Director, Development and Communications

Starfinder Foundation

Director, Development & Communications (FT/Hybrid)

Who We Are

Starfinder Foundation is a nonprofit organization that uses soccer to inspire social change and transform the lives of youth in underserved communities, one kid at a time. Our vision is a Philadelphia region where the playing field is level, and all kids are thriving.

We are guided by the following principles:

All kids deserve to learn, grow and thrive.

A strong community is our greatest asset.

Young people have a great deal to contribute.

Soccer is a powerful vehicle for youth development.

Play makes life better.

Why We Do It

At Starfinder Foundation (Starfinder), we are actively refuting the idea that Philadelphia’s underserved youth need to stay underserved. We refute the idea that only the kids with the most resources can be successful or that graduation and college is attainable to some, but not to all.

This is why we do not just help kids on the soccer field; we help them develop off the field, too. We provide educational resources, emotional support and leadership training. We cultivate a supportive, tight-knit community that pushes young people forward.

Starfinder is an award winning, internationally recognized nonprofit organization that promotes positive youth development for pre-school, elementary, middle, and high school youth, through high-quality youth sports programming. We use soccer as a framework to provide the opportunity and support youth need to be healthy contributors to their communities.

We offer young people an experience through which they can excel in athletics, while practicing life and leadership skills in a safe, fun, supportive, and challenging environment.

What We Need

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director, Development and Communications is responsible for strategically achieving an annual revenue goal from individual, corporate and foundation/institutional donors, as well as through fundraising events; maintaining excellent donor communication through various touch points and meetings; overseeing an annual giving program; and increasing awareness through a strategic communications plan.

While this role is a generalist role, successful candidates will have significant experience in Major Gifts and Individual Giving.

What They'll Do

Development

Shape, manage and drive the implementation of a successful fundraising strategy to support organizational and program development needs.

In consultation with the Executive Director, establish short and long-range fundraising goals and strategies for substantially increasing foundation, corporate, individual and in-kind support.

Communications

Shape, manage and drive the implementation of an effective outreach and communication campaign to engage and cultivate community support.

Manage brand awareness and marketing strategies for various audiences.

Lead communications efforts, including but not limited to email marketing, social media management, marketing materials, acknowledgement letters, donor communications and event collateral.

Primary Objectives:

Individual, Corporate, and Institutional Giving (50%)

Identify, research, cultivate, and solicit prospective individual, corporate and institutional donors.

Manage and track individual, institutional and corporate donors using donor management software.

Manage a successful annual giving program by planning annual campaign strategies and goals, overseeing fundraising appeals through direct appeals, and analyzing donor data.

Monitor and report regularly to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors on the progress of annual and long-range fundraising plans and programs.

Collaborate with program staff to facilitate donor engagement opportunities and site visits.

In conjunction with the Executive Director, write, edit, and proofread proposals, reports, letters and other correspondence, and prepare budgets, working with program staff to elicit information as necessary.

Support the Executive Director in preparing materials for pitches and proposals, producing correspondence which communicates how gifts have been used and fulfillment of event support benefit including print, signage, etc.

Special Events (30%)

Lead the planning and execution, including coordination with event professionals of Starfinder’s signature fundraising events: Cocktails with a Kick! (cocktail event); Starfinder Championship (golf outing) and Starfinder Cups (corporate soccer tournaments).

Ensure all Special Events achieve/exceed revenue goal by cultivating event committees, teams, sponsors, and individuals.

Supervise the planning of event logistics, including the event budget, and serve as the staff manager on event day to provide excellent experience for all participants.

Marketing and Communications (15%)

Create and implement annual communications plan and editorial calendar.

Oversee all relevant social media content.

Build knowledge of social media efforts and collaborate with team members in content creation.

Oversee and implement press relations strategy in coordination with Executive Director

Create and disseminate ongoing email communications.

Support the creation and development of updated print and online marketing materials.

Maintain and update Starfinder's website in coordination with the entire team.

Additional Tasks (5%)

Attend and support major program related initiatives.

Actively network amongst industry peers and prospective donors

What We're Looking For

Education: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred

Experience: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising, communications and/or business development experience, increasing in responsibility, with a proven track record for achieving organizational goals

This may also be a great fit, if you have

Ever been called a renaissance person or a Jack/Jane of all Trades.

Passion for Starfinder’s mission

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher)

A commitment to values and standards consistent with the mission of Starfinder.

A proven track record of donor retention and leading successful campaigns.

Demonstrated success in executing fundraising events that meet/exceed fundraising.

targets.

Experience managing social media strategy across various platforms (i.e., Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc.).

Proficiency with a CRM or fundraising software.

Exceptional organizational skills, high level of efficiency, and ability to manage multiple projects and programs at a time with precision.

High-level of interpersonal, written, and oral community skills relatable to everyone from youth served by Starfinder to major donors.

Ability to work collaboratively with Starfinder staff, corporate and community partners,

and volunteers.

Demonstrated ability to solve problems strategically and think critically.

Are action-oriented and adaptable.

And…love to solve problems.

Benefits

$75,000-$85,000, salary is commensurate with experience

Position includes medical and dental benefits, paid holidays, paid time-off, and 403(b)

participation

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and resume outlining your fit for this role, and feel free to include any work samples that display your fit for this role.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Additional Detail

Starfinder's mission requires that our staff interact with and understand a broad array of cultures and backgrounds. We value having a talented team that reflects the population we serve, who come from diverse backgrounds and traditions, and who vary by race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, culture, religion, and abilities. We encourage individuals to apply who will contribute to a positive, inclusive, participatory learning environment and will help reinforce an atmosphere of mutual respect.

Starfinder Foundation believes in and is firmly committed to equal employment opportunity for employees and applicants. Its policies conform to federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment because of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, disability, atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait, genetic information, liability for military service, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws. This commitment applies to all aspects of Starfinder’s employment practices, including recruiting, hiring, training, and promotion.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19127