Development Strategist -South

About the role

The Development Strategist is responsible for building and managing donor relationships across four key Depaul USA markets: Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Nashville, and New Orleans. The role focuses on securing major gifts, growing donor engagement, and strengthening community partnerships to advance Depaul USA’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in shaping the strategic direction and vision for Depaul USA’s programs across four key markets and clearly communicate this vision to the public and key stakeholders.
• Liaise with local officials, funders, and community groups to strengthen services for homeless and disadvantaged individuals across four key Depaul USA markets.
• Identify grant opportunities, prepare proposals for submission with Development team support and approval, and support reporting requirements to secure and maintain funding in the four key markets.
• Develop and lead an overall fundraising strategy that builds a base of nongovernmental funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations to complement city operating support.
• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Grants and Strategic Partnerships to identify potential foundation support and guide strategic direction.
• Identify, engage, and cultivate donors, sponsors, and partners, including major donors and philanthropic leaders, to secure financial support and build long-term relationships.
• Design and execute targeted outreach strategies to grow individual and corporate donor bases, including marketing campaigns, donor communications, and personalized stewardship efforts.
• Take primary ownership of the Arkansas program’s annual fundraising event, including meeting revenue goals, managing the event budget, recruiting sponsors, and leading marketing efforts.
• Recruit, lead, and support a volunteer fundraising committee to assist with planning, outreach, and execution of fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Fundraising & Strategic Events, and City Directors in four key markets to support the annual fundraising event, including meeting revenue goals, managing the event budget, recruiting sponsors, and leading marketing efforts.
• Serve as the key public representative for Depaul USA, delivering presentations, participating in public forums, and maintaining relationships with media and civic organizations in four key markets.
• Serve as a relationship manager in partnership with the City Directors and conduct at least 10 stewardship meetings per quarter.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least five years of fundraising experience, preferably with major gift work or an equivalent combination of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success in securing gifts of $5,000+ and managing a donor portfolio.
• Strong relationship-building, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proven skills in fundraising strategy, and building partnerships with diverse stakeholders including government, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups.
• Experience planning and managing fundraising events and campaigns, including volunteer and sponsor coordination.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities, able to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across all levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options for you and eligible dependents
• Company provided Basic Life/AD&D & Short/Long Term disability policies
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal leave and 10 Observed holidays