Director of Development

Director of Development

Buffkin / Baker is assisting Virginia Peninsula Community College in the search, which will remain open until it is filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by July 31, 2026. Applications should include a 1) current resume and 2) letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and qualifications described above. To receive the full position profile and to submit inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications, please contact: Mr. Martin M. Baker Ms. Dinah Dewitt Buffkin /Baker View email address on click.appcast.io

Job Description

Virginia Peninsula Community College is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of a statewide system of community colleges. It primarily serves the residents of the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, and the counties of James City and York. The Director of Development is Virginia Peninsula Community College's (VPCC) senior fundraising leader, responsible for advancing the mission of the College and its Educational Foundation through comprehensive development efforts. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Advancement, this role oversees all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, and capital campaigns, and manages relationships with individual, corporate, foundation, and community donors. The Director provides leadership and supervision for the development team, ensuring the capacity, strategy, and performance needed to meet fundraising goals. This position requires strong leadership, proven fundraising expertise, and a commitment to supporting access and opportunity in community college education.

Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising & Portfolio Management

• Plan and execute a comprehensive fundraising program, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, special events, and private grants.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, conducting purposeful in-person and virtual visits.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with capacity for significant gifts.
• Advance prospects through the full donor engagement cycle using effective moves-management practices.
• Develop compelling, donor-centered proposals, gift strategies, and impact reports.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals in partnership with College leadership.

Stewardship & Donor Relations

• Design and implement stewardship strategies that demonstrate donor impact and encourage continued investment.
• Coordinate donor engagement activities, including campus visits, scholarship events, and special gatherings.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions and records.
• Support donor communications, including impact updates, newsletters, and annual reporting.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor development staff, providing direction, training, and performance accountability.
• Collaborate with the President, Board members, faculty, staff, and volunteers to support peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Represent the Foundation and College at donor meetings, community events, and professional conferences.
• Build relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, and philanthropic networks.
• Communicate a clear and compelling case for support aligned with the College's mission and priorities.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must possess a master's degree from an accredited institution (preferably in marketing, business, nonprofit management, or a related field) and several years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including demonstrated success in major gift solicitation. A proven record of personally securing major gifts is required, along with experience managing fundraising campaigns, donor portfolios, and donor database systems. Required knowledge and experience include:

• Leading fundraising and donor engagement efforts within a nonprofit or higher education environment
• Cultivating and soliciting support from executives and high-capacity donors
• Applying current development best practices and stewardship strategies
• Managing nonprofit budgets and financial operations
• Supervising staff through effective training, communication, and performance management
• Maintaining accurate prospect and donor records using donor management systems
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and CRM software

Key skills include:

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication
• Financial management and budgeting
• Presenting information to senior leadership and decision-makers
• Team leadership and collaboration
• Analytical problem-solving and adaptability

Candidates must be able to:

• Collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
• Manage competing priorities, deadlines, and responsibilities
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays as well as attend overnight travel
• Perform other duties as necessary in support of the College

Additional Considerations - CFRE certification and/or membership in CASE or CRD preferred. Experience with community college operations is desirable.