Development Director

Youth Futures is ready to strengthen and scale our fundraising efforts to support a bold vision for helping young people in crisis. We’re looking for an experienced Development Director who can build a sustainable, high-performing fundraising operation. This isn’t a typical nonprofit role.

We are a fast-moving, deeply human organization that shows up for young people every hour of every day. Our work prevents homelessness before it becomes permanent. We work with what we have, improve what isn’t working, and step in when systems fall short.

If you’re looking for a highly structured, slow-paced environment, this may not be the right fit. But if you’re energized by meaningful relationships, clear accountability, and work that truly matters, we’d love to talk.

The Role

The Development Director position is designed for a seasoned development professional who understands both the strategy and the day-to-day realities of nonprofit fundraising. We are ready to grow thoughtfully and intentionally. You will play a key role in shaping that growth through the following responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, individual giving, corporate and foundation grants, direct/online appeals, planned giving, and special events, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners, identifying and engaging new, lapsed, and prospective supporters to expand and sustain Youth Futures’ funding base.
• Direct grant development efforts, including researching funding opportunities and coordinating the planning, writing, and submission of grant proposals and budgets.
• Develop and oversee fundraising campaigns and communications materials, ensuring strong messaging, effective donor outreach, and alignment with the organization’s mission and priorities.
• Manage development operations and systems, including maintaining an accurate donor database, tracking fundraising performance, and producing reports and analysis for leadership and the Board.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership and staff to plan and execute fundraising initiatives, align development efforts with program needs, and evaluate outcomes and effectiveness.
• Represent Youth Futures in the community, building awareness, partnerships, and philanthropic support through active engagement with community leaders, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Supervise and support development staff and others assisting with fundraising initiatives, ensuring coordinated execution of development activities and events.
• Provide strategic oversight of development budgets and fundraising performance, including post-campaign and post-event evaluation.
• Support and advocate for the mission and values of Youth Futures, demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, and respect for diverse communities.

You’ll help move us from scrappy to strategic — without losing the heart of who we are.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field required.
• 3–5+ years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in securing philanthropic support, including donor cultivation, stewardship, grants, and fundraising campaigns. Experience with capital campaigns or planned giving is preferred.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage, inspire, and steward donors, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
• Strategic and results-oriented mindset, with comfort managing revenue goals, forecasting fundraising performance, and evaluating outcomes.
• Experience developing and managing fundraising systems, including donor databases, campaign tracking, and data analysis to inform strategy.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including grant writing and the development of compelling donor communications and solicitation materials.
• Strong leadership and organizational abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, supervise staff or volunteers, and coordinate complex initiatives.
• Collaborative, emotionally intelligent team player who can build trust while maintaining high standards and accountability.
• Proficiency with common business and development tools, including Microsoft Office and donor management systems.
• Commitment to ethical fundraising practices, confidentiality, and advancing the mission and values of Youth Futures while working effectively with diverse communities.

You care about building something that lasts — and about the young people it serves.

What Success Looks Like

• Achieving development goals and objectives
• Growing and diversifying revenue
• A confident, well-supported development team
• Predictable funding aligned with program growth

If you’re ready to help build a fundraising operation that sustains real impact for young people, this could be the most meaningful work of your career.