Director of Development

Lead the next chapter of a 75-year community legacy

Since 1951, Abilis has believed that every person deserves to live, learn, work, and enjoy life on their own terms. Today we support more than 800 people with developmental disabilities, and their families, from birth through every stage of life across Fairfield County.

We’re looking for a fundraising leader who wants their work to show up in real lives: a toddler hitting a milestone, a young adult landing a first job, a family finding the support they need.

The opportunity

As Director of Development, you’ll own Abilis’s entire philanthropic strategy and report directly to our President & CEO. This is a true executive seat. You’ll set the vision, build the plan, and bring in transformational gifts that make the mission possible.

What you’ll do

• • Set the course. Design and execute a multi-year fundraising and advancement plan, set annual revenue goals, and manage the department budget.
  • Close the big ones. Personally lead a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, and cultivate, solicit, and steward six- and seven-figure gifts.
  • Run the full program. Lead major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special events.
  • Build and lead a team. Supervise and mentor our Events Manager and Grant Writer, and grow a high-performing development team.
  • Energize the board. Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to deepen board engagement and fundraising participation.
  • Grow our community. Expand corporate sponsorships and partnerships, and be the face of Abilis to donors and community stakeholders.
  • Tell the story. Direct donor communications, stewardship programs, and advancement marketing.
  • Lead with data and integrity. Establish performance metrics, oversee donor database health, and uphold fundraising ethics, compliance, and gift acceptance policies.

What you bring

• • 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience
  • A proven track record of securing transformational gifts
  • Strong leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills
  • Exceptional relationship-building and communication abilities
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • Flexibility for evening and weekend events, where so much of the magic happens

Why Abilis

You’ll join a respected, deeply rooted organization with strong community ties, a committed board, and a clear mission. Your impact won’t be abstract; you’ll see it every day in the people we serve.

Ready to make your mark? Send your résumé and cover

letter to montimurro@abilis.us

Abilis is an equal opportunity employer.

Excellent and competitive benefits. Generous 401K

Must be proficient in using CRM platforms and the ability to write and articulate need for funding in presentations.