Director Of Development

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

JOB DESCRIPTION

THE OPPORTUNITY

Filling in the Blanks (FITB) is looking for a Director of Development who’s ready to turn passion into impact. This is a rare chance to build and lead a growing fundraising program from the ground up—cultivating donors, forging corporate and foundation partnerships, and driving the kind of sustainable growth that lets FITB reach more kids who need us. If you’re entrepreneurial, relationship-driven, and energized by big goals, this is your seat at the table.

ABOUT FILLING IN THE BLANKS

No child should go hungry just because the school week ended. That simple, urgent idea is what led New Canaan community activists Shawnee Knight and Tina Kramer to found Filling in the Blanks (FITB) in 2013—a Norwalk-based nonprofit built to close the weekend nutrition gap that too many families face.

Through its Weekend Meal Bag program, Fresh Food on the Move Mobile Pantry, and school-based distribution sites, FITB meets families exactly where they are—removing the logistical and financial barriers standing between kids and consistent, healthy food. Since its inception, FITB has delivered more than six million meals to children across the region. Today, the organization reaches more than 10,000 students every week across 200+ sites—powered entirely by volunteers, corporate partners, and individual donors. It’s a community-driven force for lasting change, and proof of what’s possible when a community decides that no child should go hungry on its watch. Learn more at fillingintheblanks.org.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Donor Relations

• Develop and execute FITB’s annual fundraising plan and donor activities.
• Secure financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of annual individual and corporate donors.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with donors.
• Identify and steward prospective donors.
• Communicate with donors and staff via email, phone, or social media.
• Use prospect research tools and donor database to build donor relationships.
• Provide Co-Founders with information on donors they need to engage with directly.

Foundation & Corporate Fundraising

• Develop and track proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create solicitation materials for fundraising.

Events, Data & Reporting

• Plan and execute all aspects of at least two fundraising events per year.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records of donors and funding received are maintained.
• Create funding targets for the Board of Directors.
• Evaluate FITB’s annual fundraising plan and donor activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Our ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to the mission with the following skills and characteristics:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus
• 5+ years of experience in development/fundraising
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Strong customer service and recordkeeping experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel required)
• Knowledge of Boomerang
• Mission-driven, entrepreneurial, and resourceful, with a readiness to take on challenges
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable working with people from diverse backgrounds
• Skilled at building rapport and fostering relationships to advance FITB’s mission

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position is a full-time exempt; salaried position located in the Norwalk location. The salary range is $100,000-$120,000 dependent on relevant qualifications and experience. The successful candidate will be offered a competitive benefits package.

HIRING PRACTICES

FITB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and a compelling letter of interest via email. All cover letters and resumes should be sent as ONE PDF DOCUMENT titled “Last Name Cover Letter and Resume” to info@fillingintheblanks.org. Please title emails as FITB DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SEARCH in the Subject Line. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The successful candidate will be offered a competitive benefits package.