Regional Development Officer - Daviess, Dubois, Martin, Knox counties

Purpose: The Youth First Regional Development Officer (RDO) is responsible for increasing the organization’s capacity to engage the community across an assigned territory within Youth First’s service footprint. Currently, this position has an emphasis with services in Daviess, Dubois, Martin and Knox counties, including charter, independent, parochial, and private school partners. Aspects of the job include account/portfolio management, stewarding/elevating donor relationships, prospecting new donors, securing funding, and providing an exceptional level of service and support to community partners.

The Regional Development Officer works with the Vice President of Development, and the Youth First development team to create and execute a strategy that engages supporters and deepens partnerships through an array of development strategies, with a focus on prospecting and inviting new support for Youth First.

Reports To: Vice President of Development

• Account Management:
  • With Vice President of Development, develop and execute a strategy for securing individual, corporate, and foundation donations for Youth First in the assigned territory.
  • Plan and execute a strategy to increase individual and corporate giving, as well as volunteer engagement.
  • Provide recruitment and leadership of advocacy councils to further engage volunteers and supporters who will identify fundraising and awareness opportunities across respective counties.
  • Identify fundraising event opportunities within assigned territory and secure sponsor ships.
• Cultivation and Stewardship:
  • Ensure donor cultivation and stewarding plans are in place for all accounts in portfolio. Ensure all aspects of plan are executed, reviewed, and updated on a regular basis as accounts are moved through the donor pipeline.
  • Represent Youth First at community events, developing and cultivating relationships with key community leaders.
  • Ensure deliverables are met for each account. This includes consistent stewardship touches, donor updates and renewals, Salesforce reporting, proposal status, etc.
• Grants, Proposals, and Database Management:
  • Identify grant funding opportunities in respective regions and refer to the Grants team. Assist in writing small grants as needed.
  • Utilize Youth First branded marketing material to create effective proposals and presentations for donor accounts. Work with the communications team as relevant content becomes available for social media postings, donor recognition, etc.
  • Record all donor/prospecting activities in Salesforce. This includes maintaining donor pipeline, accurate donor contact information and donor communications.
• Other Assignments:
  • This position is responsible for significant revenue generation for Youth First in the assigned territory. RDO will track and ensure fundraising goals are met for annual and long-term needs.
  • The position requires frequent travel within the territory for donor/client calls and community meetings.
  • This position serves as a member of the Development team assisting, when necessary, with other campaigns and special events as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree or 3+ years relevant experience required.
• Emphasis in Communications, Marketing, or Fundraising is desired.
• Background in relationship management, sales, or fundraising. Experience working in the non-profit sector is a plus but not required.
• Proven experience securing grants and working with diverse philanthropic communities preferred.
• Corporate and/or individual sales experience may be substituted for fundraising experience.
• Excellent written/verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills with experience presenting to varied audiences.
• Strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills with experience marketing to diverse audiences.
• Pro‑active, self‑starter with a can‑do attitude required.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, coordinate multiple projects and work effectively with community groups.
• Significant expertise with the local fundraising community is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with local philanthropic and community leadership is desired.
• Strong knowledge of the organization’s mission, values, programs, services, and…