The Homer Foundation, a community foundation with over 30 years of impact, is seeking a Development & Marketing Manager to support its next phase of growth. This half-time flexible position will work in all aspects of development and marketing for the Foundation. The position reports to the executive director and works collaboratively with other foundation staff and the Development Committee. This position focuses on brand awareness, fund-raising, and an effective communication plan.
Examples of duties include:
FUNDRAISING
Provide exemplary donor relationship and recognition.
Effective and regular use of donor database to track and cultivate donors and prospects.
Conduct new donor research and solicitation.
Track fundraising metrics for the Executive Director, Development Committee, and Board.
Execute the Foundation’s mail and electronic fund-raising plan.
Working as a part of a team, plan, develop, and implement Homer Foundation’s fundraising events including promotions.
As a team, develop and implement an annual plan based on a multi-year Development Strategy; track and report progress using specific metrics.
COMMUNICATIONS
Collect stories about donors and grant impact to use to tell the foundation’s story.
Create cost-effective, professional media to promote the work of the foundation.
Draft written communications, including print and online newsletters, press releases, outreach material, and fundraising material.
Oversee the Foundation’s social media program.
Represent the Foundation in the community and promote public understanding of the Foundation
Organize donor/community outreach events such as the Annual Meeting and the Annual Picnic
Develop new outreach ideas to touch new markets in the Foundation’s service area.
GENERAL
Provide input towards the development of the annual marketing budget.
Organize and attend Development Committee meetings
Attend the Board of Trustees’ monthly meetings when necessary.
Maintain development and marketing supplies.
Participate in staff meetings.
Perform errands that assist daily functions (Post Office, etc.)
Greet visitors to the office and on the phone.
Other duties as assigned and required by Executive Director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Ability to be collaborative
Passion and commitment to nonprofit service
Have demonstrated skill with office technology including PCs, Outlook, Office, Word Press, video editing software, etc.
Ability to maintain and establish relationships across a broad spectrum of personalities.
Ability to think ahead, propose new ideas, be willing to adapt, and be proactive with addressing challenges or changing priorities.
Successful experience working in a small office group.
Excellent and creative verbal, writing, storytelling, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to take initiative, manage multiple tasks, have great attention to detail, and have superb organizational skills.
A well-qualified candidate will possess a four-year degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management or a related field and 2 years in a related position; a two-year degree in communication, marketing, nonprofit management or a related field and 3 plus years of related experience; or other education and experience that provides the skills to succeed in the position.
Benefits: PTO, 9 paid holidays, 403b, flexible work days, QSEHRA, and employee giving program.
Starting Salary: $26.00 -$28.00 per hour for 20 hours per week
Lotto Alaska Winner Makes Historic Donation to Support Youth & Families
HOMER, ALASKA – The Homer Foundation is thrilled to announce an extraordinary $1.2 million gift from the Jules, Dawn, and Joe Ravin family. Established in 1991 as Alaska’s first community foundation, this is the Foundation’s first million-dollar gift from an individual.
Local resident and small business owner Jules Ravin won over $13 million in the Lotto Alaska “Chase the Ace” drawing on August 4. Ravin is only the fourth multi-million-dollar winner in Lotto Alaska’s history. According to Stosh Solski of Lotto Alaska, most people have no idea what to do with such a windfall- but once the shock wore off, the Ravin family knew exactly what they wanted to do.
“We love Homer, and we’re so grateful to the community that has supported our family all these years. We want to give back, especially by helping young families the way we were helped,” said Jules Ravin. The Ravin Community Fund for Youth Programming will provide support for youth activities, including after-school programs. “We trust our local community foundation to help us realize this dream. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it’s for the kids, their families, and our community. We hope everyone will be inspired to join us to keep growing the fund and create something truly special.”
Stacey Schultz, Executive Director of The Homer Foundation, emphasized how inspiring the Ravins’ story is to the entire community. “They could have done anything with this, but their first thought was to give back to their community and create an example that can inspire others. This speaks not only to the character of the Ravin family but also to the character of the Homer area community.” Since winning the Lotto Alaska, not much has changed for the Ravins. Jules is still running his business, Dawn recently retired, and Joe will continue working as a local wilderness guide. “I have a wife who loves me, a son who loves his parents, a house with a view, and I own my business. If we hadn’t won, we’d still be happy in Homer,” said Jules Ravin.
Located in Homer, Alaska, the Homer Foundation was established in 1991 as Alaska’s first Community Foundation. The Homer Foundation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the greater Homer area by promoting philanthropic and charitable activities. One the past 33 years, the Homer Foundation has awarded over $5.6 million in grants and scholarships across the Southern Kenai Peninsula -from Ninilchik to Nanwalek and everywhere in-between.
The Homer Foundation Board of Directors has named Stacey Schultz as the new Executive Director of the Homer Foundation.
Schultz was the Executive Director of the Marshfield Area Community Foundation in Marshfield, Wisconsin for five years. She brings 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Schultz lived in Anchorage, Alaska from 1996-2001. She moved back to her husband’s hometown to raise their family. Now that her family is grown, Schultz saw an opportunity to get back to Alaska where she can enjoy the great outdoors and still make an impact on her community through Foundation work.
“We are delighted to welcome Stacey as our new Executive Director,” says Denise Pitzman, Homer Foundation Board President. “She brings both deep experience and a passion for Alaska and the role of community foundations.”
When Schultz assumes the role July 15, she will take over for outgoing executive director, Mike Miller, who is retiring after five years with the Homer Foundation. Founded in 1991, the Homer Foundation is the first community foundation to be established in Alaska. Since that time, the Foundation has grown to $6.8 million in assets and 111 funds serving the Southern Kenai Peninsula from Ninilchik to Nanwalek and everywhere in-between.
“I am thrilled to join the Homer Foundation and to continue to build upon the community’s success over the past thirty-five years,” says Schultz.
Schultz received a degree in recreational therapy from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and was a certified recreational therapist in Madison, WI., Anchorage, AK, and Marshfield, WI. She worked at Challenge Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska where she implemented a community integration program for the state of Alaska.
Schultz’s career as a recreational therapist, promoting community integration, involved relationship building with businesses and community members. Relationship building is Stacey’s strongest asset she brings to the Foundation and to the board of directors. She has a genuine interest in each person’s story. She also brings expertise on how to keep a nonprofit running smoothly and keeping an open line of communication with the board and community members.
She has always been active with various committees in her community so she can keep a pulse on emerging needs such as a mental health coalition, United Way allocations, United for Community Wellness, Rotary, St Vincent de Paul Community Gardens, MainStreet Marshfield, and the Marshfield Refugee Relocation Program. Schultz has been married to Rob Schultz for 32 years. They have three adult children Ruthey, Ella, and Gus and enjoy family time with games and hikes. Stacey enjoys reading, gardening, and biking.
As you may have heard, our Executive Director, Mike Miller, is retiring at the end of June after five wonderful years with the Homer Foundation.
Please join us on June 27, from 12-4 PM, for a casual Open House at the Homer Foundation to honor Mike.
“Mike has been a phenomenal part of our team for the past five years, helping to inspire and lead a time of innovation and growth for the Foundation,” said Denise Pitzman, President of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
Under Mike’s leadership, the number of funds grew from 57 to 109. Mike advocated for new internal systems to enhance operations and long-term sustainability. He also introduced a fund fee structure to help cover operational costs, allowing the Foundation to focus more on growing its corpus and expanding grant-making and scholarship opportunities. Total assets have increased from $2.8 million in 2019 to $6.7 million today, a result of increased donor investments and prudent financial management by the board, with guidance from Vanguard Institutional Investment advisors. In 2023, the Foundation awarded $359,372 in grants and scholarships across our service area from Ninilchik to Nanwalek.
We hope you will drop-in on the afternoon of the 27th to wish Mike well as he embarks on the next chapter of his life…retirement and grandchildren!
GRANTS AWARDED
Homer Senior Center
In a small rural community like Homer, it’s comforting to know there is an organization dedicated to serving seniors. “Living life to its fullest” is the purpose of the Homer Senior Center’s (HSC) Adult Day Program, according to Debra Rowzee, Adult Day Service Manager. A $5,000 Quick Response grant from the Homer Foundation will help support summer activities such as gardening, baking, and outings to the Pratt Museum or movie theater. “With the supplies on hand, instructors can better plan their lessons,” says Rowzee. A portion of the grant may also support a snack fund. “We do shopping for seniors every Tuesday, and at times, the family cannot afford to pay for the groceries. We would like to have a snack fund,” to cover the gap when needed.
Donations from generous community members to the Homer Foundation Opportunity Fund make Quick Response grants like this possible. To learn more about our Homer Foundation Quick Response grants and how you can help support organizations like the Homer Senior Center, contact Mike Miller, executive director, at mmiller@homerfoundation.org, 907-235-0551.
Homer Ignite Volleyball Club
About three years ago, the Homer Middle School volleyball coach, Susan Darr, saw something special in a group of girls who had the drive and desire to play beyond the official school volleyball season. As a result, the Homer Ignite Volleyball Club (HIVC) was formed by Darr with the help of dedicated parents to provide more opportunities for youth volleyball. Since then, the same core group of girls has continued to be part of the club, and now, a $3,450.66 grant from the Homer Foundation Alice Witte Memorial Scholarship Fund will help support their travel to the Orlando Nationals Volleyball Tournament.
“The goal is not only to reach a level of competitiveness that national tournaments provide, but to bring the experiences and knowledge back to the community to be shared with other youth,” says Haley Bradshaw of HIVC. Asked why the project will be successful, Bradshaw says: “The drive of club members to be their best at the sport of volleyball and for the love of the game. The parents who offer their never-ending support and time. And the coach/president who dedicates time and effort to help the club excel.”
Donations from generous community members to the Homer Foundation Alice Witte Memorial Scholarship Fund make these opportunities possible. To learn more about how you can help support youth programs like the Homer Ignite Volleyball Club, contact Mike Miller, executive director, at mmiller@homerfoundation.org, 907-235-0551.
Homer Pride
According to Homer Pride, studies have shown that LGBTQ individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies due to factors such as stigma, discrimination, and lack of support.A $2,500 Homer Foundation Quick Response grant will help support a series of events designed to bring the community together and to celebrate diversity,promote inclusivity, and foster a sense of unity. These events will include conversation and activity sessions, workshops, trainings, and other gatherings designed to foster unity.
“The more we weave togetherness into the community, the more we will be able to meet our short-term goals because we believe in creating safe spaces and community building,” says Homer Pride.
Donations from generous community members to the Homer Foundation make these initiatives possible. To learn more about how you can help support organizations like Homer Pride, contact Mike Miller, executive director, at mmiller@homerfoundation.org, 907-235-0551.
What inspires you to give?
Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of speaking with Louie Gjosund about what part of our mission resonates most with him. His answer was heartfelt and immediate: supporting healthcare in Homer.
“When my late wife Linda needed medical care, the Homer medical community was there to support her. She always had assistance and got the care she needed,” says Louie. “Giving to the Homer Foundation Healthcare Providers Scholarship Fund is my way of showing how grateful my wife was for all that was done for her. And, it’s a way to show younger people entering the field that we believe in you, you have what it takes, and somebody else can see it too.”
Thanks to the generosity of people like Louie and a dedicated network of individual donors, many of whom are healthcare professionals themselves, our Healthcare Providers Scholarship Fund has grown tremendously. This year, we are thrilled to award two $5,000 scholarships to Carrie Bishop and Livia Polushkin!
Carrie and Livia have shared their inspiring journeys, balancing their passion for health care with financial challenges. “Being able to help someone in their hardest moments can be one of the toughest but most gratifying things one can do,” says Carrie. Despite generous tuition support, the costs of books and supporting her young family as a working single mother were daunting.
Livia, a first-generation college student, echoed similar sentiments. “Many of the nurses I have worked with over the last 6+ years have continually encouraged me to pursue a nursing degree. They believed I would make an amazing nurse. This scholarship allows me to focus on my practicum and schooling without worrying about work and finances.”
Louie continues to inspire us with his dedication and generosity. During a recent visit to our office, he shared, “You have to have a reason to give. Someone helped my wife, and now I can help build community philanthropy and pull others along.”
Every donor is unique. What inspires you to give? The Homer Foundation is here to help you build a legacy of support for the causes and organizations important to you. Contact Mike Miller,Executive Director, at mmiller@homerfoundation.org, 907-235-0551 to learn more about how you can make a difference.
Mike’s Message
MIKE’S MESSAGE
June is my last month of being full time executive director at the Homer Foundation. The search process is in full swing and proceeding at a swift but thoughtful pace under the Board’s guidance. I’m personally committed to a smooth and complete transition, so I will be around part-time for a while longer to help with that however, this is likely my last newsletter.
I’ll be honest, many months I look at this screen and have no idea what I should write about. I could recite a bunch of statistics about how much of this and XX% of that, but that’s not what is on my heart. This month it’s pretty easy. As I look back at the last 5 years the one theme that continues to swirl around my head is “thank you.”
Thank you to the Board who hired me and trusted me with the reigns of this amazing dream. This is especially true as the foundation was still in the midst of so much transition. Thank you to the subsequent boards who supported the initiatives we started and changes we made.
Thank you to our regional non-profit partners for allowing us to help with the impactful and important work you’re doing. At the end of the day, it is you guys who do the hard work of making the lives of so many people better.
Thank you to our 80 plus volunteers. The hours you give on our various committees reading, evaluating and making recommendations on scholarships and grants. Your work helps put “community” in what we do.
Thank you to the staff at the Homer Foundation. A small but mighty team. As they say, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” Nothing that was done, nothing that was accomplished in the last five years would have happened without you.
Thank you to our donors, large and small. It is your passion and generosity that make the Homer Foundation a reality. It’s your dream we support.
Last, but in no way least, thank you to the love of my life, Robin Albright, who supported my passion for Alaska and moving here for this opportunity. Your “yes” means everything.
The Homer Foundation has allowed me a way to live out my favorite scripture:
Micah 6:8
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
If you don’t know what to do in your life, or wonder if your heart is in the right place, that’s a great guide.
With so much community philanthropy, I know the future is bright for the Homer Foundation and our communities. I thank all of you for the opportunity to be part of the story.
