Director of Development

Position Overview

The Director of Development will lead the organization’s donor cultivation and stewardship efforts. The role will focus on maintaining and deepening relationships with approximately 50 current individual sponsors/donors, while also cultivating at least six new student sponsors annually to expand the NBSK community of supporters.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-centered development professional who thrives on connecting people to mission, communicates with authenticity, and takes a strategic, hands-on approach to donor engagement. This role offers the opportunity to help shape a growing organization and develop sustainable fundraising systems that reflect NBSK’s values and vision.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Stewardship

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for roughly 50 current donors, maintaining regular and personalized contact throughout the year.
• Implement and manage a year-long donor stewardship calendar aligned with key organizational milestones, ensuring donors feel informed and appreciated.
• Coordinate all donor communications, including thank-you letters, student updates, newsletters, and special event invitations.
• Develop individualized stewardship plans for top donors and student sponsors.
• Collaborate with staff to gather student stories, photos, and impact updates that reinforce donor connection to the mission.

Donor Cultivation & Growth

• Cultivate relationships with new potential supporters, with a goal of securing at least six new individual student sponsors per year.
• Identify and engage high-capacity prospects through research, personal outreach, community connections and networking.
• Develop cultivation strategies that move donors from awareness to sponsorship and long-term commitment.
• Partner with the President & CEO to design and lead small-scale cultivation events (e.g., friend-raisers, school tours, and sponsor appreciation gatherings).

Events & Campaign Support

• Assist in annual appeal planning, implementation, and follow-up.
• Support the planning and follow-up of key fundraising events, including the Starry Night Gala, small fundraisers, and donor appreciation events.
• Coordinate event-related donor communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities.

Collaboration & Systems

• Partner with the President & CEO, board members, and volunteers to advance donor relationships and expand community partnerships.
• Maintain accurate donor records in NBSK’s CRM (GiveSmart) and track all donor interactions and contributions.
• Ensure all outreach aligns with NBSK’s brand, tone, and visual identity.
• Prepare development reports and updates for the board of directors as needed.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated professional who excels at building authentic relationships, managing details, and can represent NBSK’s mission with warmth and professionalism.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 5+ years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, or development.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and retaining individual donors.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• A proactive, hands-on and strategic approach to relationship management.
• Comfort working independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to educational equity and the mission of New Bedford Star Kids.

• Paid time off
• Access to a retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• QSEHRA health reimbursement option for eligible medical expenses
• Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven team culture
• Occasional evening or weekend in-person work required for scheduled donor events and community engagements

English: Full professional proficiency required (verbal and written).

Spanish or Portuguese:

• Given the diverse communities served by New Bedford Star Kids, the ability to communicate with families and community partners in Spanish or Portuguese is highly valued.
• Candidates who can engage comfortably across linguistic and cultural backgrounds will be especially successful in this role.