Director of Advancement

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Director of Advancement Williamsburg, VA, US 3 days ago Requisition ID: 1206 At Child Development Resources (CDR), we believe every child deserves a strong start. We are a mission-driven nonprofit providing high-quality early intervention, early childhood, family support, home visiting, prevention, and community-based services for children and families. We are seeking a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven leader to serve as our Director of Advancement . This is an exciting opportunity to do more than raise funds—it is an opportunity to shape CDR's philanthropic future, elevate our brand, expand our community presence, and build meaningful relationships that strengthen our mission for years to come. The ideal candidate brings a compelling combination of fundraising expertise, marketing and communications experience, creativity, and exceptional interpersonal skills. We are looking for someone who can inspire others, tell our story in ways that resonate, and translate relationships and ideas into measurable results. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement leads CDR's fundraising, donor relations, branding, marketing, communications, and community engagement strategies. This position works closely with organizational leadership, the Board of Directors, donors, community partners, and volunteers to strengthen philanthropic support, increase organizational visibility, and advance CDR's long-term sustainability. This position is based at our Williamsburg, Virginia campus. About the Role The Director of Advancement provides strategic leadership for CDR's comprehensive advancement efforts, connecting fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, branding, and communications into a cohesive strategy that strengthens the organization's reputation and financial sustainability. This role requires someone who can see both the big picture and the details that bring it to life—a leader who is equally comfortable cultivating a major donor, developing a compelling marketing campaign, presenting to the Board of Directors, overseeing a fundraising event, or identifying new opportunities to expand CDR's visibility and philanthropic support. The Director will lead and develop the Advancement team, establish measurable goals, evaluate fundraising performance, and build lasting relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations. Most importantly, this position offers the opportunity to combine strategic leadership, creativity, and relationship-building to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families throughout our community. What You Will Do Strategic Fundraising & Philanthropic Development Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive annual and long-term fundraising strategies that support CDR's mission, priorities, and financial sustainability. Lead fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual appeals, planned giving, capital campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and special events. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, civic, and faith-based donors. Build meaningful donor relationships through personalized engagement, compelling communications, and thoughtful stewardship. Oversee grant prospecting, proposal development, submissions, and coordination with program leaders on funding opportunities and reporting. Establish measurable fundraising goals, monitor performance, and identify opportunities to strengthen philanthropic results. Branding, Marketing & Communications Lead CDR's brand strategy, strengthening organizational identity, visibility, and recognition throughout the community. Develop and oversee integrated marketing and communications strategies that communicate CDR's mission, programs, accomplishments, and community impact. Ensure consistent, engaging, and professional messaging across all communication channels and materials. Oversee public relations, media outreach, website content, social media, newsletters, fundraising appeals, promotional materials, and organizational reports. Create compelling stories and communications that inspire donor engagement, community partnerships, and philanthropic investment. Identify innovative approaches to expand CDR's reach, strengthen its reputation, and connect with new audiences. Donor Relations, Community Engagement & Partnerships Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, business leaders, foundations, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Represent CDR at community meetings, presentations, donor visits, fundraising events, and other external activities. Support the Executive Director and Board members in cultivating philanthropic relationships and advancing fundraising priorities. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and increased community engagement. Serve as a visible and engaging ambassador for CDR, communicating its mission and impact with authenticity and enthusiasm. Leadership, Operations & Financial Stewardship Lead, coach, evaluate, and develop Advancement team members, fostering collaboration, accountability, creativity, and professional growth. Establish departmental priorities, performance expectations, and measurable objectives. Develop and manage the Advancement budget, monitor fundraising performance, and evaluate return on investment. Oversee donor management systems, gift tracking, donor records, acknowledgment processes, and confidentiality practices. Coordinate Advancement activities with CDR programs, the Executive Director, the Board Advancement Committee, and community volunteers. Ensure Advancement activities comply with applicable laws, grant requirements, and organizational policies. Provide clear, timely reports and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board of Directors. Minimum Qualifications At least five years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including donor cultivation, stewardship, solicitation, and fundraising campaigns. Experience in marketing and communications, grant or proposal writing, special events, and staff or project leadership. Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, fundraising records, multiple priorities, and competing deadlines. Excellent written, verbal, presentation, relationship‑building, and persuasive communication skills. Strong strategic planning, analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities. Proficiency with donor management databases and Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, and SharePoint. Ability to work a flexible schedule to accommodate occasional evening or weekend events. Preferred Qualifications Experience leading integrated advancement programs that combine fundraising, donor relations, marketing, branding, and communications. Demonstrated success with major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and nonprofit brand strategy. Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, business, or a related field; master's degree desirable. Relevant professional fundraising or communications credentials. Ideal Candidate The successful candidate is a charismatic, strategic, and results‑oriented leader who understands that successful advancement is built on authentic relationships, compelling storytelling, thoughtful strategy, and consistent execution. They bring the creativity of a marketer, the relationship‑building skills of a successful fundraiser, and the business judgment of an experienced organizational leader. They are equally comfortable engaging a prospective major donor, developing a marketing strategy, coaching team members, analyzing fundraising results, and collaborating with executive leadership and Board members. Above all, they are a confident and persuasive communicator who inspires trust, builds meaningful connections, and understands how to translate an organization's mission into a compelling case for philanthropic investment. They lead with integrity, sound judgment, collaboration, creativity, and accountability while bringing fresh ideas and a forward‑looking perspective to CDR's advancement efforts. Compensation Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $90,000-110,000 annually Compensation Disclaimer: The compensation range listed above reflects CDR's good‑faith estimate of the anticipated hiring range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency requirements. Final compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, education, certifications, internal equity considerations, and the specific responsibilities of the position. CDR reserves the flexibility to offer compensation outside the posted range when warranted by these factors. Why Work at CDR? Make a Lasting Impact: Your leadership will help secure the philanthropic resources, partnerships, and community support that sustain and strengthen services for children and families. Competitive Total Compensation: We believe compensation is more than salary. Our package combines pay with comprehensive benefits, generous leave, paid holidays, retirement contributions, and other programs designed to support employees personally and professionally. Exceptional Retirement Benefit: CDR provides a 6% non‑contributory 401(k) contribution of your compensation, subject to a three‑year vesting period. Meaningful Leadership Opportunity: Work directly with the Executive Director, organizational leadership, and Board of Directors to help shape CDR's philanthropic strategy, organizational visibility, and long‑term sustainability. Outstanding Benefits: Enjoy health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off and holidays, and paid Spring and Winter breaks. Creativity & Innovation: Bring fresh ideas to fundraising, branding, marketing, and community engagement while helping CDR expand its reach and influence. Build Relationships That Matter: Develop meaningful connections with donors, business leaders, foundations, and community partners who share a commitment to strengthening our community. Work‑Life Balance: Join an organization that recognizes the importance of supporting employees' personal wellbeing and professional success. Join Our Team If you are an experienced advancement professional who thrives on building relationships, inspiring generosity, elevating organizational visibility, and turning ambitious ideas into meaningful results, we invite you to bring your talents and leadership to CDR. Child Development Resources is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Child Development Resources