Earl R. Merrill: Capital Campaign and Development Director

Fort Worden is the kind of destination that stays with you for a lifetime. Amidst the magnificent natural park setting and the influence of its military past, Fort Worden is home to inspiration, education and personal transformation. People gather here to participate in arts and music events, woodworking classes, conferences, camping, recreation, family reunions, weddings, and much more.

Originally designed as a military base to protect Puget Sound, Fort Worden evolved into an iconic and cherished state park. The fort – featuring 100 historic structures – is a federally designated Landmark Historic District, which spans two miles of saltwater shoreline with views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and the San Juan Islands. The fort’s historic buildings offers exceptional meeting space, comfortable accommodations and delectable dining options, all within a campus-like setting. Located within a couple of miles from historic downtown Port Townsend, shopping and more sightseeing opportunities are just minutes away.

FORT WORDEN FOUNDATION
The Fort Worden Foundation was established in 2016 to help leverage public funding and bring private philanthropic resources to support Fort Worden’s operational and capital needs. A 501(c)3 nonprofit, the Foundation serves as the Fort Worden Public Development Authority’s (PDA) philanthropic arm and is tasked with managing, promoting, and developing the Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center into a nationally recognized destination for arts, culture, and education.

The Foundation is seeking an energetic and experienced Capital Campaign & Development Director (Foundation Development Director) to assist in the completion of the $14 Million campaign for the Makers Square project. Over 70% of the funding for Makers Square has been secured from public and private sources. The project will begin construction this summer and the Foundation Development Director will lead the effort to complete the fundraising campaign by the end of 2020.

There is a close working relationship between the Foundation and the PDA. The ongoing preservation and management of the Fort’s historic facilities will be provided by the PDA, with the PDA responsible primarily operating the hospitality businesses within the campus. The Foundation’s primary responsibility is for fundraising for capital development and new programming. The Foundation Development Director will supervise and assist the Grant & Public Relations Manager.

The Fort Worden Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that includes at least three members who also serve on the Fort Worden PDA Board. We are seeking an entrepreneurial fundraising leader to grow and sustain the Foundation. From implementing its first campaign plan to developing systems and leading team members, as the Foundation Development Director you will work closely with the PDA Executive Director to build external relationships, internal systems, and complete the Makers Square capital campaign. We are seeking a proven, results-oriented leader who motivates and inspires others; who is known as a champion of leading campaigns, undertaking innovative projects, and identifying funding opportunities to support the growth of the Foundation.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Capital Campaign & Development Director is the chief fundraising position of the Fort Worden Foundation and is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all fundraising including the major gifts program, grants and special events to complete the Makers Square capital campaign. The Foundation Development Director works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of both the Foundation and PDA in development and fundraising endeavors. In addition to maintaining our vision by adhering to the values of Fort Worden, this position must provide the highest level of service to our community, on-site tenant partners, staff, vendors and guests.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee and complete the Makers Square capital campaign.
Assist the Executive Director and Board of Directors in all Foundation planning and operations; from developing strategic fundraising priorities to establishing and implementing the campaign plan.
Manage the day to day operations of the Foundation, developing annual strategic objectives and ensuring financial compliance.
Assist and supervise the Grant and Public Relations Manager in identifying and submitting grant applications to various family foundations, public agencies and philanthropic organizations.
Identify prospective major donors, individuals and corporate sponsorships and develop strategies to cultivate those relationships.
Oversee grant applications including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements.
Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications and relationships.
Grow a major gifts program including identification, cultivation and solicitation of major donors.
Coordinate fundraising special events and donor receptions, collaborating with team members to realize successful events.
Make public appearances/accept speaking engagements to share information about the Foundation with the community.
Oversee creation of publications, print marketing and other collateral to support fund raising activities and correspondence with donors.
After year one, build a planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts and bequests.
Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.
Supervise the work of assigned team members, performance management and communications to building a strong team.
Perform other related duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

Must embrace the mission of Fort Worden Foundation
Strong interpersonal and writing skills
Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising
Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members and other volunteers
Have the desire to get out of the office and build external relationships
Be a “self-starter” and goal driven to initiate donor visits and fundraising calls
Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals
Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense and good listening ability
5 years minimum experience in professional fundraising

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of fundraising and track record of securing major gifts and grants
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams to produce consistently
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite; donor database management
Excellent written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills
Willing and able to work various hours, schedules, holidays, weekends and may times, long hours on the job to accommodate the needs of the Foundation
Professional appearance and manner
Positive, honest and energetic work ethic
Solid track record of success; demonstrating upward career tracking and professional development

Benefits and Compensation

Competitive salary depending on qualifications and recent fundraising experience
Excellent insurance plans: medical, dental, life, long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, access to Washington State Department of Retirement Systems
Generous paid time off: vacation leave, personal days, sick leave
Additional benefits: discounts on accommodations, food, merchandise, and gym membership

PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME AND COVER LETTER INDICATING YOUR INTEREST TO:
HR@FortWorden.org
Fort Worden is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Position is open until filled.