Development Director (Non-Profit)

The Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center is seeking a Development Director to lead and manage the 4-H Centers fundraising and development efforts. Working closely with the 4-H Center Director and the 4-H Center Board, this individual will help to implement and be held accountable for advancing the goals set forth in the 4-H Center’s Development Plan. This plan will outline an immediate and long-term set of development actions and fundraising activities the 4-H Center needs to undertake to advance its development goals.

Terms of Employment

This position is hybrid with a minimum of 50% of working hours being in-person during traditional office hours or at community events. This role may require periodic attendance at community events and meetings outside of traditional business hours to support outreach and relationship‑building efforts.

The individual will work on a part-time basis upon initiation of employment and transition to a full-time basis as budget allows to serve the Centers fundraising needs in a way that best advances the development goals and financial interests of the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center.

Major Responsibilities and Expectations

Immediate primary tasks that the individual will be asked to undertake include:

• Working with the Center Director to develop a 4-H Center Development Plan;
• Evaluating, assessing and re-establishing past relationships with major 4-H Center donors;
• Immerse yourself into a team of created dedicated individuals;
• Keeping records of contacts, donations, and pledges.

Additional expectations and responsibilities for this individual will request that they:

• • Begin work on a Capital Campaign project alongside the Center Director for the 4-H Center.
  • Cultivate, preserve, and strengthen donor relationships and loyalty among alumni, existing donors, board members, volunteers, etc.
  • Effectively communicate the strategic vision of the 4-H Center to rebuild relations with past donors and to inspire a new set of donors for increased support of the Center.
  • Communicate and partner with Virginia 4-H Foundation and Virginia Tech Development Office when appropriate.
  • Strategically direct and utilize the 4-H Center Director and Board Members in achieving the fundraising objectives, especially in the areas of major gifts and planned-giving. This includes creating opportunities to regularly place 4-H the 4-H Center Director and Board leadership in front of major donors and potential donors.
  • Identify, develop and fully leverage Board of Director contacts to help raise funds for the 4-H Center.
  • Create new giving programs that help identify and engage a new generation of individual 4-H Camp alumni; camps parents; friends of the 4-H center; other 4-H center users/beneficiaries; and local business and corporate donors.
  • Work with local 4-H Agents to identify potential new 4-H center donors throughout the Northern Virginia Counties and Cities served by the Center.
  • Develop written and electronic materials for prospects and donors regarding the value and services provided the 4-H Center.
  • Work as a hands-on fundraiser to secure annual donations to support the 4-H Centers Capital and programing needs. This includes, but is not limited to: personal solicitations, targeted appeals, grant writing, special events, and planned giving.
  • Conduct targeted and personalized mailings and communications on fundraising initiatives.
  • Take responsibility for all administrative duties relating to 4-H Center fundraising including database management, making meeting arrangements, development of Center development policies and procedures, archival activity, scheduling, etc.
  • Prepare reports for the Board of Directors meetings.

The successful candidate will:

• • Be an experienced, energetic fundraising professional, dedicated to the mission and vision of the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center.
  • This job requires getting out of the office and spending time with donors to develop professional relationships and solicit funds. As such, substantial relationship-building and solicitation skills are essential.
  • Attending community events are essential and some evening or weekend hours may be necessary.
  • Have a track record demonstrating accountability for results.
  • Be able to “tell the story” of a mission driven organization.
  • Demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
  • Exhibit a natural inclination for institutional loyalty and absolute confidentiality.
  • Have the ability to manage competing deadlines in a self-directed and calm manner.
  • Be able to maintain productive working relationships, communicating clearly and appropriately with all critical stakeholders with demonstrated diplomacy skills.
  • Have excellent written and verbal communication, including strong public speaking and presentation skills.
  • Communicate with local Extension personnel and District Directors prior to initiating a wide-spread solicitation campaign.
  • Having a working knowledge of common professional software such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Canva and social media platforms.

Other requirements:

• • Relative bachelors degree from an accredited institution or demonstrated track record as a successful development professional.
  • A minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible and successful development activities. More experienced candidates are encouraged to apply.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in development-related software.
  • Working knowledge and experience with development efforts that utilize the Internet and social media.
  • Ability to match donor interests with the Northern Virginia 4-H Educational and Conference Center goals and priorities.
  • Ability to travel to meet donors throughout Northern Virginia Region as well as occasional travel to other parts of Virginia.
  • Attend meetings to provide development updates to the Board of Directors.

• Meaningful work impacting youth development
• Opportunity to shape young people’s lives
• Work aligned with 4‑H values (leadership, service, education)
• Work in a scenic outdoor environment
• Fun, collaborative team culture
• Opportunity to unplug from typical office work
• Free meals when groups are onsite
• Access to camp facilities (pool, pickleball, hiking trails)
• Flexible scheduling
• Supportive, close-knit team
• Inclusive, youth-focused workplace

Proficient in English