Director of Development

About the role

The Director of Development helps fulfill the mission of Cru and Sightline by leading the Development Team in cultivating long-term financial partners who provide funding for the ministry. This includes oversight of general, mid-level, monthly, and major donor efforts, as well as managing development projects, campaigns, systems, and team rhythms necessary to support Sightline’s funding needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to provide fund development insight and align fundraising with Sightline’s strategic priorities.
• Develop and execute annual fund development action plans to raise necessary funds and translate ministry goals into compelling donor opportunities.
• Oversee giving programs, including annual giving, mid-level givers, major donors, monthly partners, peer-to-peer campaigns, and donor events.
• Cultivate relationships and personally steward a portfolio of key donors, while partnering with the CEO on major donor calls, strategy, and trips.
• Drive donor base growth through channel-appropriate acquisition strategies and donor uplift initiatives.
• Hire, train, equip, and supervise the Development Team, providing clear job expectations, spiritual leadership, and professional growth opportunities.
• Establish and manage development budgets to optimize net income for the ministry.
• Negotiate agreements and contract with external agencies, graphic designers, writers, and data specialists as needed.
• Partner with Content and Mission Expansion teams to accurately reflect ministry strategy in donor narratives.
• Utilize CRM/donor data systems (Salesforce, Siebel), maintain donor confidentiality, and ensure adherence to ECFA guidelines and Cru policies.

Skills

• Experience with CRM/donor data systems (Salesforce, Siebel).
• Knowledge of ECFA guidelines and Cru policies.
• Ability to develop and execute fund development action plans.
• Experience managing major donor relationships and leading donor acquisition strategies.
• Budget management and financial oversight.
• Team leadership, hiring, training, and supervision.
• Strategic partnership with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.