Development Director

At Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, we are not just repairing and constructing homes, we are building dreams, stronger communities, and a brighter future for families right here in the Hudson Valley. Every day, our team comes together with one mission: to eliminate substandard housing and ensure that everyone has a safe, decent place to live. Dutchess County is facing a severe housing crisis—every home built, and every repair made, is a vital step toward relief and resilience. Whether we are swinging hammers, advocating for fair housing policies, selling items at the ReStore, or empowering families through education and resources, we are changing lives—one home at a time. We are looking for a Director of Development to join our team to build out our fundraising and communication efforts.

Title: Director of Development

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Works in Cooperation with: Chief Operations Officer, Construction Department, ReStore

Location: Office and ReStore in Wappingers Falls, construction and repair sites in Dutchess and Putnam counties, NY

Job Summary: The Director of Development will be responsible for planning, managing, and implementing the fundraising program of Habitat Dutchess, including annual and planned giving, private/corporate/foundation giving and sponsorships, and major gift cultivation. This position works closely with the CEO and directs Habitat’s communication and public relations strategies to increase awareness of our mission and generate tangible support for our work in the community.

Essential Functions (E):

This position is currently our only fundraising position, which means that the Director of Development will be responsible for both high-level planning and administering daily and weekly fundraising tasks. This role is a key connector between Habitat and our vibrant community of supporters including donors, volunteers, newsletter subscribers, and partners. You’ll be joining a small but mighty administrative team that thrives on collaboration, mutual support, and shared purpose. Together, we work efficiently and passionately to advance Habitat’s mission and deepen engagement across our network

• Plan, manage, and implement fundraising programs and activities and analyze donor data for Habitat Dutchess.

o Identify and pursue sources of government, corporate, and foundation funding and sponsorships.

o Develop, cultivate and implement major donor solicitation gifts and plans.

o Work on special giving and sponsorship programs including home sponsorships and signature events such as Hearts and Hammers.

• Coordinate with Habitat for Humanity International to ensure the implementation and success of HFHI’s collaborative fundraising model.
• Collaborate with the Board’s Development Committee, staff, and volunteers to identify, cultivate, and solicit donors.
• Collaborate with Construction and Homeownership Department to identify and secure corporate sponsorships and/or in-kind contributions for repairs, house sponsors, home ground breakings, and dedications.
• Cultivate, strengthen, and steward relationships with key community stakeholders—including individuals, businesses, foundations, faith-based organizations, civic groups, schools, and local government—to advance Habitat’s mission.
• Leverage these relationships to design and implement strategies for fundraising, volunteer recruitment and retention, and organizational capacity building.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Habitat in the community, representing the organization at events, meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies and communications plans to support fundraising and organizational goals.
• Ensure messaging effectively communicates Habitat’s mission and engages donors, volunteers, and the broader community.
• Oversee creation of content for newsletters, social media, website, campaign materials, brochures, videos, and homeowner testimonials.
• Manage the donor database system to ensure accurate records of contributions, recognition, and engagement.
• Support grant administration, including application preparation, reporting, and program-related documentation.
• Ensure all fundraising and marketing activities comply with organizational policies and best practices.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Nonprofit fundraising and/or community outreach experience required.
• Experience managing diverse activities and projects with differing deadlines, levels of importance, and stakeholders.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of communities and populations served.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, fundraising CRM software (currently Bonterra Network for Good), Canva and other design software, and website content management.
• Experience with collaborative fundraising and operating models and marketing and social media tools is a plus.
• Background check, DMV, and credit check required.

All Habitat Dutchess staff are expected to embody and uphold the organization’s core values and ethical commitments in their daily work. This includes demonstrating humility in recognizing we are part of something greater than ourselves; showing courage by doing what is right, even when it is difficult; and embracing accountability by taking personal responsibility for advancing Habitat’s mission. In addition, all employees must adhere to safeguarding principles, ensuring the protection and dignity of the individuals and communities we serve, and maintaining an environment free from harm, harassment, and exploitation.

Salary: $70,000

Benefits include:

• Healthcare (option available with 100% premium for employee covered)
• Dental (100% premium for employee covered)
• Vision (100% premium for employee covered)
• Life (100% premium for employee covered)
• 401K employee contribution
• Paid Time Off (11 holidays, 7 sick days, 2 personal, 2 floating holidays in year 1)

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. All employees may have other duties as assigned at any time. This company is an at will employer as allowed by NYS law. This means that regardless of any provision in this application, if hired, the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason with or without cause. Please note in accordance with the American Disabilities act of 1990, the “essential functions” of this position listed are marked with an “E”. Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee, volunteer, or applicant for a Habitat home on the basis of race, color, cultural heritage, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, physical condition, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status or any other status protected under local, state, or federal law. This policy extends to all personnel decisions, terms and conditions of employment, vendor contracts and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and welcoming environment for all.

Benefits include:

• Healthcare (option available with 100% premium for employee covered)
• Dental (100% premium for employee covered)
• Vision (100% premium for employee covered)
• Life (100% premium for employee covered)
• 401K employee contribution
• Paid Time Off (11 holidays, 7 sick days, 2 personal, 2 floating holidays in year 1)