Lambda Literary, the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ literary organization, seeks an organized, detail-oriented, and highly collaborative Director of Development and Awards Manager. The ideal candidate will possess an excitement about LGBTQ+ literature and a dynamic approach to leadership for a growing nonprofit organization as well as a proven track record in non-profit fundraising. This position is remote and requires travel as needed, which is anticipated to be 10-20% of the time. Our ideal candidate sees the Lambda Literary Awards as an extension of their role and can articulate their vision on how to optimize the potential for revenue generation.
In collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board/Finance Committee, the Director of Development and Awards Manager will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, with design and execution of specific programs to generate and nurture the philanthropic resources necessary to support and grow the organization’s programming and strategic initiatives.
Who We Are
For over 30 years, Lambda Literary has championed LGBTQ books and authors. No other organization in the world serves LGBTQ writers and readers more comprehensively than Lambda Literary. We believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer literature is fundamental to the preservation of our culture, and that LGBTQ lives are affirmed when our stories are written, published, and read.
What You’ll Do
- Partnering with the Executive Director in planning leadership, strategic direction, management and coordination for all aspects of the organization’s development work;
- Annual fundraising plan development to meet financial goals, for review and approval by the Board/Finance Committee, including necessary resources and an annual timeline of activities;
- Working collaboratively with and leveraging Board connections, experience and networks to design and implement fundraising and friend-raising strategies and programs, encompassing corporate partnerships, foundation relations and individual giving;
- Development and active management of relationships with high net-worth donors and prospects that result in improved donor retention, acquisition, and growth, with a particular focus on strengthening the selection of/connection to Lambda Literary as a high profile choice for philanthropy. This includes cultivation through in-person visits, phone calls, invitations to signature events, Development of a robust and data-informed engagement strategy with annual growth goals and success metrics in support of the organization’s multi-year goals;
- Collaboration with the Individual Giving Manager who is responsible for management and utilization of the donor management database software, including data mining, reporting and data integrity, and ensuring appropriate use by staff to ensure accuracy;
- Development of virtual and in-person events for existing and new donors and supporters, including major donors, volunteers and LGBTQ-community specific funders, so as to build a network of giving that reflects the diversity of our community;
- Working with the Board to support and participate in planning and participating in fundraising activities, and encouraging Board engagement in meeting annual philanthropic targets;
- Leading, mentoring and inspiring staff and volunteers, supporting the Executive Director in strategic organizational growth, and collaborating in creating a work environment that is rewarding to staff and volunteers;
- Fostering a culture of philanthropy within the organization by providing significant guidance to the Director of Programs and Operations in the lead-up to the Lambda Literary Awards;
- Create pipelines of engagement and giving by working with judges, authors, and publishers through the Lambda Literary Awards selection process. This should include providing prospects to the Individual Giving Manager for ongoing engagement.
Recommended Qualifications
- A minimum of five years of broad development experience, and a proven track record of successful fundraising, meeting established targets; experience in an LGBTQ+, small or medium-sized community-based organization is a plus;
- Experience growing donor and philanthropy within an organization, or relevant program growth;
- Experience with corporation, foundation and donor research and cultivation strategies, and development operations;
- Fluency with relevant software and knowledge of leveraging data in support of philanthropic financial goals;
- Planning and project management skills with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines and manage competing demands;
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including high level of comfort in effective solicitation, education and presentation to donors/potential donors/funders and community members;
- Flexibility and strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills;
- A passion for Lambda Literary’s mission, vision and goals, and a desire be part of the growth of an innovative and committed team and culture;
- Ability to problem solve;
- Willingness to travel for work functions as needed;
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, and Google drive; familiarity with donor management software, especially Give Lively and DonorPerfect;
Reporting Relationships
This position reports to Lambda Literary’s Executive Director and supports the Director of Programs and Operations.
Compensation
Annual Salary range is $85,000 – $95,000. This position includes a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare insurance and paid vacation.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, short writing sample (no more than 3 pages please), and 2-3 references to jobs@lambdaliterary.org. No calls please.
Priority consideration will be given to applications submitted by July 24.
Lambda Literary is an equal opportunity employer. We value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by our work. People of color, LGBQ people, transgender and gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
