Director of Development (Fundraising)

Position Summary:

The Director of Development (Fundraising) is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the mission and programs of the organization. This position leads all development activities, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, special events, and donor stewardship. The Director will work closely with executive leadership, board members, and program staff to build and maintain relationships with donors and supporters.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• • Develop and execute an annual and long-term fundraising plan with measurable goals and timelines.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
  • Lead major gifts strategy, annual campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives.
  • Ensure alignment between fundraising goals and organizational priorities.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• • Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and prospects.
  • Oversee donor communications, acknowledgments, and recognition programs.
  • Develop and implement strategies for donor retention and upgrading.

Grant Writing & Management

• • Research and identify funding opportunities from foundations and government sources.
  • Oversee the preparation and submission of compelling grant proposals and reports.
  • Ensure compliance with grant requirements and reporting deadlines.

Events & Campaigns

• • Plan and execute special fundraising events and campaigns (e.g., gala, giving days).
  • Coordinate with staff, volunteers, and vendors to ensure successful events.

Team Management & Collaboration

• • Supervise development staff, interns, and/or consultants as needed.
  • Partner with communications, finance, and program teams to support development efforts.
  • Work closely with the Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising activities.

Data & Reporting

• • Manage donor database and track fundraising metrics using CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect).
  • Prepare regular reports for leadership and the board on fundraising progress and outcomes.

Qualifications:

• • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE preferred.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including leadership roles.
  • Proven success in major gift fundraising, grant writing, and campaign development.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and project management abilities.
  • Experience with donor databases and fundraising CRM tools.
  • Passion for the mission and values of the organization.