NEW POSITION: BEST Foundation Development Officer

Position:

BEST Foundation Development Officer

Location:

Bulgaria (if not in Sofia, ability to travel frequently)

Summary

The BEST Foundation is seeking a Development Director to oversee fundraising and partnerships for the Foundation and to ensure fiscal viability of the Foundation annually. BEST is a leadership and education organization hosting six speech and debate tournaments annually. At BEST we believe that words are powerful, and can engage diverse viewpoints to contribute to the well-being of societies. The Director will pursue the activities including but not limited to expanding and building existing financial and programmatic partnerships, grant applications, and overseeing major gifts and crowdfunding campaigns. This role requires reporting to the BEST Board of Directors, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Bulgarian institutions, as well as funding sources. Desired start date for this position is Summer/Fall 2018.

To apply, please email resume and cover letter to Juliana McMillan-Wilhoit at

 juliana.best.foundation@gmail.com.

Responsibilities

1. Create and manage an international fundraising strategy each year, coinciding with the Foundation’s fiscal year
   1. Present strategy to the Board of Directors annually at the Board of Directors retreat in May
   2. Report on their activity, as well as progress against this strategy and results, bi-annually (May and December)
   3. Meet fundraising goals through the year as set by the Board of Directors

2. Oversee and manage the Foundation’s relationships with programmatic and fiscal partners
   1. Maintain relationships with existing programmatic partners through recognition and continued engagement in the Foundation’s activities
      1. Coordinate with the Executive Director to identify areas of opportunity for programmatic partnership
   2. Maintain partnerships with existing fiscal partners with the goal of ensuring continued financial support
   3. Identify and build partnerships with new fiscal partners in a variety of sectors (corporate, foundation based, )

3. Work closely with Executive Director to ensure financial viability and sustainability of the Foundation
   1. Ensure fundraising goals and strategy align with programmatic funding needs throughout the fiscal year
   2. Ensure Foundation growth goals are viable in the context of fundraising strategy
   3. Track incoming revenue and report to the Executive Director
   4. Report any escalating risks to major gifts, sponsorships, for collaboration with Executive Director

    

   Education and Experience

    

   Minimum Qualifications

   • BA/BS degree
   • Fluency in English and Bulgarian
   • Must embrace the mission of the BEST Foundation
   • Minimum 2 years of experience in a fundraising, sales, or development role
   • Knowledge of Bulgarian and international non-profit funding terrain
   • Strong interpersonal and writing skills
   • 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

    

   Preferred Qualifications

   • Previous BEST experience (as coach, judge, volunteer, participant, )
   • Experience in the NGO sector
   • Demonstrated fundraising ability (experience with major gifts, grant writing, and/or crowdfunding), preferably in an international setting
   • Experience working in an unstructured, goal oriented work environment

    

   Compensation

   1. Competitive salary
   2. 20 days vacation as per Bulgarian law and additional days as compensation for work over weekends
   3. Flexible working hours
   4. Remote work is possible