Director of Development - United Methodist Retirement Homes, Inc.

About the role

The United Methodist Retirement Homes, Inc. (UMRH) seeks a strategic, relationship-centered development leader to serve as its next Director of Development.

Responsibilities

• Create an annual Development Plan with input from the UMRH Executive Assistant/Development Specialist and approved by the Corporate ED.
• Conceive, plan and carry out all approved fund-raising programs for UMRH, based on the short and long-range program and needs of the retirement communities.
• Lead the planning and implementation of any capital campaigns undertaken on behalf of UMRH and the retirement communities in coordination with UMRH and community staff.
• Identify potential sources of gifts and grants, including individuals, corporations, community organizations and foundations.
• Communicate as necessary with the UMRH and community staff, community residents, UMRH Board of Trustees, friends and other fund-raising volunteers in cultivating relationships with prospective donors.
• Develop suitable methods to approaching those donors relating to UMRH projects, including written proposals.
• Help prepare required fund-raising publications relating to annual and periodic giving, memorial and tribute gifts, special projects and life income programs, with the advice of and coordination with other staff members.
• Work with the UMRH Executive Assistant/Development Specialist to acknowledge all gifts and develop donor recognition programs and techniques.
• Work with the UMRH Chief Financial Officer in developing and maintaining accounting procedures for all gifts and in all matters relating to gift designations and accounting.
• Work with UMRH and community staff in matters relating to donor cultivation and fund-raising initiatives as needed.
• Prepare periodic gift reports, in conjunction with UMRH staff, for the Corporate ED, the UMRH Board of Trustees, Foundation and others as required.
• Maintain a high level of public awareness about the ministry, services and programs of UMRH.
• Evaluate, implement, and maintain new technology in planned giving, such as web-based systems, with assistance from the UMRH Executive Assistant/Development Specialist.
• Use procured off-the-shelf products when practical.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all client’s financial, medical and other sensitive information shared with the Director.
• Plan and implement strategies to promote the mission, understanding and support of UMRH in local churches, districts, in the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.
• Develop good relationships, communication, and personal visits with local churches, districts, and conference personnel.
• Adhere to the ethical standards of conduct for professional fundraisers defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university.
• Professional certification a plus or participation in planned giving and major gift societies such as Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and Association of Fundraising Professionals.
• Five to seven years of experience in development, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, or a related fundraising role.
• Demonstrated ability to create, implement, and manage annual development plans and fundraising strategies.
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, board members, church leaders, and volunteers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare proposals, reports, donor communications, and fundraising materials.
• Ability to listen attentively, communicate clearly, and represent the organization’s mission with professionalism and warmth.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to interpret financial information and prepare accurate gift reports.
• Experience working with donor databases and technology platforms; proficiency in Excel, Word, Blackbaud CRM, and Canva preferred.
• Knowledge of planned giving tools and systems, such as Crescendo Interactive, preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and function effectively under pressure.
• Willingness to travel and build relationships across local churches, districts, the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, and broader community organizations.
• A service-oriented, hospitable approach that reflects respect, professionalism, attention to detail, and care for residents, employees, donors, and guests.

Pay

The salary is commensurate with experience and the salary range is $130,000 to $150,000.

Schedule

This position will work out of the office in Durham. Some travel between communities is required.

Benefits

UMRH offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off accrued from the date of hire and available after 90 days of employment, six paid holidays and two floating holidays, employer-provided group term life insurance and long-term disability insurance, health, dental, and vision insurance, optional supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% employer match up to a 4% match when employees contribute 8%.