Development Director

Strategic Leadership

Lead all fundraising efforts, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and special events.

Set annual development goals and build the calendar, systems, and team structure to meet them.

Serve on the leadership team, reporting to the Executive Director.

Events

• Plan, execute, and evaluate signature fundraising events (galas, luncheons, community campaigns, races).
• Recruit event committees, manage volunteers, and ensure every event tells the YWCA story with heart.

Annual Report & Communications

Lead production of the annual report from data collection to narrative writing to design oversight.

Work with program staff to gather impact stories that give donors tangible results for their time, talent, or treasure.

Relationship Building

• Cultivate, steward, and deepen relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Speak and write compellingly about YWCA Charleston's mission, tailoring the message for board members, community leaders, and first-time donors alike.
• Work alongside the Executive Director on major donor meetings and public presentations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or external relations (including events, donor cultivation, or annual giving).
• Demonstrated success in meeting or growing fundraising goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (Please be prepared to share examples.)
• Proficiency with donor databases like DonorPerfect or RazorsEdge.

Prior Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Experience producing an annual report, marketing materials, or similar donor-facing publication.
• Familiarity with the Charleston, WV, philanthropic community.