Development Director

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob SummaryThe development director will be Child Care Answers' first dedicated fund development leader. This person will build our development plan from the ground up and guide us toward sustainable, diversified funding to support early care and education across central Indiana.Today, team members carry pieces of our funding work alongside their other roles, managing funder relationships, writing grants, and reporting on outcomes. The development director will bring that work together into one clear, intentional strategy. They will listen first, learning from our current and potential funders, staff, and board, then lead the creation of a development plan that reflects what funders value and what our community needs.This role stewards current funding partners and funding streams, cultivates new ones, and supports the board of directors in setting and reaching its fundraising goals. The development director tracks and analyzes funding data so leadership can weigh options with confidence and leads or supports grant writing and proposals. Working closely with the executive director, the communications and data manager, and program staff, they will create a path to long-term financial sustainability for Child Care Answers.Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. Child Care Answers will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.Build and lead Child Care Answers' development planListen first: meet with current and potential funders, staff, and board members to understand priorities and opportunitiesAssess our current funding landscape, including sources, gaps, and risksCreate and regularly update a multi-year development plan that diversifies funding across grants, contracts, corporate partnerships, individual giving, and eventsSteward and grow funding relationshipsServe as the primary relationship manager for current funders, coordinating reporting, deliverables, and renewals with program and finance staffIdentify and cultivate new funders aligned with our mission, including foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donorsRepresent Child Care Answers to funders and stakeholders, and share funder feedback to inform decisionsLead grant writing and proposalsWrite and submit compelling proposals, coordinating staff input, data, and budgetsCreate and maintain a grants calendar, timeline, and proposal pipeline from research through reportingLead fundraising strategy and donor engagementDevelop and lead the annual fundraising strategy, including but not limited to fundraising and cultivation eventsPartner with the communications and data manager to align fundraising messaging across platforms and pair data with storytelling that shows the measurable impact of our workBuild stewardship practices that keep donors and partners involved and informed about the impact of their supportTrack and analyze funding dataCollaborate with staff to build systems to track funders, prospects, proposals, deadlines, and outcomesAnalyze funding options and report progress to leadership and the board, in collaboration with the communications and data managerSupport the board and leadershipPartner with the executive director and board to set annual fundraising goals, and equip board members to support and engage in fundraisingServe as a consulting member of the Leadership team, contributing to strategic planning, budgeting, culture, and organizational continuityBring our team together around developmentWork alongside staff who have been managing pieces of funding work to honor existing relationships and build shared processesClarify development roles and coach staff to share our story and impact with fundersEnsure compliance with funder requirements and confidentiality standards, and contribute skills as requested to move Child Care Answers forwardEducation, Experience, & RequirementsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must have the following:Education: Bachelor's degree required in nonprofit management, business, communications, public administration, or a related field. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferredExperience: Minimum of five (5) years of experience in nonprofit fund development, grant writing, or institutional giving, including a proven record of securing and managing grants and funder relationships; preference for three (3) years of management or leadership experience and experience building a development program or planCompetenciesExperience working with foundations, corporate funders, and government grants and contracts; experience in early care and education or human services is a plusExperience working with a board of directors on fundraising goals and strategyExperience with donor/grants management systems and/or customer relationship management (CRM) tools to use data to guide funding decisionsProficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and a variety of software and cloud-based applications, including virtual meeting applications such as Zoom and Microsoft TeamsFamiliarity with Microsoft Teams/SharePoint, PowerBI, and Canva preferredAdditional requirements:Conversational skills in a language other than English a plusPosition is hybrid, with flexibility to work from home with some onsite office requirementsTime spent offsite meeting with funders, partners, and stakeholders; travel to offsite events requiredValid driver's license; must provide own transportation and proof of automobile insuranceSome weekends and nights as determined by funder events, board meetings, and other all-staff required eventsKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThe successful employee will demonstrate individual competency in the following areas:Written and Verbal Communication Skills: The director must clearly and persuasively communicate our mission, impact, and funding needs. They write compelling proposals and reports; speaking with funders, board members, and community audiences is an area of comfort and confidence.Social Perceptiveness and Professionalism: The director must be socially aware of socio-economic, geographic, cultural, and intellectual differences as they work with different audiences, both internally and externally. They demonstrate professionalism in appearance and actions, handle difficult or stressful situations calmly and respectfully, treat others fairly, and support a positive work environment.Strategic and Innovative Thinking: The director must see the big picture, spot new funding opportunities, and turn ideas into practical plans. They ask good questions, seek out diverse perspectives, and build fresh connections and networks.Interpersonal and Influencing Skills: The director builds trust through compassion, patience, and active listening. They listen deeply to funders and partners, build lasting relationships, and inspire commitment from staff, board members, and community leaders.Problem Solving / Decision Making: The director uses data and sound judgment to weigh funding options and develop effective solutions when faced with obstacles. They are highly organized, manage competing deadlines, and take responsibility for results to keep the team on track with goals and objectives. All offers of employment at Child Care Answers are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check and drug screen.