Director of Development

Director of Development

Position Description

Are you interested in applying your expertise to the nonprofit sector on a national scale? “I Have A Dream '' Foundation is a national nonprofit supporting a network of nine affiliates and chapters in eight states and New Zealand serving thousands of youth and their families from under-resourced communities from 1st grade “to and through” post-secondary and career pathways. If you are excited about making a difference, are a team player, an exceptional fundraiser, good writer, and enjoy having fun with committed colleagues, then this is the position for you.

IHDF is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and people who identify as LGBTQ+.

Organization Mission and Vision

Founded 44 years ago, the “I Have A Dream” Foundation (IHDF) is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower children from under-resourced communities to succeed in school and career by providing academic, social, and emotional support from elementary school through post-secondary pathways, along with a post-secondary scholarship. Our dream is a world where every child has equal access to the educational and career opportunities that will ignite their innate potential.

Position overview

The National “I Have A Dream” Foundation (IHDF) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and politically savvy National Director of Development to lead its comprehensive fundraising and partnership strategy. This is a senior leadership role that will shape the future of IHDF’s national impact by securing transformational resources to expand educational equity and postsecondary success for under-resourced youth nationwide. This is a high-impact, highly visible position, collaborating closely with the CEO, CG&PO, and Board of Directors. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable in boardrooms, community sites, and Capitol Hill meetings—leveraging relationships and resources to support IHDF’s mission.

Position location

This position is based at the national headquarters in the Chelsea area of New York City, with an expectation of being in the office five days per week. The role also requires travel and occasional evenings and weekends.

Compensation & Benefits (FLSA Status: Exempt)

IHDF offers a competitive salary based on the organization’s compensation philosophy, which is grounded in market data. The salary range for this position is $92,000-$102,000 depending on qualifications. We also offer comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, vision and life insurance) and top of the market paid time off (vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays).

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Revenue Growth: Design and lead a bold, multi-channel revenue strategy that supports IHDF’s long-term vision—integrating individual philanthropy, corporate partnerships, foundation and government funding, and innovative new revenue streams. Set and achieve ambitious annual and multi-year goals ($6M+ annually), leveraging data-driven insights and market trends to optimize fundraising efforts. Oversee the development budget and monitor progress against key performance metrics..
• Government & Policy Partnerships: Forge and deepen strategic relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to position IHDF as a trusted partner and thought leader in youth development and educational equity. Proactively identify and secure government grants that align with IHDF’s mission, and leverage policy opportunities to expand our impact.
• Major Donor & Corporate Engagement: Build and deepen transformational relationships with high-net-worth individuals, corporate leaders, and institutional funders, aligning their passion and resources with IHDF’s bold vision for educational equity. Design and execute innovative engagement and stewardship strategies that inspire sustained giving, multi-year commitments, and mission-driven partnerships.
• Grant Writing: Drive and implement all grant-writing efforts—identifying and researching funding opportunities, developing compelling and mission-aligned proposals, managing deadlines, and cultivating relationships with foundation and institutional funders. Focus on securing and growing annual grant revenue with the development team to sustain and expand IHDF’s programs.
• Signature Events & Campaigns: Lead the execution of IHDF’s flagship annual fundraiser, the Spirit of the Dream Gala, which generates $1M+ annually. Provide strategic oversight of event operations, messaging, and donor engagement, serving as a key solicitor of major gifts. Partner with the team to design and approve innovative digital campaigns—such as graduation celebrations, back-to-school drives, Giving Tuesday, and internship spotlights—to inspire donor participation and grow revenue.
• Data-Driven Development: Leverage Salesforce and other analytics tools to transform donor and campaign data into strategic insights that shape the organization’s development strategy. Collaborate with the Development Manager to optimize data systems, track key performance indicators, and uncover trends that drive innovation in fundraising. Provide the CEO, senior leadership, and Board with forward-looking analyses and recommendations to strengthen donor engagement, grow revenue, and advance IHDF’s long-term sustainability.
• Communications & Brand Positioning: Provide strategic oversight and approval of all development-related communications — including newsletters, donor emails, acknowledgment letters, and campaign messaging — ensuring they reflect IHDF’s mission and vision and inspire donors, partners, and the broader community. Collaborate closely with communications staff to craft a compelling annual report, monthly e-newsletters, and digital storytelling campaigns that engage audiences and strengthen IHDF’s brand to maximize fundraising impact.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and inspire a small team of development professionals (Development Manager and VISTA Development & Marketing Coordinator) to drive results and foster a culture of excellence, innovation, accountability, and results.

Qualifications

• Proven Track Record: 7+ years of progressive development leadership experience, with measurable success in raising significant philanthropic revenue across multiple streams, including government grants and contracts. Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience); CFRE credential a plus.
• Government & DC Experience: Demonstrated ability to navigate federal, state, and local funding opportunities; experience building relationships with policymakers and public sector stakeholders strongly preferred.
• Strategic Leader: Skilled at designing and executing complex fundraising strategies, balancing long-term vision with tactical implementation.
• Relationship Builder: Exceptional ability to engage major donors, board members, corporate partners, and government officials, translating mission into meaningful partnerships.
• Technical & Analytical Skills: Proficient in Salesforce or similar donor databases; data-driven approach to decision-making and reporting. Proficiency with Google Suite, MS Excel & Word, Illustrator, In Design, Publisher and PowerPoint.
• Mission Alignment: Passion for educational equity, social mobility, and empowering first-generation youth.

Physical & Cognitive Requirements

• Ability to conduct presentations, read and analyze data, and communicate effectively.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand or sit for long periods of time, walk up to ½ mile transporting supplies, conduct oral presentations, read, and communicate effectively.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to: hr@ihaveadreamfoundation.org, with the subject: Last Name/Director of Development. Applications received by November 1, 2025 will receive first consideration.

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports your health and well-being—including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. We also provide some of the most generous paid time off in the field, with vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays that give you the balance you deserve.