Director of Development

Position Title: Director of Development
Reports To: Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer, or Head of School

Position Summary

The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing the organization's fundraising, donor relations, grant development, and community engagement strategies. This position plays a critical role in securing philanthropic support, cultivating donor relationships, expanding funding opportunities, and advancing the organization's mission and long-term sustainability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising strategy to meet organizational revenue goals.
• Manage individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and special fundraising campaigns.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospective donors.
• Develop and execute annual giving, capital campaigns, endowment initiatives, and planned giving programs.
• Monitor fundraising performance and implement strategies to maximize donor engagement and contributions.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community stakeholders.
• Develop donor recognition and stewardship programs.
• Coordinate donor communications, impact reports, and appreciation events.
• Ensure timely acknowledgment and reporting for all contributions.
• Maintain accurate donor records and engagement histories within the donor database.

Grant Development & Management

• Research and identify grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Prepare and submit compelling grant proposals, applications, and reports.
• Monitor grant compliance requirements and reporting deadlines.
• Collaborate with program leadership to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities.

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Partner with executive leadership to establish fundraising goals and development priorities.
• Present fundraising updates, forecasts, and performance metrics to leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Develop and manage the development department budget.
• Support board members in fundraising and donor engagement activities.
• Create and implement strategies to diversify revenue streams.

Marketing & Community Engagement

• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to enhance donor outreach and community awareness.
• Represent the organization at community events, networking functions, and fundraising activities.
• Develop materials that effectively communicate the organization's mission, impact, and funding needs.
• Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and stakeholders.

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure fundraising activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Maintain accurate fundraising records, reports, and donor documentation.
• Utilize donor management systems and CRM platforms to track engagement and fundraising performance.
• Establish and maintain policies and procedures related to development activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising, development, advancement, or nonprofit leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and donor contributions.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing fundraising databases and CRM systems.
• Ability to analyze fundraising data and develop strategic initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
• Experience working in nonprofit, educational, healthcare, human services, or community-based organizations.
• Experience managing development teams and volunteers.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Planning
• Relationship Building
• Major Gift Fundraising
• Grant Writing
• Donor Stewardship
• Leadership and Team Management
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
• Budget Management
• Project Management
• Community Engagement

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plan participation.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.

The Director of Development serves as a key leader in advancing the organization's mission by securing financial resources, strengthening community partnerships, and building a sustainable culture of philanthropy.