Director, Development Operations

Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence.

Each year, 40,000 people in the U.S. die from gun violence. We can change that. No organization has a more comprehensive and systematic approach to ending America’s gun violence epidemic. They say it can't be done. But we know Americans can do anything. Even end this epidemic of gun violence. For we are more powerful than any problem when we work as one. Now is the time to unite people, from coast to coast, young and old, liberal and conservative, fed up and fired up, and free our country from what is killing us. It's in our hands.

Job Summary:

The Director, Development Operations, provides leadership and strategic direction for all operational aspects of the Development team, ensuring the development and implementation of effective strategies to achieve short- and long-term fundraising goals. The Director, Development Operations, reports to the Chief Development Officer and works in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with the Communications, Operations, Programs & Policy, and Legal teams, serving as a key contributor to Brady’s organizational goals and initiatives.

The Director, Development Operations leads and supports the data, systems, and processes for Brady’s fundraising and donor engagement activities. This can include prospect research and portfolio management, donor stewardship, gift and records processing, data and systems management, and reporting. The Director, Development Operations also manages the Development team’s budget and forecasting processes and supports the work of other areas within Brady as needed. A flexible mindset and willingness to pitch in are highly valued.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Oversight (10%)

• Provide broad leadership and administrative oversight in the planning, implementation, and improvement of functions, operations, and resources within the Development team.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and other leadership to align fundraising strategies and activities with organizational goals, project priorities, and financial targets.
• Actively contribute to building organizational and team culture aligned with Brady’s values.

Financial Management and Forecasting (25%)

• In consultation with the Chief Development Officer and Chief Operating Officer, analyze monthly financial statements and provide quarterly updates on fundraising performance for Board reporting.
• Ensure efficient and accurate recording of gifts and opportunities in the CRM and timely gift on-making and financial planning.
• Develop scenario-based models to test fundraising strategies, donor pipelines, and campaign outcomes.
• Lead the preparation and management of the Development team budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to meet fundraising goals and operating revenue targets. Report and reconcile with the Finance team.
• Devise models and projections for reliable revenue forecasting to support strategic decisions.

Team Leadership and Development (25%)

• Lead, mentor, and develop Brady’s Development Operations team, fostering professional growth and operational excellence in the execution of prospect research and pipeline development, gift processing and records management, stewardship and donor relations, and systems administration and reporting.
• Supervise direct reports, including Data and Systems Manager, Prospect Researcher, Operations Assistant, and potential recruitment of new permanent or contingent positions.
• Identify, secure, and oversee auxiliary resources that deliver specialized expertise and/or expanded capacity for fulfilling Brady's fundraising and revenue goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Operational Excellence (25%)

• Oversee development, maintenance, and implementation of policies, procedures, templates, and documentation for the Development team.
• Optimize use of Brady’s fundraising systems and licensed resources, driving enhancements and integrations that maximize reporting, fundraising results, and effective pipeline management.
• Enact and model high standards of data integrity and security across all donor management systems in compliance with Brady’s business practices, industry standards, and government regulations.

Donor Relations (15%)

• Establish and implement creative strategies founded on best practices for prospect management, targeted engagement, and tiered stewardship across all donor levels.
• Work with the Brady Development team and other organizational team members to ensure donor and prospect engagement efforts are incorporated into event planning and systematically tracked.
• Partner closely with the Communications team, gift officers, and external partners to produce creative and relevant content for donor engagement that reflects Brady’s identity, mission, and priorities.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit operations, including budget management, financial modeling, revenue forecasting, and strategic planning.
• Proven ability to develop and execute a long-term technology vision and roadmap for Development operations, aligning systems, data, and business processes with organizational fundraising goals.
• Advanced expertise in database administration, data architecture, data governance, and systems integration.
• Proficiency with modern CRM platforms, preferably Salesforce, including optimization, reporting, automation, and user adoption.
• Strong understanding of gift administration and the application of standard accounting principles to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and implement scalable technology and operational solutions.
• Experience leading cross-functional technology initiatives, managing system implementations, and driving continuous process improvement through data-informed decision-making.
• Strong collaborator who engages others with intention and builds trust with both internal and external stakeholders across an organization.
• Skilled people manager with demonstrated ability to build productive hybrid teams and inspire staff at all levels to achieve strategic objectives.
• Top-level communicator who crafts clear, concise, and compelling written and verbal messages.
• Mission-driven professional who models commitment to Brady’s values and displays passion.
• Resilient practitioner who displays grace and poise under pressure and thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a daily commitment to growth.

Required Experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in nonprofit philanthropy and/or operations management with a successful track record of increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience in database management, budget management, and fundraising strategy development.
• Experience working on a capital campaign, while not necessary, is a plus.

The salary range for this position is $112,000 - $130,000 annually, with the exact salary depending on experience. Competitive benefits include employer-funded health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; pre-tax parking and transit accounts; 403(B) plan with employer match; Employer-paid basic life and AD&D coverage; reimbursement for cell phone use; Headspace subscription; 16 weeks paid parental leave; unlimited PTO plus paid week closure at the end of the calendar year; and eleven paid federal holidays.

Brady is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and believes in driving equality in our communities and workplace. Brady is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce, and providing equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected class according to local, state, and federal law. We also provide reasonable accommodation for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. To request an accommodation during the interview process, please email: bjoiner@bradyunited.org

Brady understands that gun violence disproportionately harms communities that have long faced systemic racism and inequities, including Black, Latinx, Native American, and LGBTQ people. We believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities and lived experiences.

The salary range for this position is $112,000 - $130,000 annually, with the exact salary depending on experience. Competitive benefits include employer-funded health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; pre-tax parking and transit accounts; 403(B) plan with employer match; Employer-paid basic life and AD&D coverage; reimbursement for cell phone use; Headspace subscription; 16 weeks paid parental leave; unlimited PTO plus paid week closure at the end of the calendar year; and eleven paid federal holidays.