Fundraising director
General Description:
The Oregon Sustainability Center is a collaborative partnership to create a world
class Living Building Resource Center (net zero energy, CO2, water, and waste) that
provides public policy and building science R&D leadership to cities in testing next
generation development practices to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
other building related social and environmental impacts in Portland, Oregon. OSC is
embarking on a major fundraising campaign to build a permanent home for the
Oregon University System sustainability programs, the City of Portland’s Bureau of
Planning and Sustainability, and a consortium of the region’s leading sustainability
organizations and businesses.
The OSC Fundraising Director will direct the campaign to raise funds from private
and public sources in Oregon and nationally, as well as secure in kind resources
from key corporations. The Fundraising Director works with the OSC Ownership
Group, the OSC Fundraising and Communication Steering Committee, and
Metropolitan Group who has been retained to provide campaign counsel. The
Fundraising Director will help develop and execute the fundraising strategy that
includes grant funding (federal, state, foundations), individual and corporate
philanthropy, and in‐kind product and service donations.
Essential Job Functions:
Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the OSC fundraising campaign and
managing the Fundraising & Communications Steering Committee
(comprised of OSC Partners), which includes regularly convening the
committee, developing and implementing an overall fundraising plan.
Working with campaign counsel, develop all written materials and other
collateral to support fund‐raising activities, including the OSC website, public
presentations.
Working with campaign counsel, help coordinate and prepare solicitation
calls by researching and preparing for appropriate ask, identify best solicitor
and help coach that person.
Set up and participate in direct solicitations when appropriate.
Maintain at least 25‐30 solicitations from the hot list on a regular basis, and
continually refresh that list to maintain the level of active asks.
Establish a volunteer leadership group of individuals with contacts and
means to provide significant gifts to support the fundraising campaign.
Regularly convene and direct this leadership group to participate in
fundraising campaign and making direct asks.
Establish database infrastructure and acknowledgement system and respond
to all gifts received in a timely manner, including ensuring that all grant
reporting requirements are fulfilled.
Develop and regularly update donor prospect list (foundations, individual
donors, federal, state and local government funds, and corporations).
Coordinate a grant writing team made up of staff and volunteers from the
City of Portland, Oregon University System, Portland State University, P+OSI,
and Portland Development Commission in developing and/or writing
fundraising campaign grant proposals.
Develop and implement strategy for cultivation events.
Maintain a good professional relationship with the community and statewide
organizations that have an interest in or provide support to OSC.
Minimum Qualifications:
Demonstrated ability to raise major funds through previous work experience
(political or capital). Significant success in the areas of grant writing, capital
campaign drives, planned giving programs, and high profile public relations
activities.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in fundraising management OR equivalent in
project management related to marketing, marketing communications or
political campaigns.
Bachelor’s degree plus advanced project management and business skills.
Job Skills and Knowledge:
Excellent project management, writing and public speaking skills.
Knowledge of marketing communication strategies, especially leveraging
social media.
Ability to lead and create innovative approaches to engage the community in
a variety of ways.
Seasoned experience and effectiveness with making the “ask.”
Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational.
Ability to maintain a highly professional appearance in both manner and
attire.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, especially when required for fundraising
events or speaking engagements.
Ability to work with a variety of groups, both internal and external to the OSC
Leadership Team and ability to advance an agenda working with diverse
partners.
Experience in public speaking. Ability to tactfully participate in media
coverage and programs.
Willingness to perform tasks outside of the job description.
NOTE: This position description is representative of the major position
requirements and is not intended to be all‐inclusive.
Supervision:
The Position will be housed within the Portland + Oregon Sustainability Institute as
a temporary contract employee for 6 months with the option to extend depending
on resources. The Position will be accountable and report directly to the OSC
Fundraising and Communication Steering Committee.
To Apply:
Please submit resume and cover letter electronically to Liz Hopkins at
lhopkins@pdxinstitute.org ., or via the mail to P+OSI C/O Liz Hopkins, 1600 SW 4th
Ave, Suite 800, Portland, OR 97201. The position will remain open until filled. Initial
screening of applicants will begin September 1 at 5:00 PM. No phone inquiries
please. | 
