The Vice President of Strategic Engagement (VPSE) is responsible for the creation and successful deployment of a comprehensive fund development strategy-promoting a culture of philanthropy, coordinating fund development, contributing to strategic planning, and addressing development issues within the organization. The VPSE will report directly to the Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer and will work with the Chief Executive Officer, other executive leadership, and the Board of Directors to define the organization’s fund development strategies. The VPSE will create and implement strategies to secure donors and contributions in support of the organization, provide oversight of fund development, monitor development activities, and coordinate strategic partnership events. Travel required.

Leadership & Management

• Work with the Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer, staff, and governing board to facilitate short and long-term strategic plans.
• In close partnership with the Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer, create and execute a development plan to grow a donor base and a pool of contributors for Southwest Key and the Sueños Foundation.
• Formulate an understanding of Southwest Key and the Sueños Foundation’s mission and goals, meet regularly with supporters, and be able to articulate clearly a compelling case to solicit their support.
• Leverage qualitative and quantitative information to develop donation strategy and build the systems and process to execute that strategy.
• Execute critical day-to-day development-related operational systems including, but not limited to: donor database system, communications systems, and reporting tools.
• Report key metrics to the Chief Strategy and Partnership Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

• Participate with the CEO and senior management to plan the organization's fund development course and programs.
• Formulate short- and long-term goals and develop actionable strategies for meeting and exceeding those goals through grants, sponsorships, gifts, donations, and fundraising events.

Fundraising

• Create fund development policies, procedures, plans, goals and budget to support Southwest Key and the Sueños Foundation.
• Personally engage, cultivate, solicit and steward a group of new and existing
• Maintain donor portfolios, monthly budget forecasts and variances, and plan the production of donor briefings and profiles.
• Coordinate high-profile visits, including site visits, meetings and presentations.

• Foster a culture of philanthropy and ensure that fund development is executed in keeping with the organization's values, vision, and mission.
• Create and execute capital campaigns and employee giving initiatives.

Administrative

• Establish performance measures, monitor results, and evaluate the efficacy of the fund development program.
• Manage development operations efficiently and oversee development activities in coordination with staff.
• Create briefings, stewardship plans/letters and other correspondence for prospects, working closely with colleagues and other staff.
• Maintain accountability and ensure compliance with all regulations and laws, as well as the code of ethics for fundraising professionals.
• Partner with other groups or departments to coordinate strategies and processes across the organization.

• Be a leader in the space of corporate giving and donations and be prepared to represent Southwest Keys and the Sueños Foundation at various internal and external events and programs.
• Collaborate with other groups or departments to share best practices and fundraising strategies, as well as support development efforts across the network.
• Proactively stay up-to-date on trends and developments within philanthropy and fund development as well as the general fields of management and the not-for-profit sector.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
• Help to recruit, train, and motivate fundraising volunteers.

• Bachelor’s degree required and 3-5 years of major/leadership giving experience or similar work experience.
• Flexible and adaptive work style, with the ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, results-oriented, and hands-on environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the proven ability to represent the organization publicly and passionately to potential funders and other partners, as well as listen and respond to the interests of a variety of stakeholder groups.
• Proven experience as a fundraising and organizational development specialist.
• Management experience in a non-profit organization or similar environment.

Must be able to read, write, and communicate both verbally and in written form to express and exchange ideas. While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee must be able to access all components of work station and other office equipment. Frequent typing, writing, bending and twisting. Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds.

General office environment with moderate noise. This position is mostly sedentary, involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. A busy environment with many unscheduled interruptions. Frequent computer use at workstation for extended periods of time. Public contact position requiring appropriate business apparel.