Development Director

Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities, an independent nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, connects people with ideas that enrich lives, broaden perspectives, and strengthen communities. We run a statewide youth history program, civic conversation programs for the correctional facilities and the public, public humanities grantmaking and networking opportunities, and other relevant and exciting programs that nourish culture, history, literature, deep and compassionate thinking, and intergenerational or otherwise diverse spaces.

The Development Director sets and executes fundraising strategies for Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities (HIHumanities) organization through grantwriting and grant management, individual donor acquisition and retention, corporate and private foundation philanthropy, annual giving campaigns, special development campaigns, and donor stewardship programs. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director, program staff and Board members on donor cultivation and stewardship. The Development Director is responsible for the operations of the development office including management of the donor database, grant and appeals calendars, impact reports and gift acknowledgement practices. As a key leader in the organization, the Development Director carries forward the HIHumanities mission to external audiences as well as internally to empower and support staff. The Development Director will work with communications staff on appeals to various constituents through multimedia platforms and communicate,conduct and evaluate development programs in ways that resonate with the values of our organization, and express the humanities with freshness and relevance, for local and national communities.

Reports to: Executive Director Supervises: none

Main kuleana 

• Fundraising and Donor Cultivation (40%):
  Create and execute the HIHumanities fundraising plan that generates at least $1M over five years in charitable support from individuals, private foundations and corporate donors with an emphasis on unrestricted funding. Identify major donor prospects and work with staff and board members on cultivation. Conduct research on foundation, corporate and donor leads. Create and maintain an annual development calendar inclusive of annual appeal campaigns, special fundraising projects and donor outreach events. Project manage appeal campaigns, write proposals, and engage with donors to solicit major gifts. Work closely with Communications and ED to execute these gift campaigns. Maintains a working knowledge of fundraising best practices, with an emphasis on equity.

• Donor Stewardship, and Engagement (20%):
  Assist the ED in stewarding donors by interacting with donors in-person, over the telephone, and in writing. Help ensure all funder recognition is appropriate on program materials, on the website, and on collateral materials produced for events. Work with Communications and ED to raise awareness of giving opportunities and donor/donation impact via electronic newsletter, social media efforts, and physical media/items. 

• Grant Writing, Tracking, and Reporting (20%):
  Create and maintain the annual calendar of grant submission and reporting deadlines and identify and research prospective funders. Support our fundraising goals by writing successful proposals and reports to foundations and corporate sponsors. Track and manage deliverables (i.e., final reports). Program Directors support this work by creating budgets and project proposals.

• Administration/Strategy (20%):
  Works with ED to create annual fundraising strategies that align with organizational goals and values. Development Director will take the lead on managing and executing fundraising strategies and achieving fundraising goals. Assists the Board Community Engagement Committee. Creates Development reports for the Board 3–4 times a year. Maintains an accurate donor database (Monkeypod) of sensitive information, and reconciles 3-4 times a year with accounting system.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required skills / experience:

1. Experience and passion for community-building. Familiarity with languages, cultures, and histories important to this place, and a clear love and commitment to Hawai‘i nei. Friendly, enthusiastic, and able to develop meaningful relationships with people of diverse backgrounds.
2. Stand-out writing, editing, and communication skills. Able to express the “why” in a genuine and memorable manner, and for diverse platforms and audiences, including print and online. Demonstrated success in making solicitations and developing compelling narratives.
3. Innovative thinker about wealth, gratitude, and the power of connection. Posesses agile and creative ideas for fundraising, aligned with equity values of the organization. Proven ability to think strategically, set goals, and critically evaluate progress.
4. Highly organized with strong project management skills and ability to effectively collaborate and delegate with a wide range of partners.
5. Ability to travel throughout our islands. A valid drivers license preferred.
6. Has experience with database management. A high degree of discretion and demonstrated ability to handle confidential information.
7. Fluency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and Google Suite programs.
8. Minimum of a BA in the humanities from an accredited institution, or equivalent. 
9. Minimum of 3 years experience in development work.

Other Details:

• Proposed Start Date: October 1, 2023
• Reports to: Executive Director
• 1.0 FTE, Exempt
• Salary range: $65,000–$75,000 a year
• Fringe Benefits: HIHumanities offers paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, health and dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, long-term disability and life-insurance plan.
• Travel/location: Applicants must be available for office work in Honolulu, O‘ahu. There may be occasional in-state travel requests for program support.
• Must be able to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination required.

To apply, please submit a resume (with three references), cover letter, and one letter of recommendation to https://www.hrsymphony.com/hrs/careers/hihumanities. In your cover letter, please address the following:

• Why you are interested in working with Hawai‘i Council for the Humanities
• How your experience and skills meet the qualifications for the position

Application Deadline: September 12, 2023, or until position has been filled.

Hawaiʻi Council for the Humanities is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please learn more about us at hihumanities.org. Please direct questions about this job to Aiko Yamashiro at ayamashiro@hihumanities.org.