Nonprofit Director of Development

About the role

This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership to advance Access Services' vision of strengthening communities. The Director of Development will build and evolve a relationship-driven development program that engages individuals, businesses, and foundations as authentic partners in advancing innovative, person-centered services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and advance a comprehensive development strategy focused on donor engagement, relationship-building, and long-term philanthropic partnerships.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and community partners to support organizational sustainability and growth.
• Serve as a compelling ambassador for Access Services, effectively communicating mission, impact, and strategic priorities to external stakeholders.
• Partner with senior leaders and program teams to align fundraising, grant opportunities, and philanthropic initiatives with organizational goals and community needs.
• Oversee grant strategy, including funding alignment, proposal development, reporting, and funder stewardship.
• Lead development events and engagement opportunities in collaboration with internal teams to strengthen community relationships and support fundraising objectives.
• Drive revenue growth through strategic fundraising and donor engagement efforts while ensuring alignment with organizational budgets and financial goals.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to evaluate fundraising effectiveness, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for the Development and Grants team.
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that promotes accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement.
• Build effective partnerships across departments to support shared ownership of development and fundraising goals.
• Oversee development operations, systems, and processes to ensure accurate donor data management, efficient workflows, and effective stewardship practices.
• Leverage data and reporting to support strategic fundraising decisions and enhance donor engagement efforts.
• Ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability in development and grant operations, including compliance with internal controls, funder requirements, policies, and reporting standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in development, fundraising, or related leadership roles.
• Experience building or evolving development programs and infrastructure.
• Experience coaching senior leaders and collaborating across departments.
• Bachelor's degree required; degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field preferred.
• High level of values alignment with Access Services' mission, including a demonstrated passion for strengthening communities through innovation and gap-filling solutions.
• Strong strategic thinking paired with results-oriented execution in relationship-based fundraising and donor stewardship.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, manage, and steward authentic donor relationships with professionalism, integrity, and discretion.
• Ability to lead and influence through excellent written and verbal communication, including conveying complex programmatic impact clearly and compellingly.
• Proven capacity to coach and prepare senior leaders and peers in storytelling, donor engagement, and partner relationships.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build trust and alignment across diverse stakeholders, departments, and community partners.
• Comfort working in evolving, ambiguous environments and leading through change with adaptability and clarity.
• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse individuals, families, and communities Access Services serves.
• High expertise in CRM systems, data-informed decision-making in development operations, and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, plus company-paid life insurance, disability protection and catastrophic sick leave.
• Full-time employees start their first year earning up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with even more time added as you grow your career with us.
• 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts.
• Mileage & toll reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including: Counseling and emotional support through in-person, telehealth and text therapy.
• Financial and legal guidance.
• Grow With Us: Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs.