Director of Development

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Supervise and mentor a Marketing Intern, providing guidance on content creation, campaigns, and brand standards.
• 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.

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.