Colorado Nonprofit Association

Executive Director

Denver Public Library Friends Foundation is seeking a strategic and seasoned Executive Director to lead the Foundation!

WHAT WE DO

The Denver Public Library Friends Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that supports Denver Public Library through fundraising and advocacy.

The Foundation’s charitable contributions support the library’s budget to help Denver Public Library accomplish its mission. It also advocates for public funding to enrich the community and enhance the library’s programs and services.

The core activities of the Foundation are: Fundraising with corporate, foundation, and individual philanthropists; membership; online and in-person book and merchandise sales; the Booklovers Ball and additional fundraising and community events; promotion and elevation of the library to and in the community; advocacy to elected officials, voters, and the general public; and, managing and growing the endowment.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive, primary fundraiser, and advocate, responsible for strategic leadership and overall management of the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation (DPLFF). Collaborating with staff and the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director’s goal is to elevate the DPLFF’s fundraising capacity and ultimately fulfill its vision of ranking among the top 10 library foundations in the United States. 

This role oversees the strategic plan, operational execution, staff management, and serves as the chief spokesperson alongside the Board Chair, reporting primarily to the Foundation Board Chair and secondarily to the Personnel Committee.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Fundraising & Financial Management

• In partnership with the Board, DPLFF staff, and the City Librarian, create and implement all fund development plans and strategies including but not limited to major giving, planned and annual giving, membership, corporate giving, sponsorships, special events, and used book sales.
• Oversee DPLFF financial operations; establish, implement, and monitor the operating budget.

Advocacy

• In collaboration with the City Librarian, the DPLFF Board, and the Advocacy Committee, develop and execute the Foundation’s strategy and plans to support and fund critical library initiatives and that encourage the City to provide necessary funding for the library’s operational budget.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the community, City Council, the Mayor, and state and federally elected officials, pressing needs, including local context, and issues facing the library.

Board Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and former Trustees; collaborate with the Board to develop strategic and fundraising plans.
• Assist the Board with recruitment, development and engagement of Trustees, including committee assignment and development.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Develop and execute plans related to EDI with the EDI Committee, ensuring they are in sync with and supportive of the library’s plans and activities.

Marketing and Communications

• Oversee DPLFF’s marketing and communications activity, including plan development and execution, brand development, marketing collateral, advertising, digital and social media, and media relations.
• Represent DPLFF with external constituents, including volunteers, to maintain informed and supportive relationships.

Staff Management

• Set and communicate the organizational vision with staff, providing leadership, direction, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to advance individual and team performance.

Thought Leadership

• Provide creative and innovative approaches to fundraising, advocacy, and organizational management so that DPLFF is perceived as a leader in the field.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO OUR ORGANIZATION 

• 10+ years’ experience working in a nonprofit, preferably a foundation.
• 5+ years’ experience in a leadership capacity within a foundation or nonprofit.
• Successful direct experience in fundraising and fundraising management.
• Experience and/or knowledge in the field of advocacy.
• Personnel management of a successful team.
• Knowledge and experience in the library field and/or in the “supporting” organization field.
• Background that involves financial management of budgets and expenses.
• Knowledge of the fundraising and political landscape in Denver.
• Experience with a successful, well-known organization.
• A style that works well up, down, and across an organization.
• The experience and capability to partner strategically and operationally with another
• organization.
• The experience and desire to develop an organization into a leadership position in its field.