Director of Advancement

Overview: The Director of Advancement is responsible for leading the Foundation’s efforts to grow its visibility, enhance donor engagement, and increase financial support through strategic fundraising, communications, and public relations efforts. This role manages the foundation’s external relations, ensuring that its mission and impact are effectively communicated to the community and key stakeholders. The Director of Advancement serves as the lead of the Philanthropy Department and manages the Grants and Programs Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the foundation’s fundraising efforts, including donor engagement, annual giving, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Manage donor relationships, cultivating and stewarding major gifts and contributions.
• Oversee all communications, public relations, marketing, and storytelling initiatives.
• Develop strategies to enhance the foundation’s public presence, build community engagement, and promote its work.
• Supervise marketing and creative contractors to maintain brand integrity and message consistency.
• Lead the Grants and Programs Coordinator in managing fund-related programs and donor accounts.

Other Responsibilities:

• Abide by the Vision, Mission, and Values of The Foundation.
• Ensure security, integrity, and confidentiality of data.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.
• Maintain an attitude of continuous improvement by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.

Qualifications:

• Experience in fundraising, advancement, communication, public relations, or marketing within a nonprofit organization.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage donors, partners, and community members.
• Experience managing multi-channel communications, including media, digital platforms, and marketing.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Van Wert County residency.

Interested applicants should send their cover letter and resume directly to Seth Baker, CEO.

Our Culture

Welcome to The Van Wert County Foundation, a cornerstone of enduring values and impactful work in Van Wert County and its surrounding areas. Our team is a dynamic mix of community advocates, seasoned philanthropists, and local visionaries, each contributing unique skills and perspectives to serve our community.

Our Vision:
To create a well-resourced and thriving quality of life for our community.

Our Mission:
To transform the quality of life by inspiring, fulfilling, and supporting philanthropy.

Our Values:

• Stewardship: We safeguard and activate resources with utmost care.
• Leadership: We guide, serve, and support, acting as a beacon for community initiatives.
• Integrity: We’re committed to doing what is right and just.
• Reliability: We consistently deliver great results, earning the trust of our community.

What We Do:
We’re the stewards of various philanthropic efforts, from Legacy Endowments and Donor-Advised Funds to Charitable Remainder Trusts. We also support local initiatives like Van Wert Forward, Wassenberg Art Center, and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center (Van Wert Live). Additionally, we nurture community spaces like Franklin Park and Hiestand Woods Trails.

Why We Do It:
We’re deeply rooted in the community and are committed to its growth and well-being. We understand our neighbors’ unique needs and aspirations, many of whom span multiple generations, and we’re here to make a lasting impact.

How We Do It:
We blend a trusted steward’s conscientiousness with a community leader’s vision. Our approach is rooted in a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a commitment to fulfilling them. With a focus on reliability and integrity, we consistently deliver results that make a real difference. Our strength comes from our unwavering commitment to our values and the seasoned expertise to realize our vision.

So, if you’re someone who cherishes a well-lived life and values the power of community, looking for a place where your efforts are impactful and your integrity is celebrated, then you’ve found the right place with us. We invite you to be part of a culture that’s as resilient, personable, and deeply committed to community values as you are.