Living Branches is seeking a Director of Fund Development to coordinate the fundraising efforts for their communities and develop, and maintain, external and internal relationships related to major gifts and solicitations for this faith-based senior living community in Souderton, Pennsylvania.

Living Branches is a nonprofit system of retirement living and affordable housing communities dedicated to providing quality, life-enriching services on three campuses in southeastern Pennsylvania.  Created in 2008 through an affiliation between Souderton Mennonite Homes and Dock Woods Community.  The organization employs more than 600 team members and offers a wide range of housing, support services, and engaging activities for more than 1,350 residents.

Living Branches’ mission is Together we empower older adults and families to lead lives of purpose and joy, guided by the Mennonite tradition of care and service to others.  The name Living Branches is derived from John 15:5, where Jesus teaches his disciples that he is the vine and, as branches, they will draw their strength and sense of mission from him. The faith and tradition of care and service to others guides their core values of respect, integrity, community, compassion, and excellence.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will be an individual who demonstrates and embraces the values and mission of Living Branches with a special focus on values-centered service in all interactions with residents, co-workers, and others.  The Director is outgoing, a connector, and a relationship builder.  They work cooperatively and actively engage with others by providing support and mutual accountability for the delivery of all services, display commitment through participation in events, activities, and programs, and ensure effective work performance.  The Director of Fund Development can work independently, communicate effectively, appreciate the importance of diversity, convey that feeling to others, and possess a thorough understanding of the position and related internal and external responsibilities and information.  The ideal candidate demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness, responsible time management, and achieves accuracy producing work that meets or achieves expectations.  In their leadership role, ensure the effective work performance, professional growth, and development of those supervised.  The Director contributes to the development and achievement of annual goals and budgets and effectively manages areas of fiscal responsibility.

Core Competencies:
  • Develops and maintains both short- and long-term plans which include annual giving, planned giving, major gifts, and grants.
  • Cultivates and sustains positive relationships with residents to enhance and support fundraising initiatives. Recognizes the significance of annual giving and estate planning in achieving the organization’s fundraising objectives.
  • Develops and maintains professional networks with area facilities and associations as well as working relationships with Auxiliary key persons regarding Living Branches fund-raising events.
  • Plans designated yearly fund-raising events, analyzes and evaluates feedback on all fund-raisers, and submits summary with recommendations for the future.
  • Cultivates relationships with, and solicits contributions from, major donor prospects including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
  • Implements and maintains a system for tracking donor gifts.
Additional Skills and Characteristics:
  • Previous experience in fundraising.
  • Strong managerial skills to provide guidance and direction, set performance standards and monitor performance of subordinates.
  • Good communication skills and ability to effectively interact with others.
  • Ability to encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
  • Detail-oriented and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Experience providing customer and personal services. This includes needs assessment, meeting quality standards, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education/Professional Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Two to four years of related work experience.

Additional Position Details:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Full benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Telemedicine, Employee Assistance Program, 401(k), life and disability insurance, and a wellness program.
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Days

Interested persons are invited to send resumes to MHS Consulting which is conducting this search.

Thank you in advance for your interest and consideration of this outstanding opportunity with Living Branches!

Contact Information

MHS Consulting
mhssearches@mhs-consulting.org