Development Director

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Development Director to lead and oversee our organization's fundraising, donor engagement, and revenue-generation efforts. The Development Director will play a critical role in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our organization by developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies, cultivating relationships with donors, and identifying new funding opportunities. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successful fundraising, exceptional communication skills, and a deep understanding of nonprofit development practices.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Planning:

Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the organization's mission and goals.

Collaborate with the executive director to set yearly fundraising targets and create actionable plans to achieve them.

Identify diverse fundings treams and opportunities, including individual donors, corporate partnerships, grants, events, and major gifts.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential donors, ensuring a high level of donor engagement and satisfaction.

Lead efforts to identify ,research, and target new potential donors, both individual and institutional.

Develop personalized stewardship plans for major donors, ensuring their ongoing involvement and support.

Grant Writing and Management:

Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and othergrant-making institutions.

Prepare compelling grant proposals and applications, ensuring alignment with donor priorities and organization's initiatives.

Manage grant reporting and compliance requirements to maintain positive relationships with grantors.

Team Leadership and Collaboration:

Lead and manage the development team, providing mentorship, guidance, and professionaldevelopment opportunities.

Collaborate closely with programmatic and communication teams to ensure fundraising efforts are aligned with organizational messaging and activities.

Foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment that encourages cross-functional teamwork.

Fundraising Events and Campaigns:

Conceptualize, plan, and execute fundraising events and campaigns to engage donors and supporters.

Coordinate with relevant teams to ensure successful event logistics, marketing, and follow-up activities.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

Regularly analyze fundraising data and performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven decisions.

Prepare comprehensive reports for leadership and the board, highlighting key achievements, trends, and areas for improvement.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent field experience.

Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising and development, with increasing levels of responsibility.

Strong understanding of fundraising techniques, best practices, and ethics.

Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

Experience with donor management software and databases.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff.

Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Knowledge of and passion for the organization's mission and cause.

Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as needed.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Experience with successful capital campaigns.