Senior Director of Advancement

About the Role

While the Senior Director will currently oversee Communications in FY26, MSP anticipates transitioning Communications into its own distinct department by FY27 (October 2026), allowing the Senior Director to focus more deeply on advancement strategy, fundraising, and resource development.

MSP is seeking a results-driven Senior Director of Advancement to lead our fundraising and organizational advancement efforts at a pivotal moment of organizational growth. This individual will oversee all aspects of our development, communications, and outreach initiatives, including government, foundation, corporate, and individual giving strategy, donor research and cultivation, partnership development, communications strategy, unique events and campaigns, board engagement, and the management of several high-functioning team members: the Director of Institutional Giving, Major Gifts Officer, Volunteer & Engagement Manager, and Communications Manager.

The Senior Director will play a crucial role in galvanizing support for the critical work of the organization by engaging current donors, re-engaging lapsed donors, and establishing relationships with individuals and organizations that will translate to financial support for MSP’s programs and services. The ideal candidate would be a mission-driven, natural salesperson with exceptional interpersonal skills; someone who is an ambitious, big-picture strategic thinker, but also a collaborative, roll-up-your-sleeves manager with a results-driven focus on project execution.

This is a hybrid position and expected to be in the office at least 1-2 days a week.

About My Sister’s Place

My Sister's Place is a community of staff, volunteers, and advocates committed to eradicating domestic violence. As DC's oldest domestic violence shelter, we have served as a cornerstone of the district's response to this pressing public health issue since 1979. MSP is unique in offering a continuum of care from emergency shelter through transitional-to-permanent housing. Our experienced team of case managers and residential counselors provide clinical counseling, case management, and comprehensive services to empower survivors to recover and thrive. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategy and Team Leadership (40%)

• Develop and implement a multi-year development and organizational advancement strategy, aligning with organizational goals for growth and sustainability for MSP’s $8M organizational budget
• Establish and lead the execution of an annual operational calendar and implementation plan, setting benchmarks to achieve both short-term and long-term fundraising goals.
• Lead strategy and provide direction to team members managing specific portfolios:
• Director of Institutional Giving: Manages the institutional giving program, funder relationships, proposal development, and reporting for foundations, major corporations, and government grants.
• Major Gifts Officer: Manages a portfolio of high-value donors, cultivating and soliciting five- to six-figure gifts.
• Individual Giving Manager: Reports to the Major Gifts Officer and manages the individual giving program, including direct mail campaigns and fundraising events.
• Communications Manager: Oversees the development and execution of MSP’s communication strategies, including social media, newsletters, website content, and design support for fundraising campaigns and events.
• Volunteer & Engagement Manager: Manages volunteer engagement, community partnerships, in-kind donations, and outreach events that enhance MSP’s visibility and community relationships.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and facilitate a capital campaign to support MSP’s future growth over the next five years.
• Interface with the Finance team to ensure financial reporting, fundraising reconciliation, and accurate tracking of campaign performance.
• Report regularly to the Executive Director and Board on progress against goals, highlighting key developments and strategic adjustments.

Fundraising (30%)

• Partner with the Executive Director and development staff on donor engagement, managing a high-value portfolio of key donors and prospects.
• Maintain a robust portfolio of 30-40 major donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies, focusing on gifts of $25,000+.
• Lead strategy and support for team members managing specific portfolios:
• Director of Institutional Giving: Manages the institutional giving program, funder relationships, proposal development and reporting for foundations, major corporations and government grants.
• Individual Giving Manager: Manages the individual giving program and a portfolio of mid-major individuals and family foundations. This includes direct mail campaigns and events.
• Volunteer & Partnership Manager: Manages volunteers, community partnerships, low-level corporate sponsorships, and in-kind support.
• Communications Manager: Design for all direct mail and digital fundraising campaigns, events, as well as social media engagement.
• Strategize and drive the execution of signature fundraising events, annual campaigns, a future capital campaign, and other initiatives to diversify and expand the donor base.

Communications and Marketing (20%)

• Oversee and drive the development of communication strategies that enhance MSP’s brand visibility, donor engagement, and community awareness.
• Provide strategic guidance for messaging across print, digital, social media, and public relations channels.
• Ensure cohesive storytelling that effectively communicates MSP’s mission, impact, and programs.
• Serve as the organization’s public representative, building relationships to further enhance awareness and commitment to MSP’s mission.

Board & Senior Leadership Engagement (10%)

• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development and Communications Committee, leading strategic discussions, in support of fundraising initiatives.
• Provide training, resources, and strategic direction to Board members to improve their abilities to serve as spokespersons for the organization and increase their engagement in fundraising.
• Engage with the Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic oversight for all aspects of the organization’s operations, contributing to strategic planning and cross-departmental initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in nonprofit development, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants.
• Proven success in leading capital campaigns and securing five- to six-figure gifts.
• Strong background in strategic planning, team leadership, and development operations.
• Experience with donor management systems and CRM tools (e.g., Donor Perfect, iWave, Constant Contact, VolunteerLocal)
• Strong organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive and collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

At MSP, we are committed to our core values, which guide our every action and decision. We’re hiring someone who shares our dedication to these values and embodies them in their work:

• Demonstrate Professionalism, Integrity, and Excellence: You approach your role with the highest level of professionalism and ethical conduct. You should consistently uphold integrity, demonstrate excellence in your work, and adhere to the highest standards of professionalism.
• Support Wellness and Self-care: You understand the importance of self-care and wellness, both for yourself and for the clients we serve. You should promote and model self-care practices and encourage clients to prioritize their well-being.
• Provide Person-centered and Trauma-informed Services: We value a person-centered and trauma-informed approach to service delivery. The right candidate should be skilled in empathetic and client-focused interactions, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual.
• Foster an Environment of Trust, Transparency, and Respect: Building trust and maintaining transparency and respect in all interactions is paramount to our organization. We are looking for someone who can create a safe and respectful environment for clients and colleagues alike.
• Deliver Services Intentionally and Passionately: We seek a team member who is passionate about helping others and who approaches their role with intentionality. You should be dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of our clients.

My Sister's Place is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based upon race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance