Director of Development

Title: Director of Development

Reports to: President

Location: Remote

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Status: Full Time – Exempt (40-hour work week with full-time benefits)

Compensation: Starting range $126k–$180k

Benefits: Hybrid in-person and remote; insurance includes 100% employer-paid employee health, dental, short-term and long-term disability, and 50% employer-paid dependent health and dental coverage; 403(b) plan, profit-sharing plan (employer contribution up to 5% annually); PTO starting at 200 hours per year, increasing each year thereafter; tuition reimbursement; and retreat/volunteer time off and reimbursement; tuition reimbursement

To Apply: Submit your cover letter and résumé to jobs@mindandlife.org using subject line “Director of Development”

Position Summary

The Mind & Life Institute seeks a strategic, values-driven Director of Development to lead and grow a comprehensive fundraising program that supports our mission to bridge science and contemplative wisdom to foster insight and inspire action toward flourishing.

This role oversees all aspects of development including major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, donor relations, donor stewardship events, campaign design, planned giving, and donor communications. For context, in 2026 this role will oversee and strengthen a philanthropy ecosystem generating $1 million annually, with a particular focus on growing unrestricted funding. Mind & Life recently completed a successful $20,000,000 endowment campaign. The Director will cultivate partnerships that support funding our mission. The Director will also supervise two staff on the development team. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and relationship builder who is committed to the inner transformation that drives human and planetary flourishing.

Essential Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy, including plans for securing financial support from individuals and foundations that align with Mind & Life’s strategic goals and supports operational and programmatic priorities
• Lead all individual giving programs, including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, and donor stewardship
• Partner with leadership and the Board to identify prospects and co-create meaningful engagement strategies

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Visit, call, and write donors and potential donors
• Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects, deepening relationships that reflect the values of compassion, curiosity, and integrity
• Ensure thoughtful, consistent donor communication through personalized updates and impact stories
• Plan and execute donor events and engagement opportunities, including those around flagship convenings such as the Summer Research Institute and Mind & Life Dialogues

Institutional and Foundation Giving

• Collaborate with foundation giving staff to align proposals with strategic priorities
• Lead relationship development with foundations.

Communications

• Collaborate with communications staff to align communications and advancement in support of Mind & Life strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight of donor communications.

Collaboration and Culture

• Works collaboratively as part of a self-starting team
• Operates cross-functionally with communications, programs, and operations to ensure fundraising is integrated and aligned across the organization
• Foster a culture of philanthropy and shared responsibility within the organization, including supporting Board engagement in fundraising

Operations and Systems

• Maintain accurate donor data and tracking through CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
• Track and report progress toward revenue goals and KPIs to senior leadership and the Board
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical stands in the nonprofit sector regarding fundraising and financial management

Qualifications

• Energetic and charismatic leader with strong interpersonal skills and ability to represent the organization’s interests to a wide spectrum of constituent groups
• Deep alignment with Mind & Life’s mission and values, including a commitment to inner work, compassion, and systems thinking
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to handle confidential materials with discretion
• Experience in philanthropy, i.e., major donor outreach, an engagement circle model, grant development and planned giving campaign. Must possess familiarity with database management (ideally Salesforce)
• Communications experience, including familiarity and proficiency with social and emerging media platforms, social media marketing platforms, as well as traditional media & marketing and public relations
• Must have command of cultural sensitivity and value and embrace cultural, political, and social differences
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Mind & Life Institute
• Self-directed, collaborative, and highly organized, with an eye for both strategy and detail

Level of Education and Professional Licenses/Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree is required
• Professional fundraising certificate(s) preferred
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a strong track record in major gifts and donor strategy
• Has supervised team(s) of at least 2-3 people for at least 5 years

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced office environment
• Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times
• To work from home, a strong internet connection and cell service is required

Additional Information

• Based in the Charlottesville, Virginia / Washington, DC areas
• Mind & Life operates in a hybrid in-person and remote work environment
• Position includes occasional domestic and international travel, up to 20%
• All offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check
• Candidates must have an automobile and a valid driver’s license
• Mind & Life is an equal opportunity employer

We encourage you to apply if you meet 70% of the qualifications. If you feel drawn to apply, we encourage you to do so!

Please submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@mindandlife.org using the subject line “Director of Development”

(Updated February 27, 2025)

About Mind & Life

At the Mind & Life Institute, we bring science and contemplative wisdom together to better understand the mind and create positive change in the world. Building on Mind & Life’s 35-year legacy and co-founder the Dalai Lama, we seek to foster insights and inspire action on how our inner lives contribute to individual, societal, and planetary flourishing. We’re committed to addressing mounting global challenges through our convenings, grantmaking, digital resources, and strategic partnerships.

With our organizational values of compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion, and curiosity, we are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. As such, we will honor your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming.