Director of Development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Development is a full-time, senior leadership position responsible for driving philanthropic growth to support Kristi House’s critical mission as a Child Advocacy Center. This role leads the development and execution of strategic fundraising initiatives, oversees a robust donor engagement and stewardship program, and ensures sustainable revenue generation through individual giving, corporate partnerships, and special events.

Reporting Directly to the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors, the Director of Development is both a strategic leader and hands-on fundraiser, tasked with cultivating donor relationships, expanding Kristi House’s philanthropic network, and positioning the organization for long-term success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with organizational priorities and annual revenue goals.
• Lead all aspects of philanthropic giving, including major gifts, annual campaigns, and corporate sponsorships.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects.
• Oversee donor engagement strategies and touchpoints to increase donor retention and long-term commitment.
• Utilize research tools for gathering data on current and prospective donors.
• Remain current on new trends and advances in the field of fundraising and development.
• Provide strategic oversight for special events (e.g., Annual Gala, donor receptions), ensuring they serve both fundraising and cultivation goals.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the CEO, CSO, and Board leadership to foster donor relationships and support major gift solicitation.
• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational planning and strategic direction.
• Supervise and mentor the Development team, promoting a collaborative, accountable, and growth-oriented culture.

Donor Stewardship & Communications

• Manage a consistent donor stewardship program, including acknowledgments, impact reporting, recognition, and relationship-building efforts.
• Ensure all donor records and activities are tracked and reported accurately using the CRM system (Bloomerang).
• Create and support compelling donor communications including appeals, updates, newsletters, and campaign materials in coordination with marketing staff.

Community & Board Engagement

• Act as a visible ambassador of Kristi House in the Miami-Dade community by building and nurturing relationships with donors, civic leaders, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Provide other Development support as requested by the Board President, CEO and/or Fundraising/Development Chairs of the Board in fundraising activities through coaching, materials preparation, and joint solicitations.

SUPERVISORY ROLE:

• Supervise Development staff including Development Manager of Operations and Development Specialist.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and performance oversight to ensure individual and team success.
• Coordinate cross-functional work with Finance, Programs, and Volunteer departments to align efforts and maximize outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including individual donor cultivation and major gift solicitation.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be substituted.
• At least 3-5 years of leadership and staff supervision in a nonprofit or philanthropic environment.
• Must have relevant experience working in the Miami or South Florida philanthropic and community landscape.

Skills & Competencies

• Proven track record of successful fundraising through events and individual giving.
• Expertise in donor engagement, relationship management, and CRM systems (preferably Bloomerang).
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire, persuade, and build rapport in writing and in person with a diverse donor base and maintain positive working relationships in a multicultural, and multi-ethnic environment.
• Strong writing skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Highly organized, strategic, and proactive with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently as well as part of a team.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is a strong plus.