Organization

Baltimore Community Foundation is a philanthropic foundation created by and for the people of Greater Baltimore, where many donors join together to make the region they love a better place, today and for future generations. Our mission is to inspire donors to achieve their charitable goals from generation to generation and to improve the quality of life in the Baltimore region through grantmaking, enlightened civic leadership and strategic investments. BCF’s vision is of a Baltimore that boasts a growing economy where all have the opportunity to thrive. Our action agenda organizes grants, initiatives and advocacy around this vision. The values that guide our work are trustworthiness, inclusion, and entrepreneurialism.

With assets over $170 million comprised of over 800 charitable funds, BCF has granted over $392 million since its inception in 1972 and is one of the Baltimore region’s top grantmaking foundations. BCF makes charitable contributions to support a wide range of issues affecting the Baltimore region, currently with a focus on investments in two interest areas: Neighborhoods and Education. BCF is the fiscal sponsor for three major program initiatives and is affiliated with four supporting organizations. BCF undergoes a vigorous accreditation every year and is certified under the Council on Foundation’s National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations.

BCF operates from the knowledge that profound disparities in opportunity exist between people of color and their white counterparts; and we acknowledge the historic and ongoing role that structural racism plays in creating and perpetuating those disparities. That is why we are committed to reducing racial disparities, identifying and combating structural racism, and fostering more equity and inclusion through our grantmaking, initiatives, and advocacy.

Position

The Development Officer reports to the VP of Philanthropy and works closely with members of the Development and Donor Engagement team in supporting donor cultivation and development activities. The position requires strong organizational, writing, interpersonal and presentation skills, attention to detail and proficiency with technology. The Development Officer must be able to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment and is expected to be out of the office calling on prospects and donors at least 20 percent of the time. The ability to multi-task, have flexibility, enthusiasm and creativity are essential. The primary focus of this position is raising funds for the Civic Leadership Fund and assisting with Grant Proposals.

Responsibilities

• Support BCF’s Civic Leadership Fund (CLF) to raise annual operating dollars from individuals, corporations, and private foundations through tailored proposals and direct mail;
• Coordinate development of annual appeal marketing materials and facilitate mailings;
• Report to funders annually with BCF publications and detailed individual grant reports as required;
• Maintain accurate records of annual support money received and expected and at conclusion of annual appeal prepare statistical analysis of appeal and report on its effectiveness;
• Work with Communications team to include CLF in social media, thank donors on website, and include CLF in Edge newsletter;
• Maintain accurate constituent records and document all contacts, communications and visits in database;
• Identify prospects and private foundations for Civic Leadership and BCF initiatives;
• Participate in prospect meetings to discuss strategies for specific prospects and prepare for upcoming meetings;
• Create regular reports on the status of current fundraising for committee and board meetings;
• Review gifts received to ensure they are applied correctly and follow up on any gifts that arrive without details to confirm gift purpose and use.
• Answer questions about current funds;
• Collaborate with Community Investment staff to help organize, manage and follow-up on selected family foundation meetings;
• Administer special projects such as Endow Maryland and Community Investment Tax Credit applications;
• Attend donor events and networking events;
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the VP of Philanthropy.

• Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years in development, fundraising or equivalent experience in a nonprofit institution.
• Experience in grant writing:
• Experience in annual appeal mailings:
• Strong database and MS Office skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse staff and clientele;
• Proven ability to work independently with minimum supervision;
• Impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable personal transportation and current auto insurance;
• Commitment to and enthusiasm around the mission, programs and services of BCF.