Director of Development

Position Summary The Director of Development sits on the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the President & CEO, and leads the resource development function, sustaining current revenue streams with operational discipline while simultaneously opening new channels of support. The Director is a culture champion, partnership builder, and cross‑functional convener who leads with influence as much as authority, holds a genuine calling to serve the world’s most vulnerable in the name of Jesus, and sees fundraising as an act of ministry and an invitation to life‑changing partnership. The ideal candidate is comfortable in a hybrid structure, both hierarchical and matrix, where staff members maintain clear reporting lines while, at times, contribute to projects led by other leaders inside the organization. Essential Responsibilities 1. Major Gifts, Mid-Level Giving & Planned Giving (25%) Design and implement an integrated giving strategy spanning general, major gifts, mid-level, and planned giving, aligned with CI's strategic plan and revenue targets. Personally prospect, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of high-capacity donors, closing gifts at the major gift level ($25,000+). Partner closely with the President & CEO on donor engagement, providing research, briefings, proposal development, and follow‑up. Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to develop donor‑facing materials, campaigns, and messaging that reinforce CI's brand identity and voice. 2. Brand Positioning, Strategic Partnerships & Florida/U.S. Presence (20%) Serve as a credible ambassador for Cross International, articulating mission, story, and impact with clarity in every external engagement. Cultivate relationships with church leaders and denominational networks across Florida, positioning Cross International as the partner of choice for global compassion ministry. Represent Cross International at ministry events, donor convenings, and community gatherings to expand visibility and deepen relationships. Identify and pursue U.S.-wide partnerships with Christian organizations, church networks, and DAF sponsors to amplify Cross International’s reach. Secure speaking engagements for the CEO and other Cross International Leaders to enhance Cross International's positioning. 3. Diversified Resource Mobilization — Foundations, Corporations, Gifts-in-Kind & Events (15%) In collaboration with the Foundations Manager, identify, cultivate, and submit proposals to domestic and international foundations. Build a corporate giving program that develops relationships with Florida-based and national companies, securing sponsorships, employee giving campaigns, matching gift programs, and cause‑marketing partnerships. Develop GIK relationships with corporations and donors able to provide goods, services, and in‑kind resources that support Cross International’s field programs. Explore and develop emerging revenue channels, including church giving programs, denominational partnerships, community foundation grants, and faith-based impact investment models. 4. Systems, Operations, Compliance & Organizational Ambidexterity (15%) Actively participate in Cross International’s daily devotional and spiritual practices. Evaluate and improve systems, including CRM platforms, gift processing workflows, and standard operating procedures. Ensure compliance with ECFA standards, IRS regulations, DAF policies, GIK valuation standards, and Cross International’s financial accountability framework. Drive data‑informed decision‑making, ensuring dashboards and KPIs are accurate, timely, and regularly reviewed against the strategic plan. Foster rigor and excellence in established operations while remaining nimble and willing to pivot when the mission demands it. 5. Cross-Functional Development Leadership (10%) Lead a cross‑functional development working group that unites Programs, Marketing & Communications, Finance, and Operations around shared priorities, information flow, and coordinated resource development. Serve as a development thought partner to the President & CEO and senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, annual planning cycles, and direct engagement with the Board of Directors on fundraising priorities and strategies. 6. Field Travel & International Engagement (15%) Travel domestically and internationally to cultivate donors, steward partnerships, and represent Cross International at ministry and sector events. Leadership Profile A follower of Jesus Christ who leads as a servant, placing the growth, well‑being, and success of the mission above personal recognition or agenda. Active member or regular attender of a local Christian church congregation. Nimble and adaptive, pivoting decisively in the face of change without losing team cohesion or mission clarity. A brand steward who understands that every conversation, proposal, and event either builds or diminishes the Cross International brand and acts accordingly. A cross‑functional convener who brings people together and creates shared ownership to advance the mission. Knowledge & Required Competencies Donor CRM proficiency (Virtuous, Salesforce) Strategic networker: converts relationships into revenue, support, and expanded influence. Diversified resource mobilization experience Exceptional communicator across diverse audience Cross‑functional leadership. Financial literacy Qualifications & Requirements Education Master’s degree required, preferably in Business, Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field. Advanced degree or CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) certification preferred. Experience Minimum 10 years of progressive nonprofit development experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior management role. Demonstrated success personally managing a major gift portfolio and closing gifts at the $25,000+ level. Experience working within or alongside the North American evangelical church community and global Christian mission networks. International relief, development, or humanitarian ministry experience strongly preferred. Track record of building or improving development systems, operations, or team culture in a growing organization. Bilingual English & Spanish preferred. Location & Travel Residence in the greater Pompano Beach, FL area or surrounding communities is preferred. Applicants must reside and be authorized to work in the United States. Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally for donor visits, partnerships, and events. #J-18808-Ljbffr Crains Cleveland