Director of Development

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a senior leadership position responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive fund development and marketing strategy to advance United Way of Bay County’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Fund Development
• Develop and lead a comprehensive, multi-year fund development strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Plan and execute the annual campaign, including workplace giving, corporate partnerships, and individual donor strategies.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward key donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Partner with the President/CEO and Board to expand major gift opportunities and strengthen donor pipelines.
• Lead and support the Fund Development Committee, providing direction, reporting, and strategic guidance.
• Fundraising Events & Campaign Leadership
• Oversee planning and execution of all major fundraising events, including campaign kickoff, donor recognition events, and community engagement activities.
• Ensure events are mission-driven, relationship-focused, and financially successful.
• Utilize events as a strategic tool for donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship.
• Relationship Management & Community Engagement
• Serve as a primary relationship manager for key donors, corporate partners, and community leaders.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.
• Represent United Way at community events, presentations, and partner meetings.
• Act as an ambassador for the organization, strengthening visibility and trust in the community.
• Marketing & Communications Leadership
• Develop and implement an annual marketing and communications plan aligned with fund development goals.
• Oversee all branding, messaging, and public-facing communications to ensure consistency and impact.
• Guide development of digital communications, including email campaigns, social media strategy, website content, and storytelling.
• Ensure communications effectively connect donors to impact and drive engagement.
• Leadership & Performance Management
• Operate with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative, accountability, and strategic decision-making.
• Track and analyze fundraising and marketing performance metrics, adjusting strategies as needed.
• Manage development-related budgets and ensure effective use of resources.
• Provide regular progress reports and insights to the President/CEO and Board.

Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in fund development, fundraising, or nonprofit leadership, with demonstrated success in increasing revenue.
• Proven experience in donor cultivation, relationship management, and major gift strategies.
• Strong experience leading fundraising campaigns and events.
• Experience developing and executing marketing or communications strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising staff or interns preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and familiarity with digital marketing tools and platforms.
• Experience with CRM or donor databases preferred.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of United Way.

Physical Demands

This role involves a combination of desk work and community engagement activities, including standing, walking, and attending events. The ability to lift or move materials up to approximately 20 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions.

Additional Information

These responsibilities reflect the primary focus of the position, though flexibility and teamwork are essential. Staff are expected to support organizational needs to maintain an efficient, collaborative environment.

Skills and Competencies

• Collaborator
• Visionary
• Adaptability and Change Management
• Brand Steward
• Creating Brand Experiences for Everyone
• Digital Marketing
• Drives Engagement
• Effective and Engaging Communication
• Effective Fund Raising
• Mission Focused
• Adobe Acrobat
• MS Office
• Network Oriented
• Results-Driven
• Relationship-Oriented
• Strategic Relationship Management
• Strategic Community Collaboration