The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of the Society of Professional Journalists, the nation's largest and most broad-based journalism organization, is seeking a Development Director to work at its National Headquarters in Indianapolis.

Basic Function: The Development Director is responsible for working with the executive director in three primary areas of responsibility: donor relations and maintenance, administering grants and awards, developing and executing promotional campaigns aimed at attracting donors and promoting the work of foundation grant recipients.

Specific job responsibilities include:
* Perform database and other types of research to identify and develop donor profiles of past members of Sigma Delta Chi and the Society of Professional Journalists who should be considered prospective contributors to the foundation. Analyze the data and develop a ranking system of prospects.
* Perform database and other types of research to identify and develop donor profiles of non-members of Sigma Delta Chi and the Society of Professional Journalists who should be considered prospective contributors to the foundation. Analyze the data and develop a ranking system of prospects.
* Work with the executive director and development committee to develop and implement fundraising efforts, including the foundation’s annual giving, planned giving and capital campaigns.
* Write articles and copy for Quill magazine and other promotional literature.
* Maintains accurate records on current donors individual and corporate—and devise low-cost but effective tools for maintaining ongoing communications between these donors and the foundation, such as occasional newsletter and thoughtful mailings.
* Institute and maintain systems for regular and meaningful recognition of donors and volunteers.
* Administer the Foundation’s awards and grants program by receiving and reviewing grant requests and preparing reports for the Grants and Awards Committee prior to each board meeting.
* Follow up with existing grant recipients to ensure that terms of grant are being met.
* Assist with arrangements for meetings of the Foundation’s board of directors by helping develop the meeting agenda, preparing and disseminating board books, taking accurate minutes during the meeting and following up as appropriate afterward.
* Coordinate Foundation events at SPJ National Convention.
* Serve as liaison to the various committees of the board of directors.

Job Requirements:
* Strong background in communications or journalism preferred.
* Three to five years of successful development experience desired, including corporate sponsorship/fundraising.
* Responsible, dependable, logical and have the utmost discretion and integrity.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities.
* Working knowledge of computer-based donor tracking systems (iMIS preferred).
* Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Microsoft Access knowledge helpful.
* Bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing or related field.

Competitive nonprofit salary. Excellent benefits including major medical, long and short term disability, life insurance, paid leave and 401(k) with six percent employer match.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, résumé and three professional references via E-mail to Executive Director Terry Harper at tharper@spj.org. No telephone calls.

Salary requirements must be included in order to be considered.

The search will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Founded in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) public foundation that is dedicated to ensuring that those who carry on the tradition of a free press are prepared for the challenge. Its goal is to support the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and to serve the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi, and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and press.