Sr. Director of Development

Position Title: Sr. Director, Development

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) is a leading national organization focusing on mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder, which affects over 21 million Americans, accounts for over 50% of the nation’s suicides every year, and costs $23 billion in lost workdays and other workplace losses.

Through our extensive online and print resources and our support groups and chapters, DBSA reaches millions of people each year with in-person and online peer support; current, readily understandable information about depression and bipolar disorder; and empowering tools focused on an integrated approach to wellness.

DBSA publishes in peer-reviewed medical journals and conducts surveys on issues of importance to individuals living with mood disorders and those treating these disorders.

DBSA’s prestigious 40-member Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) comprises leading researchers and clinicians in the field of mood disorders. SAB members review DBSA publications and programs for medical and scientific accuracy. In addition, SAB members present at DBSA conferences, author peer-reviewed manuscripts on behalf of the organization, and represent DBSA to the media.

DBSA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that depends on public support to achieve its vital mission: to empower and educate peers… and save lives. Roughly 85% of DBSA’s budget comes from charitable contributions, which include gifts and grants from corporations, foundations, individuals, and government agencies. The remaining 15% of DBSA’s budget comes from earned revenue, chapter affiliation and membership fees, program dues, contracted training and consultation, and event and publication fees.

DBSA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

DBSA recognizes the unique ways identity, culture, and access affect people living with mood disorders. We strive to create safe and inclusive spaces for individuals to feel empowered on their own path to wellness. DBSA seeks to create equitable access to peer support services and mental health resources and advocate for all individuals with a lived experience with a mood disorder, regardless of cultural and social identity or systemic barriers.

Our Team Values

Integrity

• Perform at the highest standards. We strive for best in class.
• Be honest in our interactions and develop trusting relationships.
• Take personal, and where appropriate, team responsibility for results.
• Acknowledge what we don’t know.

Openness

• Demonstrate a willingness to continuously learn, grow, and change.
• Celebrate our differences.
• Be present, curious, and receptive to new and different ideas and situations.

Mindfulness

• Ask for help and reciprocate help when needed.
• Respect each other’s perspectives, experiences, and sensitivities.
• Be mindful of our individual impact on the work environment.
• Speak with thoughtfulness. We think before we speak.

Collaboration

• Show a willingness to give up personal ownership for the greater good/outcome.
• Work together to foster individual and organizational growth.
• Create an environment where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
• Have a holistic view of the work of the organization.
• Remain flexible to achieve optimal outcomes.

THE POSITION

In collaboration with DBSA’s senior leadership and the board of directors, the Sr. Director will create and implement a development plan that guides all aspects of the organization’s fundraising strategy, including annual, corporate and foundations, pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotech industry partners, individual gifts, major donors, and planned giving programs. The plan will build on DBSA’s current fundraising success and focus on implementing a proactive and strategic relationship management approach. This plan includes creating a formal major gifts program with a focus on individual giving, while building upon our current donor engagement strategies.

The Sr. Director, Development will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DBSA. As a member of the leadership team, the Sr. Director will work collaboratively across the organization to ensure continued growth. The successful candidate will work to expand the culture of philanthropy at DBSA and continue the organization’s efforts to build a comprehensive development program that meaningfully engages existing donors and attracts new supporters. This leader will play an essential role in setting measurable, short- and long-term goals and establishing metrics to evaluate achievement. Leading a team of 3, this position is best suited for someone who is energized by being a working leader – spending time both on strategy, team leadership, and hands on execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Sr. Director, Development position includes the following primary responsibilities:

Fundraising & Management

• Leads the development team by developing and implementing workplans, setting short- and long-term strategies, and establishing measurable goals and metrics for activity.
• Builds and manages a portfolio of high-capacity individuals and organizations capable of giving six- to seven- figure gifts, moving these donors and prospects through the donor cycle. Assists the CEO and campaign co-chairs in developing and executing moves management strategies for high-profile donors.
• Lead the full-cycle management of the organization’s grant portfolio, from prospecting through reporting, ensuring high quality submissions, and support or directly conduct grant writing as needed.
• Serves as the primary staff liaison to the board’s development committee, developing and managing board fundraising strategies, engaging and partnering with board members to support their fundraising role. These opportunities extend to DBSA’s Scientific Advisory Board.
• Coaches DBSA leadership, staff, and select volunteers in building and executing fundraising strategies and solicitations. Supports the fundraising role of the CEO by providing guidance and preparation on donor strategy and outreach.

Donor Relations

• Works diligently to establish influential relationships nationwide within the mood disorder community, including industry partners, corporations, foundations, and high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Identifies opportunities, relationships, and partnerships for new and increased revenue generation.
• Leads and fosters an organization‑wide culture of philanthropy to tell DBSA’s impactful story and inspire giving.

Operations & Systems

• Manages the development department’s budget, utilizes fiscally responsible spending practices, and makes strategic decisions with the CEO and CFAO to have the highest return on investment while working collaboratively to achieve organizational goals.
• Evaluates, analyzes, and interprets fundraising data and information to advance development activities while applying fundraising best practices to DBSA’s work.
• Serves as primary liaison with program staff to interpret information related to new and existing programming and alignment with funding prospects in all donor categories.
• Fosters an atmosphere of teamwork, collaboration, and oversees the professional development of fundraising staff, including initiating training and mentoring opportunities for staff to enhance their skillsets in fundraising and relationship management.
• Leading with our core values, manage a team with a balanced approach that combines empathy and coaching with clear standards, follow-through, and accountability. Model strong ownership and follow-through skills.
• Identifies measurements necessary for fundraising, both qualitative and quantitative, and oversees the use of Raiser’s Edge data capture, analysis, and reporting.

Other duties

• Develops and maintains positive, collaborative working relationships with the leadership team, staff, board, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Travel (local and national) and attend evening and weekend events, as needed.

Please note: this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee of this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

QUALIFICATIONS

These recommended qualifications and related work experience are suggestive only. They are not intended to limit or restrict employees or applicants in any way. They are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. The requirements of this position are subject to change with or without prior notice.

• Successful fundraising track record of at least 10 years developing and implementing strategies resulting in organizational growth.
• 5+ years major gifts experience and knowledge of moves management cultivation strategies.
• 5+ years of employee management experience, focused on strong team collaboration with a culture of accountability.
• Knowledge and experience with fundraising database management, analysis, and reporting. Utilization of Raiser’s Edge NXT is a plus.
• Experience working in science, medicine, research, or mental health settings. Experience with earned‑income partnerships, including pharmaceutical companies, is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and life insurance. The salary range for this position is $119,000 – $145,000.

The position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required.

This position is fully remote through 2026, with required travel to Chicago for quarterly leadership meetings and additional meetings as needed. While the role is currently remote, candidates should be open to a potential return to a hybrid or in-office model in Chicago beginning in 2027. Local Chicago candidates are preferred, and the position is open only to residents of Illinois.

DEDICATION TO AN EQUITABLE WORKPLACE

DBSA is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees, and to providing employees with a work environment free of any form of discrimination and harassment. DBSA is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through our equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. At DBSA, we make a point to celebrate our differences and respect each other’s unique perspectives. In fact, it is core to the work we do.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with generous benefits, including health, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and life insurance. The salary range for this position is $119,000 – $145,000.

The position will primarily work standard hours of 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, with flexible start/end times possible. Periodic evening or weekend hours may be required.

This position is fully remote through 2026, with required travel to Chicago for quarterly leadership meetings and additional meetings as needed. While the role is currently remote, candidates should be open to a potential return to a hybrid or in-office model in Chicago beginning in 2027. Local Chicago candidates are preferred, and the position is open only to residents of Illinois.