grant strategy
- Work with Executive Director and Development Director and Board Finance Committee on annual budget for the Board’s approval
- Develop substantive and persuasive funding proposals to prospective donors and sponsors that demonstrate TBF’s impact on literacy and literary culture throughout Texas
- Set development and revenue goals for annual fundraising gala and work with Executive and Deputy Director on fundraising and event experience goals
- Oversee development and donor cultivation special events and activities and direct TBF staff supporting development events
- Conduct systematic research of prospective donors and develop specific action plans to engage them and grow the donor base
- Oversee and leverage donor management system to maximize donor giving.
- Institute moves management processes and communication protocols that effectively retain donors and increase their giving levels
- Leverage board members in achieving TBF fundraising goals
- Produce periodic reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors, demonstrating progress on annual fundraising goals
- Represent organization at cultural and philanthropic events in Austin and throughout Texas
Communications
- Oversee creation of development pieces aligned with TBF brand that raise awareness and make the case for funding
- Oversee donor communications and correspondence (annual letters, Amplify Austin, thank you letters, stewardship updates, etc.), with an eye toward creative, digital forms of connecting with donors in an ongoing, donor-centered manner
- Work with Communications Coordinator and PR agency of record to raise the organization’s profile and build support with philanthropic community
EXPECTATIONS
- Actively participate in and contribute to organization’s long-term strategic goals and success
- Actively contribute to a positive, professional, and respectful work environment. Support TBF team members when they need help
- Embrace the all-in commitment required to make the annual Festival a success and understand that evening and weekend work will be expected in the weeks leading up to the Festival and for some outreach and special events. Flexible hours and generous time off in the off-season are provided in recognition of extra work time needed for the Festival.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
- Five years of experience in development work with a proven track record of success in identifying, soliciting, and stewarding corporate, foundation, and individual funders.
- Experience running a capital or other major fundraising campaign
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust and engagement with prospective and current donors
- Three years of experience managing development budget
- Three years of experience with donor management software including constituent management, customized reports, and donor segmentation
- Event-planning experience
- Strong knowledge of the Texas and Central Texas philanthropic community
- Knowledge of the Texas literary community and the publishing/book business preferred but not required
- Excellent communications skills (oral, written, and presentation)
- Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Attention to detail is critical for this position.
- Strong technological aptitude. Familiarity with and flexibility across platforms and operating systems expected
- Ability to think creatively to problem solve and promote the Texas Book Festival
- Dedication and enthusiasm for fulfilling the Texas Book Festival mission
- Ability to work independently and report progress frequently and efficiently
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends when needed
- Some travel required
To apply, please send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Deadline to apply is Monday, January 27.
