Director of Development

About the role

The Director of Development is a key member of the leadership team responsible for the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive fundraising, communications, community outreach, and public relations strategies to support the agency’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of strategic fundraising plans aligned with agency goals and brand identity.
• Develop and lead the implementation of a vision for building a comprehensive development strategy that produces aggressive revenue growth.
• Oversee all communications, including digital and print collateral, social media, email campaigns, and public relations.
• Support recruitment and retention initiatives in partnership with Human Resources by driving internal branding and employee engagement.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to support program growth and visibility.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute all fundraising campaigns including annual appeals, Giving Tuesday, capital campaigns, and donor-specific initiatives.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a significant portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Research, evaluate, develop, and implement a plan for fundraising through grants. Write compelling grant proposals and ensure timely submission of all supporting documentation and continued relationship cultivation with funders.
• Oversee donor recognition, database management, and regular reporting to track engagement and giving trends.
• Lead fundraising events and volunteer engagement efforts to expand donor base and mission visibility.
• Leads, recruits, manages, and retains volunteers.
• Provides strategic support for public relations efforts.
• Works with the CEO to support the Board’s Fundraising Committee and help to capitalize on fundraising efforts through Board engagement.
• Represent the agency at community events, conferences, networking groups, and sponsorship activities to build awareness and foster strategic partnerships.
• Partner with internal program directors and staff to identify and share “mission moments” that highlight client success and agency impact.
• Provide strategic insight into market trends and develop community-centric campaigns to enhance engagement.
• Maintain compliance with agency trainings as applicable and as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required but Master’s degree (preferred) with emphasis on marketing, communications, fund-raising, or nonprofit management.
• Minimum of five years of fund-raising experience, preferably in a non-profit human service organization, and at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Dynamic team player and experienced fundraiser, with a proven track record of cultivating meaningful relationships, building a robust donor pipeline, and a history of securing gifts of $10,000 and above.
• Successful track record in philanthropic grant writing, corporate giving, major gifts, event management, and government funding.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites, database experience (Raisers Edge and Hubspot is a plus).
• Comfort with website work and social media technology.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean record; ability to transport individuals safely.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications (PMT, First Aid, CPR; training provided).