Development Director

This position will remain open until filled. Remote Status: Occasional remote working capability for this position is determined by employee’s supervisor. ABOUT EARLY CONNECTIONS LEARNING CENTERS Early Connections Learning Centers is dedicated to providing comprehensive, high quality early care and education for ALL children. Every position works in coordination to achieve this mission. Since 1897, our work to provide high quality early childhood education has positively impacted thousands of children and families in the Pikes Peak region. Our nationally accredited programs help build a strong foundation for young children to be happy and successful in learning and life. JOB SUMMARY Our Community Engagement team manages the fundraising and marketing efforts for our organization. Our Development Director is a critical member of the team and leads the fundraising efforts of Early Connections to include general operating fundraising, capital campaigns, and special events. The inclination, skill, and ability to maintain a personal portfolio of principal, major, and planned gift donors are core expectations of this position. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Serves as a champion for children by elevating the mission, values, and organizational culture Develops and drives execution of fundraising plan to meet all fundraising goals Maintains a personal portfolio of principal, major, and planned gift donors and must be comfortable with face‑to‑face solicitation Ensures successful oversight and stewardship of assets/resources Designs, implements, and administers donor acquisition programs to include special events, annual and capital campaigns, and specific program fundraising Conducts prospect identification, screening, and rating Prepares statistical reports related to all fundraising activities Designs, implements, and maintains legacy and major gift societies Manages donor recognition and relations to maintain donor retention rates Oversees and manages special events for donors Plans and executes the organization’s major fundraising event Researches relevant external data, including information and statistics relevant to early childhood education, health needs, etc. Assists the VP of Community Engagement with tour requests, scheduling, and leading tours Performs other duties as required. WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR A relationship‑centered development professional who builds authentic connections with donors, partners, staff, and community stakeholders A proactive, self‑directed leader who takes ownership, follows through, and manages priorities with minimal supervision Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism when representing the organization and handling sensitive information Mission‑driven and aligned with Early Connections’ work, values, and long‑term organizational success Able to balance strategy and execution — comfortable setting direction while also managing details, timelines, and follow‑through Confident and compelling communicator who can tell the organization’s story in a way that inspires investment and engagement Collaborative and enterprise‑minded, with the ability to work across departments and connect fundraising efforts to broader organizational needs Organized, dependable, and consistent in managing donor relationships, events, campaigns, grants, and reporting requirements Comfortable using data, donor systems, and fundraising metrics to guide decisions and strengthen development practices Professional, warm, and credible presence in the community QUALIFICATIONS Demonstrated successful experience in resource development and fundraising Experience cultivating relationships with individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor communications, proposals, reports and presentations Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and donor/customer relationship management systems Experience working within customer relationship management (CRM) databases such as Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or similar platforms. Bachelor’s degree preferred Knowledge of local philanthropic, civic, and business communities preferred Knowledge of state and national resources, grants, and foundations preferred Valid driver licence and current auto insurance required Prior to employment, candidates must pass federal and state criminal and Colorado Department of Early Childhood background checks, pre‑employment drug screen, and verification of employment and education. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While performing job duties, employee will be required to regularly sit, stand, walk, type, climb three flights of stairs, and may occasionally need to carry 10‑25 lbs. TRAVEL AND REMOTE WORK Occasional remote working capability for this position is determined by employee’s supervisor. CURRENT BENEFITS Paid Time Off 13 paid holidays scheduled in 2026 1 anniversary day Paid Family Medical Leave for qualifying individuals – this benefit does not provide 100% wage replacement Medical insurance – ECLC pays up to 75% of employee premium Free Employee Assistance Program with up to 5 sessions per life situation Dental and Vision insurance Childcare Benefit Substantial discount for childcare: employees pay $25/week for children 3+ who are enrolled at Early Connections Learning Centers This benefit depends on having an enrollment opening Tuition Reimbursement, Continuing Education and Training Tuition reimbursement of $150 per 3-credit hour course is available to staff enrolled in approved coursework in Early Childhood Education or related to their position and who maintain the required grade point average. Reimbursement may be available for pre‑approved job‑related certificate programs Other Insurance 100% employer‑paid Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance #J-18808-Ljbffr