Responsibilities

• Design and execute annual and multi-year fundraising strategies that align with ROOTS' mission and financial objectives, incorporating individual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate sponsorships, public funding and foundation grants.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donors, with emphasis on expanding major gifts and sustaining a strong individual giving program.
• Research, write and or support a grant writer with submission of grant proposals to private foundations, corporate philanthropy programs, and government entities; ensure compliance with reporting and funder requirements.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses and corporations to secure sponsorships and event funding, aligning with corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate ROOTS’ annual RISE UP fundraiser and other community engagement events, leveraging these opportunities to build long-term donor relationships and increase financial support.
• Expand ROOTS' digital fundraising presence, implementing strategies such as crowdfunding campaigns, social media fundraising drives, and email appeals.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive communication strategy to increase public awareness, donor engagement, and advocacy efforts.
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all external communications, including the website, newsletters, social media, and printed materials.
• Collect and share compelling stories of young adults served by ROOTS, emphasizing the impact of donor contributions and ROOTS’ role in ending youth homelessness.
• Serve as one of the two agency primary media contacts, cultivating relationships with journalists, preparing press releases, and securing media coverage for ROOTS’ programs and initiatives.
• Develop customized engagement strategies for key donors, ensuring meaningful interactions and long-term relationships.
• Design and manage donor appreciation initiatives, including exclusive donor events, impact reports, and recognition programs.
• Establish and promote legacy giving opportunities to encourage donors to include ROOTS in their estate plans.
• Oversee the donor database (Bloomerang), ensuring accurate data entry, segmentation, and reporting for fundraising efforts.
• Track and analyze donor trends, providing regular reports to the Executive Director and Board on fundraising progress and areas for improvement.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate budgeting, forecasting, and reconciliation of fundraising revenue.

• Lead, support, and develop development team members, including fundraising staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors’ Development Committee to align fundraising goals with strategic priorities.
• Stay current with industry best practices and trends, pursuing ongoing professional development and training.