Development Director

Organization and Role Overview

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association is a Christ-centered nonprofit organization committed to advancing its mission as a place for spiritual birth, growth, and renewal. We seek to cultivate meaningful relationships with individuals and families who share our passion for the work God has entrusted to us.

The Director of Development provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization's fundraising efforts. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy with a primary focus on major gifts and planned giving, while strengthening annual giving and donor engagement, including events.

The Director of Development leads and mentors a small development team (two full-time and one part-time staff member), sets a compelling vision for results-driven fundraising, and ensures that day-to-day operations align with long-term goals. This position also plays a key role in directing efforts to modernize development systems, improve data capture and analysis, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission alignment.

This dynamic position reports directly to the COO and offers significant opportunities to collaborate with the Program, Operations, Finance, and Development teams. Primarily in-person, the role provides flexibility for remote work and necessary travel. Evening and weekend attendance at special events and programs is expected. The ideal candidate is an experienced relational fundraiser, strategic leader, and faithful steward who fully agrees with and supports Ocean Grove's Christian mission and values.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead and grow major gifts and planned giving programs, including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors and work with the team to personally solicit significant gifts.
• Partner with the COO, President, and Board to support their fundraising and donor engagement efforts
• Set clear, measurable fundraising goals and regularly track and report progress.s

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and support a development team of two full-time staff and one part-time staff.
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and performance metrics for team members.
• Foster a results-driven, collaborative, and mission-centered team culture.
• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and encouragement.

Systems, Data & Operations

• Oversee donor database/CRM systems to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable data.
• Expand collaboration across the organization to ensure alignment and effective fundraising, including the Programs team.
• Lead efforts to modernize fundraising systems, processes, and reporting.
• Use data and analytics to inform strategy, donor segmentation, and decision-making.
• Ensure strong, tax-compliant gift processing, acknowledgment, and stewardship practices.
• Maintain compliance with ethical fundraising standards and relevant regulations.

Donor Engagement & Communication

• Ensure consistent, meaningful donor communication and stewardship strategies, including leading the development of the annual report, refining and growing appeals, and utilizing digital giving opportunities.
• Collaborate with marketing/communications staff to align messaging and campaigns.
• Strengthen donor journeys from first gift through long-term partnership and legacy giving.

Board & Organizational Collaboration

• Support and leverage the Board of Trustees and the Development Committee in their fundraising responsibilities.
• Work closely with the Development Committee Chair and the committee to develop and lead fundraising strategies and carry out campaigns.
• Prepare regular reports and updates for the Development Committee and the Board.
• Work collaboratively across functions to provide donor feedback that aligns with organizational programs, practices, and priorities. Ensure that fundraising activities support program objectives, fiscal practices, and future organizational growth, fostering ongoing vibrancy and engagement.

Core Competencies

• Major gift strategy and relationship management
• Planned giving knowledge and donor conversations
• Team leadership and staff development
• Vision-setting and results-driven management
• Systems thinking and operational excellence
• Clear communication and collaboration
• Faith-integrated leadership and stewardship mindset

Required Qualifications

• A wholehearted support of the organization's mission and values
• 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts
• Experience with planned giving programs
• Proven ability to lead and manage staff effectively
• Strategic thinker with strong execution and follow-through
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and spiritual maturity
• Experience using donor databases/CRMs and leveraging data for fundraising outcomes
• Monitor and leverage social media trends, tools, and best practices to benefit the organization, including industry developments such as compliance requirements and ethical behavior on social media channels

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a Director of Development or in a senior development leadership role
• Demonstrated success working with Boards and senior leadership
• Experience leading fundraising system upgrades or process improvements
• Familiarity with Christian or faith-based nonprofit environments
• CFRE or other relevant certification

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range is $125,000–$155,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Generous vacation time
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• 13 paid holidays

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