Development Director - Never Alone Community Food Pantry

Overview:

The Development Director works collaboratively with the Operations Manager and President to cultivate a culture of philanthropy that advances Never Alone’s mission to provide food and hope to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

This role is responsible for leading fundraising strategy, strengthening donor relationships, expanding community partnerships and investment, and achieving revenue goals. The Development Director also oversees organizational budgeting processes and leads internal and external communications efforts.

Key Responsibilities:

Culture & Organizational Engagement

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of Never Alone’s operations in order to effectively represent the organization to donors, partners, community and media.
2. Foster a collaborative, transparent environment in partnership with the Operations Manager and President to ensure a positive experience for volunteers, staff, and guests.
3. Promote and celebrate the impact of volunteers, staff, and clients through storytelling and recognition.

Fundraising & Development

1. Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy in collaboration with the President and Board to achieve revenue goals, donor retention, and growth targets.
2. Cultivate, manage, and steward relationships with individual donors, corporations, and foundations to diversify and expand funding sources.
3. Lead grant strategy, including research, writing, and submission for philanthropic, state, and federal funding opportunities.
4. Partner with the President, Board, and key stakeholders to identify, solicit, and steward major gifts.
5. Design and implement multi-channel fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, digital, social media, and events.
6. Identify and pursue new fundraising opportunities and strategic partnerships.
7. Utilize donor management software to build and manage a portfolio of major and recurring donors.

Communications

1. Develop and oversee strategic communications, including quarterly and annual reports highlighting impact, stories, and key performance metrics.
2. Lead integrated marketing and communications campaigns that support fundraising and community engagement.
3. Capture and communicate compelling stories that illustrate Never Alone’s mission and impact.

Financial Management & Accountability

1. Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with organizational leadership.
2. Monitor revenue and expenses against budget, providing regular (monthly and year-to-date) financial reports to the President, Operations Manager and Board.
3. Evaluate fundraising initiatives through ROI analysis to ensure effective use of resources.

Qualifications & Experience

1. Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in nonprofit, corporate, or service-related environments.
2. Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor development, and strategic partnerships.
3. Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and achieve measurable results.
4. Experience managing budgets and financial reporting.
5. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
6. Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
7. Strong judgment and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters.
8. Proficiency in CRM systems, Microsoft Office, and related software tools.
9. Experience with food pantry operations or food systems is preferred.

Core Competencies

1. Relationship-building and donor stewardship
2. Strategic thinking and execution
3. Storytelling and communications
4. Financial acumen
5. Mission-driven leadership

Reporting Structure

1. Reports to the President and works closely with the Board of Directors.

What This Role Is Not

1. This is not a purely strategic or “hands-off” leadership role. While strategic thinking is essential, the Development Director is expected to actively design, execute and implement fundraising and communications initiatives.
2. This role does not include direct reports. Success requires a willingness to personally develop, build, and manage programs from the ground up.
3. This is not a role for someone seeking a highly resourced or fully built development infrastructure. The right candidate will be energized by building systems, processes, and relationships in a growing organization.
   1. This role is best suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic, evolving environment and brings creativity, sensitivity, and flexibility to their work.

Benefits

1. Employees receive two (2) weeks of paid vacation annually.
2. Additional benefits may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.

About Never Alone

Never Alone is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food and hope to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across Cherokee, Pickens, and Bartow counties in Georgia.

Operations include:

1. A client-choice pantry located in Woodstock, Georgia
2. Mobile food distributions serving rural communities via refrigerated trucks
3. A warehouse facility in Ball Ground, Georgia focused on food storage, packing, and volunteer engagement

Never Alone partners with volunteers, businesses, churches, and community organizations to extend its reach and impact. The organization operates six days per week, year-round, with closures only on major holidays.

Employment Requirements & Work Environment

1. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
2. Never Alone maintains a drug-free, alcohol-free, and tobacco-free work environment.
3. The use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is prohibited during working hours, whether on-site or off-site while conducting organizational business.

Operation is closed on all major holidays. Employees receive two paid weeks of vacation per full work year.

Proficient in English, Some basic Spanish is useful.