Development Director

Job Description

Job Description

Are you a natural connector who loves bringing people together around a meaningful cause? Do you thrive on building relationships, creating memorable community events, inspiring volunteers, and engaging donors in a mission that makes a difference? If so, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity to join a historic, community-centered organization as our next Development Director .

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Development Director serves as a key ambassador for the organization, building strong relationships throughout the community while leading fundraising, marketing, volunteer engagement, and donor stewardship efforts. This highly visible role offers the opportunity to expand awareness of our mission, create meaningful connections with supporters, and develop innovative ways to engage donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners.

If you are energized by networking, storytelling, event planning, and cultivating relationships that inspire others to get involved, this is your chance to help shape the future of an organization that has a lasting impact on the community.

What You'll Do

• Serve as a passionate advocate and public representative, building relationships with donors, volunteers, community leaders, businesses, and local organizations.
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising and community engagement strategy that inspires giving and broadens support for the organization's mission.
• Plan and coordinate engaging events that increase community awareness, celebrate supporters, attract new donors, and create meaningful volunteer opportunities.
• Create experiences that strengthen donor and volunteer relationships while fostering long-term engagement and loyalty.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and community partners.
• Manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation supporters while developing strategies to grow philanthropic investment.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to tell the organization's story through compelling marketing and outreach initiatives.
• Lead annual marketing efforts across digital, print, social media, and community channels to increase visibility and engagement.
• Recruit, train, and inspire volunteers and team members who support fundraising activities, special events, donor recognition, marketing efforts, and community outreach.
• Research and pursue new funding opportunities while helping position the organization for future growth, including preparation for a capital campaign.
• Contribute to long-range strategic planning and identify opportunities to strengthen community partnerships and increase organizational impact.

What We're Looking For

• A relationship-builder who enjoys connecting with people and creating opportunities for community engagement.
• A passionate advocate who can inspire donors, volunteers, and community partners to become champions for the organization's mission.
• At least five years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including donor relations, community engagement, event management, and fund development.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and stewarding donor relationships that lead to increased support and long-term partnerships.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently represent the organization in the community.
• Experience planning and executing special events, fundraising campaigns, and volunteer engagement initiatives.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies across digital, social media, print, and community outreach channels.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and relationships simultaneously.
• Experience with donor databases, Microsoft Office, and fundraising or CRM systems.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Why You'll Love This Role

This is more than a fundraising position. It's an opportunity to build lasting relationships, create memorable community experiences, engage supporters in meaningful ways, and help grow an organization that makes a real difference. You'll have the chance to connect people to a mission they care about, inspire volunteerism, celebrate generosity, and leave a lasting impact on the community for years to come.

If you're excited by the idea of bringing people together, building meaningful partnerships, and creating enthusiasm around an important mission, we'd love to hear from you.