Director, Strategic Planning

Development Director

Sturdy Health seeks a motivated and relationship-oriented Development Director to support the growth of philanthropic support across the organization. The Development Director will manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, focusing on identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts while cultivating meaningful relationships that inspire significant philanthropic investment in Sturdy Health. This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding significant gifts that support patient care, innovation, technology, facilities, and strategic priorities across Sturdy Health. The Director will collaborate closely with executive leadership, physicians, and community partners to inspire meaningful philanthropic investment.

Education/Training: Bachelor's degree required.

Required Qualifications and Skills: Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience, preferably in healthcare or a complex nonprofit environment. Demonstrated success securing major gifts and achieving revenue targets. Experience participating in or supporting capital campaigns. Proven ability to manage a portfolio and move prospects through the donor lifecycle. Strong strategic thinking and planning skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage senior leaders and high-capacity donors. High level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity. Proficiency in donor database systems (Raiser's Edge preferred).

Preferred Qualifications and Skills: Experience in healthcare philanthropy and grateful patient fundraising. Success integrating planned giving into major gift strategies. Experience managing or mentoring staff. Knowledge of the regional philanthropic landscape.

Essential Job Functions:

Portfolio Management & Major Gifts

• Manage an active portfolio of gift donors and prospects.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies.
• Personally solicit and close five- and six-figure gifts in support of organizational priorities.
• Incorporate planned giving conversations into donor strategies where appropriate.
• Partner with executive and clinical leadership on high-level donor engagement.
• Meet or exceed annual revenue and activity goals.

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Contribute to campaign planning and execution.
• Assist in developing fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Identify opportunities for growth in individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Collaborate on annual fund and grateful patient fundraising initiatives.

Relationship Development

• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through research, referrals, and community engagement.
• Build strong relationships with grateful patients, physicians, community leaders, and volunteers.
• Ensure grateful patient engagement complies with HIPAA and ethical fundraising standards.
• Provide high-level stewardship to deepen long-term donor relationships.

Operations & Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of donor activity in Raiser's Edge.
• Prepare compelling proposals, case statements, gift agreements, and impact reports.
• Participate in Foundation and community events to strengthen visibility and donor engagement.

Competencies & Attributes

• Mission-driven with a passion for community healthcare.
• Strategic and results-oriented.
• High emotional intelligence and strong relationship management skills.
• Resilient, proactive, and accountable.
• Collaborative leader who thrives in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Other duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

AGE AND DIVERSITY RELATED CRITERIA: Consistently treats patients, colleagues and visitors with the dignity and respect, while being sensitive to the differing needs of all age groups, backgrounds, characteristics and cultures.

ABILITY TO FULFILL JOB EXPECTATIONS: Must have the ability to perform essential functions of the position, including required work hours, locations and physical demands, without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or other individuals in the work place, and with or without reasonable accommodation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Physical demands refer to the level and duration of physical exertion generally required to perform critical tasks in support of critical job functions, for example - sitting, standing, walking, lifting, carrying, reaching, pushing, and pulling.