Senior Director of Development and Partnerships

Senior Director of Development & Partnerships About the Role The Senior Director of Development & Partnerships leads fundraising at the local level, reports to the Vice President of Development and Partnerships and coordinates fundraising activities and member‑and donor‑facing events supporting Deep South Today's mission. Key Responsibilities Fundraising Strategy & Execution Design and lead comprehensive development strategy including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate giving and grants. Manage full gift cycle: initiating contacts, developing cultivation strategies, making solicitations and maintaining donor stewardship. Manage annual fund including strategy, campaign design and evaluation. Develop multi‑year fundraising plans aligned with strategic priorities. Work with the events team to develop and execute member‑and donor‑facing events aligned with strategic priorities. Lead campaign planning for special initiatives. Collaborate on revenue growth goals for The Current’s major events including Big Towns, Undercurrent Awards and Current In Design Major Gifts Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects, maintaining a portfolio of significant donors. Develop customized cultivation and stewardship plans for major donors. Research and qualify prospects through wealth screening and relationship mapping. Build a pipeline of legacy gift prospects and secure commitments. Grants & Sponsorships Oversee grant writing process, collaborating with Development Manager on proposals to foundations, corporations and government agencies. Maintain grant calendar ensuring timely submissions and compliance. Build relationships with foundation officers and corporate giving managers. Donor Research & Relationship Management Conduct prospect research to inform cultivation strategies and identify opportunities. Maintain accurate donor records in development database; generate acknowledgment and stewardship communications. Develop donor segmentation strategies for personalized communications. Track donor progression Collaboration & Leadership Work with President/CEO and senior leaders to engage stakeholders in fundraising. Serve as visible ambassador for DST in the community. Partner with editorial team to translate journalistic impact into fundraising narratives. Collaborate with marketing team on donor and member communications and campaigns. Collaborate with events team on fundraisers and other member- and donor-facing events. Collaborate with earned revenue team on corporate partnerships, advertising packages and events aligned with corporate donors’ business objectives. Provide fundraising training to advisory board members and ambassadors. Donor Stewardship & Communications Design comprehensive donor stewardship program ensuring donors feel valued. Create personalized acknowledgment and recognition strategies. Develop impact reporting demonstrating mission advancement. Organize donor appreciation events and cultivation activities. Ensure timely and meaningful donor communication. Skills and Qualifications Bachelor’s degree Minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit development with a proven record of securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Familiarity with planned giving vehicles, platforms and grant funding sources. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong project management and organizational abilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr