The JCFPL is seeking an outgoing, self-motivated, highly dependable individual to actively develop the Library’s fundraising infrastructure and coordinate ongoing efforts to significantly increase the funding available to achieve the Library’s mission.

 

Under the direction of the Library Director, the Development Officer will be responsible for driving the Library’s efforts in donor recruitment, cultivation, retention and stewardship. This role includes significant responsibility for building new administrative processes to support current and future fundraising. The individual in this role will work closely with Library leadership and staff, including the Communications & Marketing Department, the Youth & Adult Program Coordinators, the Business Office, as well as branches and other public-service departments. The Development Officer will also serve as the primary Library liaison for the newly reconstituted JCFPL Foundation.

 

The ideal candidate will have a facility with and enthusiasm for public sector fundraising and development; a willingness to learn and grow as a member of a team; courtesy, flexibility and a sense of humor.

 

* Please note, this vacancy announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job. The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Specific Job Duties:

 

• Identify, research and evaluate prospective individual, corporate and foundation donors to build a sustained prospect pipeline.
• Maintain detailed records of all donor contact, history and moves management; ensure personal appreciation and recognition is completed in a consistent and timely manner.
• Manage and coordinate a cultivation and stewardship program that includes one-on-one meetings, cultivation events, regular communications and other initiatives to engage and inform prospective donors.
• Conduct in-person cultivation, briefing and solicitation meetings, independently and in partnership with the Library Director, JCFPL Foundation Board, and Library staff.
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with current and prospective stakeholders, including the Library Foundation, Library colleagues and appropriate board members and/or other constituents to maximize total gift revenue, plan solicitation strategies and leverage joint solicitation efforts.
• Support the Foundation by: proactively communicating and advising on the Library’s organizational priorities and fundraising goals; developing and producing written and visual assets to support Foundation outreach; sharing relevant information about donor prospects; assisting with basic administrative functions related to Foundation meetings and events.
• Serve as the liaison between all current and future Library Friends Groups and the Library Director.
• Under the direction of the Library Director, draft an annual plan of Library needs and opportunities tied to fundraising goals and objectives, including recurring and one-time fundraising campaigns, and implement the plan.
• Coordinate with Library leaders and staff to identify needs, develop projects and build awareness for funding; create strategies to match prospects' interests to the priorities of the Library; report on fundraising status for current programs as well as encourage the identification and support of emerging priorities.
• Share information proactively with Library leaders and staff to support coordination of efforts on systemwide fundraising campaigns, as well as branch- and unit-specific fundraising efforts, such as grant submissions and neighborhood-level partnerships.
• Research, write, edit and/or oversee the preparation of persuasive and accurate proposals, case statements, reports, correspondence and other development-related communication materials in support of the Library’s fundraising activities.
• With the support of the Communications & Marketing Department, develop and enhance promotion and recognition tools aimed at individual donors.
• Oversee the organization and logistics of special events related to fund raising and donor cultivation.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
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Core Competencies: The incumbent in this role:

 

• Understands and practices basic fundraising principles and techniques.
• Conducts research, gathers data, analyzes information, and prepares effective, accurate, timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.
• Utilizes and builds systems and administrative procedures to prioritize, schedule, and perform complex tasks on time and with minimal day-to-day supervision.
• Cultivates and nurtures relationships with individuals from widely diverse backgrounds, internally and externally.
• Identifies, organizes, and sustains mutually beneficial partnerships and alliances with stakeholders in the Library’s area of impact.
• Communicates in a clear, accurate, respectful, and candid manner, across a range of communication settings, styles, and platforms.
• Possesses a confident command of spoken and written English grammar, vocabulary, and spelling.
• Is able to work flexible hours as needed to support events and programs that may occur outside normal business hours.
• Understands, models, and clearly and effectively conveys, the mission, vision, and values of JCFPL, in contexts ranging from informal one-on-one conversations to public presentations with a large audience.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information; demonstrates sound judgment and discretion regarding the Library and its partners.
• Approaches challenges with positivity and curiosity; exhibits a constructive problem-solving mindset.
• Sets clearly defined, measurable goals for progress; works collaboratively with other Library leaders and staff to define objectives that reflect the Library’s organizational priorities.
• Makes complex decisions independently in accordance with identified goals and established policies and procedures; proactively seeks additional information and input needed to make informed decisions.
• Demonstrates a desire to identify and build new and/or improved processes to sustain achievements and support future progress towards identified goals.
• Actively pursues opportunities to learn new skills and improve ability to meet and exceed expectations.
• Shares expertise and provides informal advice and developmental feedback to peers.
• Is proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and OneDrive.

 

 

Required Experience:

 

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five years’ experience in development.
• Demonstrated ability to secure major gifts and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations, and/or other private funding sources.
• Experience with fundraising office administration, including familiarity with best practices and protocols for record/data management.
• Experience managing long-term complex projects with specific targets.

 

 

Preferred Skills:

 

• Successful track record of soliciting and closing individual, corporate, and/or foundation gifts at the level of $25,000 or higher.
• Experience with best practices for facilitating planned giving.
• Experience with implementing recurring fundraising campaigns (such as Giving Tuesday), as well as one-time campaigns driven by organizational goals and need (such as capital campaigns).
• Proficiency in one or more constituent relations management (CRM) software tools.
• Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government.
• Facility in a non-English language spoken in Jersey City (such as Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, etc.).

 

To apply for this job with the Jersey City Free Public Library, please email the following to HR@jclibrary.org, with “Development Officer" included in the subject line:

• your current resume or CV;
• cover letter of 1 page or less describing your interest in the position;
• a sample of your work demonstrating experience in producing written and/or visual materials to support fundraising or outreach efforts;
• OPTIONAL: list of no more than three references able to comment on your skills and experience relevant to the position.

 

 

NOTES:

 

This vacancy is associated with a N.J. Civil Service job title; the New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires all incumbents to possess and be prepared to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the associated Civil Service job title.

 

This position is subject to residency requirements as set forth in the New Jersey First Act.

 

Apply online here

Submit specified application materials to hr@jclibrary.org.