Director of Development and Programs

Position Overview

NICST is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and compassionate leader for the Development &

Program Director role. This full-time, on-site position combines responsibilities in fundraising,

development, and program management, with roughly 60% dedicated to growth and

development and 40% to overseeing program operations. The Director will report to the CEO

and play a vital role in advancing the organization’s mission, sustainability, and growth,

especially guiding NICST through its transition from a small nonprofit to a $1–2 million

organization.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising (60%)

 Lead and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies, including individual giving,

corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and major donor cultivation.

 Oversee donor engagement, stewardship, and retention, ensuring a strong culture of

philanthropy across the organization.

 Manage fundraising CRM systems such as Salesforce or DonorPerfect, ensuring accurate

donor tracking and analytics.

 Develop, write, and manage nongovernmental grant proposals and reports.

 Coordinate and execute fundraising campaigns and events, including digital and community-

based initiatives.

 Build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to tell compelling stories of impact.

 Support and train board members and volunteers in fundraising efforts.

 Track metrics to evaluate fundraising success and report progress to leadership and the

board.

 Prepare and publish annual accomplishment reports.

 Coordinate and contribute to quarterly newsletters.

Program Leadership (40%)

 Provide leadership and oversight across all program areas, ensuring excellence, innovation,

and compliance with accreditation standards.

 Work collaboratively with training, client services, and volunteer staff to deliver high-quality

service dog programs.

 Ensure programs are aligned with organizational goals and meet the standards of Assistance

Dogs International (ADI) and the ISO 9001 governing principles.

 Supervise program staff, providing mentorship, performance evaluation, and professional

development.

 Analyze data and outcomes to improve program effectiveness and client satisfaction.

 Develop and maintain community partnerships to support program delivery and expansion.

 Collaborate with leadership to develop new initiatives and ensure operational sustainability.

 Represent NICST at public events, conferences, and community meetings, fostering visibility

and engagement.

Required Qualifications

 Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and development.

 Demonstrated experience managing and growing programs within a mission-driven

organization.

 Proven success in grant writing, major donor engagement, estate (legacy) giving, and

fundraising campaign execution ($1M to $2M range).

 Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams and engage

diverse stakeholders.

 Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with public speaking

to audiences of 100 or more.

 Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Salesforce, DonorPerfect, or similar CRM systems.

 Proficiency in generative AI, prompts, fundraising, and development AI.

 Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.

 Experience helping nonprofits transition to higher budget levels ($1M–$2M range).

 Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and variable hours as needed.

 Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the mission of NICST.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, development, or related field.
• CFRE or equivalent fundraising certification.
• Experience in the service dog or animal-assisted program sector.
• Knowledge of Assistance Dogs International accreditation standards.

English proficiency, written and verbal