The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation (NJCCF) is a 501(c)(3) organization that has used the power of the business community to influence student outcomes for more than 26 years. With an annual budget of $3 million, the NJCC supports current and future members of the workforce in becoming globally competitive, successful members of society and fuels New Jersey’s economy by sustaining a qualified workforce.
The NJCCF is seeking an experienced Director of Resource Development to increase the financial resources needed to expand the Jobs for America’s Graduates New Jersey (JAG NJ) program. The NJCCF is the state affiliate of Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), a national non-profit organization dedicated to preparing opportunity youth from underserved communities for post-secondary education and the workforce while still in high school.
The Director of Resource Development initiates, cultivates and stewards relationships with all donors (public, private, corporate, foundation). The Director plans and coordinates all aspects of fund development in accordance with the NJCCF’s and JAG NJ’s mission and standard of excellence. The scope of the position is state-wide.
Responsibilities include maintaining existing levels of cash support ($950,000) and increasing both the number of funders and the dollar amounts from existing supporters by a minimum of 10% annually. The Director of Resource Development is responsible for formulating a funding strategy and executing a development plan which deepens the commitment of existing donors, increases the number of overall supporters and creates opportunities for all to contribute to the NJCCF’s mission in practical and meaningful ways.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Primary responsibility is to increase financial resources by 10% annually for JAG NJ program through: increasing funding levels of existing donors, developing new sources of funding (state grants, federal sources such as TANF, SNAP, WIOA, Pre-ETS, individuals, corporate/private foundations, event sponsorships) and securing multi-year funding commitments.
- Manage a portfolio of 120+ existing and prospective donor relationships in coordination with the NJCCF President. This includes cultivation, grant writing, reporting per funder’s requirements and gift acknowledgement.
- Prioritize time with donors out of the office over other functions.
- Steward major gifts in coordination with President to include a social media campaign to thank donors at various levels.
- Develop and implement a written annual and long-term fund development plan that is driven by the strategic plan of the organization. This plan will include coordination of outreach efforts to involve funding partners in employer engagement activities with JAG NJ programs.
- Establish targets for fundraising campaigns, identify prospective donors, and develop strategies for securing gifts.
- Build a robust 2-year major gifts program that diversifies the NJCCF giving portfolio consisting of 50% state and federal funds, 25% corporate and foundation grants and 25% individual contributions.
- Collaboration and participation in JAG NJ in-state student and Specialist events.
DESIRABLE SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Fund-raising professional with a proven track record in New Jersey of exceeding fundraising goals of at least $1 million annually.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to nonprofit sector
- Performance-driven/results-oriented
- Impeccable written and oral communication skills
- Ability to work independently/self-starter—must be extremely resourceful
- Flexibility regarding work assignments and work hours
- Familiarity with the key funding sources for non-profit organizations
- Passion for the JAG NJ program and mission
- Superior relationship development skills and experience cultivating connections with major donors, government, corporate sponsors, and private funders.
- Able to work with, and motivate, a variety of people, personalities, ages and backgrounds
- Able to plan, schedule, prioritize, coordinate and manage multiple work activities
- Highly developed judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
- The ability to represent the organization and its interests in a positive manner and treat its employees, former employees, board members, governmental and private entities, donors, suppliers, vendors, associations, and the public at large with the utmost respect and dignity.
- An advanced ability to read and interpret written information; write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar. Advanced ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listen and get clarification; respond well to questions; demonstrate group presentation skills; and participate in meetings.
- Must have reliable transportation for meetings throughout New Jersey
- A competent working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
Website: www.njchamberfoundation.org
Equal Opportunity Employer: The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or belief.
If your experience doesn’t exactly match the qualifications listed but you believe you would shine in this role, we want to hear from you! Please apply and tell us why you’re the right person for the job.
People who identify as Black & Indigenous people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, and systems-impacted people are highly encouraged to apply.
Job Type: Full-time. This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), as well as under any and all applicable state (New Jersey) and local laws, rules and regulations. All NJCCF employees are required to undergo a criminal background check as a condition of employment.
Pay: $85,000-$100,000 per year
Benefits: 401(k), Dental insurance, Health insurance, Vision insurance, Prescription drug plan, Paid time off, Term life insurance, Long term disability
Schedule: Monday to Friday—Hybrid schedule (remote and in-person); Occasional evening and weekend availability required; Ability to commute to Trenton, NJ
Interested? Please email a resume and references to Donna Custard at donna.custard@njchamber.com with “Director of Resource Development” in the subject line.