Director, Development

About the role

The Director of Development is a high-impact, externally focused fundraiser responsible for securing, cultivating, and growing a significant revenue portfolio through proactive donor acquisition, relationship management, and strategic fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio & Revenue Leadership: Secure, cultivate, and grow a portfolio of high-potential corporate, foundation, and individual donors
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward six- and seven-figure investments
• Contribute to KABOOM!’s national fundraising strategy to achieve annual revenue goals of $26M+
• Strategic Fundraising & Trendspotting: Proactively identify new partnership opportunities aligned with equity, child development, and climate-forward goals
• Support coalition-building strategies to galvanize local partners and address playspace disparities in targeted communities
• Collaborate across teams to develop compelling proposals, presentations, and impact reports
• External Relationship Management: Represent KABOOM! with credibility and confidence at donor meetings, events, and conferences
• Build authentic relationships with senior-level funders, corporate leaders, and philanthropic networks
• Monitor trends in philanthropy, public policy, and social innovation to inform donor strategy and positioning
• Ethics and Culture Contribution: Promote equity-informed fundraising practices and donor engagement rooted in trust and transparency
• Mentor and share knowledge within the Development team and across departments
• Operational Excellence: Maintain accurate donor records and revenue forecasts in Salesforce
• Collaborate with internal partners to ensure timely and strategic funder communications and deliverables
• Travel approximately 30% across the United States and Canada to support donor cultivation, events, and partner engagement

Requirements

Proven experience in large-scale, new philanthropic revenue generation, managing funder relationships, and growing a portfolio of multi-year gifts

Deep understanding of the current funding environment, with an exceptional ability to build strong cases for support that align with KABOOM! and funder priorities and illuminate a common purpose across multiple stakeholders

Significant experience cultivating and growing existing funder and/or strategic partner relationships with executive-level stakeholders

Navigating or a demonstrated ability to navigate complex public-private funding relationships

Strong “builder” mindset with the drive to open new doors, leverage personal and professional networks, and lead with a sales mentality

Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting with aggressive deadlines; management of multiple priorities and projects while balancing long-term goals

Exceptional and persuasive written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to effectively interface with staff, community leaders, and senior-level executives

A sharp mind, top-notch critical thinking, and organizational capabilities, adept at quickly absorbing information from various angles, always keeping an eye on the big picture while maintaining superior attention to detail

High level of integrity, trust, and accountability along with excellent judgment, intuition, and common sense, as well as the right blend of professional confidence with a keen sense of diplomacy

Collaborative, team-oriented work style with self-motivation and drive to get the job done

Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Database management experience – Salesforce preferred

Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset