Development Director

Development Director

Status: Exempt, Full-time

Reports to: Executive Director

Organization Overview

Cape Fear Literacy Council (CFLC) is an established nonprofit in Wilmington, NC, that provides free, confidential education for adults who want to improve their lives. Our programs for Adult Literacy, English as a Second Language, and Digital Literacy make a lasting impact for learners, their families, and our community. Leveraging the talents of dedicated volunteers, our small, dedicated staff works as a team and truly makes a difference.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is responsible for leading the fundraising and resource development efforts at CFLC. This role focuses on enhancing CFLC’s financial sustainability through diverse funding streams and aligns closely with the organization’s mission to provide a personalized education that helps adults transform their lives and contribute to a stronger community. This role functions as part of a collaborative leadership team, working closely with the Directors of Communications, Finance, and Program to ensure strategic alignment and cross-departmental coordination.

Mission Alignment

The Director of Development ensures that all fundraising strategies and activities directly support the organization’s mission, mainly through tailored program support and community engagement that fosters informed and committed supporters.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Resource Development, 30%

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes soliciting individual donations, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and organizing large-scale fundraisers.
• Align fundraising initiatives with the needs of CFLC’s educational programs, ensuring that these efforts directly contribute to enhancing and expanding learner-centered, high-quality educational offerings.

Community Engagement and Relationship Building, 20%

• Strategically build and maintain relationships with individuals, local governments, grant sources, endowments, businesses, and other community-based entities to diversify funding sources and strengthen CFLC’s community presence.
• Lead initiatives that foster donor engagement and align closely with CFLC’s community-based educational services.

Donor Management and Event Planning, 20%

• Oversee the planning and execution of development events that create revenue-generating opportunities and provide platforms for significant donor recognition.
• Manage donor information with the highest integrity and accuracy, ensuring its accessibility for accurate reporting and strategic decision-making.
• Coordinate timing and tone of donor outreach, including print and digital appeals, newsletters, and event promotions.

Performance Measurement and Reporting, 15%

• Establish and monitor metrics to measure the effectiveness of community engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Report these metrics regularly to the Executive Director and the Board, using the data to make informed adjustments to maximize impact and community support.
• Provide impact metrics, stories, and program needs to the Communications team to support donor cultivation and stewardship.

Collaboration and Strategic Alignment, 15%

• Work collaboratively with program, communications, and executive leadership to align fundraising efforts with CFLC’s program goals and strategic plan.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Communications to align messaging, outreach, and fundraising strategies. This includes co-planning donor communications, impact storytelling, campaign themes, and shared responsibilities for public-facing events, appeals, and marketing materials.

Other Duties

Additional tasks and responsibilities, as assigned by the Executive Director, to meet the needs of the organization.

Core Competencies

• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Relationship Building
• Fundraising
• Donor Stewardship
• Event Management
• Data Management
• Strategic Communication
• Financial Acumen
• Analytical Skills
• Project Management
• Networking

Preferred Experience

• Experience communicating impact to donors through stories and metrics is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively in a diverse, mission-driven team environment.
• Proficiency in email and digital tools, including spreadsheets, calendars, Panorama CRM, Constant Contact, and Canva, or similar systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Position Details

• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, plus event coverage. All work is primarily in-person, with the possibility of some remote time.
• Location: The Director of Development will primarily work at CFLC’s 17th Street campus, with travel to fundraising events.
• Reports To: Executive Director.
• Physical Requirements: This role may include occasional lifting in an office environment and for fundraising events; navigating uneven outdoor terrain (our parking lot).
• Direct Reports: No direct reports.
• Privacy Required: Must be comfortable maintaining strict confidentiality in an environment that includes occasional exposure to sensitive or emotional content.
• Compensation: $48,000 - $58,000, commensurate with experience. Salary is based on experience within CFLC’s pay structure, and we encourage open conversations during the hiring process.

Benefits

• 10 days of paid time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays in Year 1. PTO increases with longevity.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Simple IRA match available.
• A structured onboarding period and training on CFLC’s CRM and email systems.
• Professional development opportunities, including support for CEUs and certifications.

How to Apply

We’re excited to welcome a mission-driven team member! If this role speaks to you and you can help us grow our impact, we encourage you to apply.

You may apply through Idealist or send a resume and cover letter to info@cfliteracy.org with the subject line “Development Director —[Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

• 10 days of paid time off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays in Year 1. PTO increases with longevity.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
• Simple IRA match available.
• A structured onboarding period and training on CFLC’s CRM and email systems.
• Professional development opportunities, including support for CEUs and certifications.

Must be proficient in English. Familiarity with any other language is a bonus.