Director of Development

Job Description

Job Description

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

The Lussier Community Education Center (LCEC) is a vibrant community center with a spirited history of strong programs, broad partnerships, and grassroots community organizing. Located on the grounds of Ezekiel Gillespie Middle School and Vel Phillips Memorial High School, the LCEC has a mission of building community, creating opportunities, and enriching education .  

The Director of Development will lead the overall fund development efforts for the LCEC, building fund development capacity through a diverse array of strategies in support of a nearly two million dollar operating budget. The Director of Development will work closely with the Executive Director to design and implement the Center’s fund development strategies as well as guide the organization’s marketing and communication plan. The ideal candidate will have strong writing and communication skills, understand the power of intentional relationships, and approach the work through a community-centric fundraising lens. As a member of the LCEC Leadership Team, the Director of Development plays an important role in guiding the growth of the Center toward fulfillment of its mission in alignment with the Lussier Framework.

Strong candidates will be creative, organized, flexible, and have experiential knowledge of fund development in nonprofits. They will be able to manage a diverse set of hands-on responsibilities and projects, while supporting and connecting with an effective, independent staff team in a grassroots, collaborative, community setting. The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director.  

Hours: Full-time, on-site at West-side Madison location, generally 9 am - 5 pm M-F with some later evening and weekend hours required, as well as occasional off-site meetings and events as needed.

Compensation: $74,000/year

Benefits: 100% employer-paid premium for health insurance plus a health reimbursement arrangement; competitive paid time-off package that includes pay for vacation, personal days, sick leave, and holidays; dental insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; 403(b); and flexible spending account.  

RESPONSIBILITIES  

Fund Development Management

• Develop, update, and evaluate the LCEC Fund Development Plan with the Executive Director and lead its execution.
• Monitor and communicate progress towards the annual fundraising goal to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Develop and maintain the systems needed to support the execution of the LCEC Fund Development Plan including the master fund development calendar, application and reporting deadlines, etc.

Individual and Business Donor Development

• Manage and grow individual donor support through intentional and continued relationship building and relational meetings.
• Maintain and expand the base of donors, potential donors, local businesses, service and school groups, and faith based organizations supporting the LCEC and our programs.
• Work with the Executive Director to maintain and grow the base of major/recurring donors.
• Maintain and evaluate the organization’s donor database and communications platforms.
• Process and acknowledge all donations: log checks, prepare deposits, generate tax receipts, and ensure thank yous are created in collaboration with the Executive Director, staff, Board, volunteers, and program participants.
• Organize donor events (Harvest, Friends of Lussier breakfasts, etc.) to raise resources, build relationships, and create community.
• Explore opportunities for planned giving, stock and securities, cryptocurrency, property/estate, in-kind, and all other revenue generation resources.  

Grant, Foundation, and Sponsorship Development and Management

• Ensure completion of proposals and regular program reporting to major institutional funders ( City of Madison, Dane County, United Way, CACFP, Second Harvest Kids Cafe, etc. )  
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities through grants, foundations, local, state, and federal government, and other revenue generating resources.
• Write timely, accurate, and effective grant proposals and ensure timely reporting.
• Seek out and lead the development of collaborative grant proposals with partner organizations.  
• Work with staff to identify matches between LCEC programs and grant opportunities.
• Coordinate with directors and managers to ensure the timely completion of grant requirements and reports.
• Gather relevant LCEC program data and evaluations to improve current and inform future program opportunities.  

Marketing and Communications

• In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator create a strategy to tell the story and celebrate the LCEC community and ensure its execution.
• Create an organizational Annual Report, as well as other informational materials including brochures and materials/ information about special campaigns, initiatives, or events.
• Work with the Director of Youth Programs and the youth programs team to ensure that photos and stories are captured to effectively tell our story.
• Build relationships with local media outlets and invite and engage in their coverage of the organization’s work.
• Support LCEC staff in media and public speaking opportunities.

Play a key leadership role in the strategic development of the LCEC as a whole 

• Support the intentional integration of the Lussier Framework into all aspects of the LCEC’s work.
• Actively engage in the strategic and project-based work of the Leadership Team to collaborate with and respond to community and organizational trends and needs.
• Work with other directors to lead center-wide staff meetings, monthly community dinners and other center-wide events, and annual staff evaluation and goal setting.
• Supervises the Marketing and Communications Coordinator.

Participate fully in shared work of the LCEC, including neighborhood events, staff retreats/meetings, and other projects as they arise.  

The Director of Development will perform all other duties and/or tasks at the discretion of the Executive Director as necessary for the successful operation of the LCEC.  

SOUGHT PERSONAL QUALITIES & TRAITS
・ Storyteller ・ Intentional collaborator ・ Engaging listener ・ Community-centric ・ Embraces diversity  ・ Learner and leader ・ Dreamer ・ Persuasive writer ・ Justice oriented ・ Demonstrates humility       ・ Detail-oriented ・ Curious       

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 3 years experience in non-profit fundraising, including donor relations, grant writing and reporting.
• Proficiency with websites, social media platforms, MailChimp or similar email platforms & Bloomerang or similar donor database management.
• Experience with annual campaign planning and implementation, as well as digital and print communications.

SOUGHT QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High level of proficiency with the Google Suite.
• At least 5 years of non-profit work experience
• Previous supervisory experience
• Language abilities in Spanish, Hmong, and/or Arabic

TO APPLY 

Complete the online application or pick one up at the Lussier Community Education Center, 55 S Gammon Road. Submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and completed application via email to View email address on ziprecruiter.com, in person or by mail. 

Writing Sample (750-1000 words) must be an example written by the applicant, including but not limited to a grant proposal narrative, a fundraising letter, or a written publication. 

For best consideration, please apply by October 9th, 2026. LCEC is an EOE/AA employer.