Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
Oaks Park has been "where the fun never ends" since 1905 and is among the oldest continually operating amusement parks in America. "The Oaks" first opened its gates to eager visitors on May 30, 1905, as a way of boosting ridership on the area's emerging interurban transportation system. Arriving via streetcar, visitors to the park were thrilled by exotic animals, nightly fireworks, a bathhouse, death-defying amusement rides, and that latest of inventions, electric lights! Oaks Park is proud to have offered safe, wholesome, family fun to our neighbors for over a century. Today when visitors walk through our gates they are delighted by a uniquely Portland blend of modern thrills and turn-of-the-century charm on a midway that has delighted generations of Northwesterners.
In honor of the spirit and donation of Robert Bollinger, the Oaks Park Association (OPA) serves as a private non-profit organization whose mission is the preservation and perpetuation of the historic amusement park as an affordable, safe, and family-friendly recreation attraction open to the general public.
Position Summary:
The Director of Development position represents a newly recreated role within the organizational framework of Oaks Park Association (OPA), a non-profit entity established in 1985. OPA boasts a significant historical legacy, having been instrumental in the transition from private ownership to a non-profit structure for the over 100-year-old amusement park.
While OPA has traditionally operated without relying on fundraising for its day-to-day operations, the organization is now expanding its scope to encompass long-term capital campaigns and overall capacity enhancement. The Director of Development is key to OPA's success, spearheading initiatives for capital campaigns and driving the growth of our organizational capacity. This critical role demands an individual with executive-level experience and a proven track record in fundraising and resource mobilization within the non-profit sector.
Essential Duties and Job Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute comprehensive capital campaign strategies, including setting goals, timelines, and implementing budgets.
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations to secure contributions.
- Oversee the creation of compelling campaign materials and promotional activities to engage stakeholders and donors.
- Experience in developing and implementing programs and initiatives that enhance the skills and capabilities of the organization and its staff.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and address areas for improvement in fundraising, operations, and program effectiveness.
- Implement best practices and develop training programs to enhance the capabilities of the development team.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and other potential funding sources, ensuring a high level of donor engagement and satisfaction.
- Implement effective stewardship strategies to retain and upgrade donor support over time.
- Utilize data-driven insights to tailor communication and engagement strategies.
- Prepare grant proposals, applications, and reports to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other grant-making institutions.
- Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.
- Recruit, train, and supervise a high-performing development team.
- Foster a collaborative and results-oriented work environment, setting clear goals and expectations.
- Track, analyze, and report on fundraising results to senior leadership.
- Perform other work as assigned, which may not be listed above. These duties may change with or without notice.
Qualifications:
- Must be 18 years old or older.
- Bachelor's degree or relevant experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in development, with a proven track record of successful capital campaigns and capacity building.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong knowledge of fundraising strategies, techniques, and best practices.
- Highly proficient in MS Office and donation-management tools.
- Articulate, professional representative, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Proficiency in grant writing and grant management.
- Experience in team leadership and management.
- Ability to work collaboratively with other departments and senior leadership.
- Knowledge of donor databases and fundraising software is a plus.