Nonprofit Director of Development

Job Description

Job Description

Access Services is hiring a Director of Development to provide strategic leadership to advance Access Services’ vision of strengthening communities! This role is responsible for building and evolving a relationship‑driven development program that engages individuals, businesses and foundations as authentic partners in advancing innovative, person-centered services across behavioral health, intellectual disability and autism, children and family services, housing and homelessness, and faith and mental health.

The Director of Development will execute the strategic direction of the organization’s philanthropic footprint, building diversified funding pipelines, cultivating meaningful philanthropic relationships, and overseeing the infrastructure necessary to support effective, data informed fundraising across the full donor lifecycle. In partnership with senior leaders and program teams, the Director translates organizational impact into compelling opportunities for engagement and support. 

This role offers flexibility to wor k from either our Fort Washington or Bethlehem office. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of one of these offices and be willing to travel regularly throughout the regions served by Access Services to support partner, donor, and community engagement. 

 

Essential Functions of the Director of Development:

Business Operations 

• Lead and advance a comprehensive development strategy focused on donor engagement, relationship-building, and long-term philanthropic partnerships. 

• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and community partners to support organizational sustainability and growth. 

• Serve as a compelling ambassador for Access Services, effectively communicating mission, impact, and strategic priorities to external stakeholders. 

• Partner with senior leaders and program teams to align fundraising, grant opportunities, and philanthropic initiatives with organizational goals and community needs. 

• Oversee grant strategy, including funding alignment, proposal development, reporting, and funder stewardship. 

• Lead development events and engagement opportunities in collaboration with internal teams to strengthen community relationships and support fundraising objectives. 

 

Finance 

• Drive revenue growth through strategic fundraising and donor engagement efforts while ensuring alignment with organizational budgets and financial goals. 

• Utilize data and performance metrics to evaluate fundraising effectiveness, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making. 

 

Personnel Management and Staff Development 

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for the Development and Grants team. 

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that promotes accountability, professional growth, and continuous improvement. 

• Build effective partnerships across departments to support shared ownership of development and fundraising goals. 

Infrastructure, Data, and Systems 

• Oversee development operations, systems, and processes to ensure accurate donor data management, efficient workflows, and effective stewardship practices. 

• Leverage data and reporting to support strategic fundraising decisions and enhance donor engagement efforts. 

• Ensure compliance, transparency, and accountability in development and grant Collaborate with Finance and program leadership to ensure financial accountability, governance, and transparency across development and grant operations, including compliance with internal controls, funder requirements, policies, and reporting standards. 

Requirements

The selected candidate must meet all qualifying and ongoing job criteria including background checks, and a driving history record.

Driving Requirements:

• A valid US driver’s license for at least two years, not including time with permit.

• No serious traffic convictions within the past three years. (Serious convictions include, but are not limited to, DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or three or more traffic violations and/or at-fault accidents within that period).

• Access to a reliable vehicle during work hours. Vehicle must have valid registration and inspection stickers.

• Valid auto insurance. You will be asked to provide proof that you are a covered driver on the policy. 

 

Education : Bachelor’s degree required; degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field preferred. 

Experience:

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in development, fundraising, or related leadership roles preferred.

• Experience building or evolving development programs and infrastructure required.

• Experience coaching senior leaders and collaborating across departments required. 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• High level of values alignment with Access Services’ mission, including a demonstrated passion for strengthening communities through innovation and gap‑filling solutions. 

• Strong strategic thinking paired with results‑oriented execution in relationship‑based fundraising and donor stewardship.

• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, manage, and steward authentic donor relationships with professionalism, integrity, and discretion.

• Ability to lead and influence through excellent written and verbal communication, including conveying complex programmatic impact clearly and compellingly.

• Proven capacity to coach and prepare senior leaders and peers in storytelling, donor engagement, and partner relationships.

• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to build trust and alignment across diverse stakeholders, departments, and community partners.

• Comfort working in evolving, ambiguous environments and leading through change with adaptability and clarity.

• Cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse individuals, families, and communities Access Services serves.

• High expertise in CRM systems, data‑informed decision‑making in development operations, and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel. 

• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms and technologies.

 

Essential Working Conditions / Physical Demands: Work in a standard office environment. Utilize desktop computer equipment on a daily basis. Able to lift or move items associated with sedentary work and light work (exert up to 20 lbs.). Routinely travel to offsite locations and regional office locations as necessary. May require the same physical and lifting requirements as an employee who regularly provides direct care should they be needed to assist.

Benefits

Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits  

This role is primarily based in the office and within the community, with regular engagement in partner meetings and stakeholder events. Access Services supports a flexible, hybrid work environment when business needs allow. The position generally follows standard business hours, with occasional evening or extended hours required to attend community events and partner engagements. Travel throughout Access Services' service areas is expected, with the majority occurring within the Lehigh Valley and Delaware Valley regions. 

The  annual salary starts at $85,000  per year with increases based on education and experience.

What You’ll Gain at Access Services

When you join our team, you’re not just getting a job, you’re stepping into a career with real support, growth, and impact. We offer a benefits package designed to meet you where you are in life.

• Health & Security: 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, plus company-paid life insurance, disability protection and catastrophic sick leave. Access Services covers up to 88% of health premium with many employees paying less than $150/month.

• Time to Recharge: 
• Full-time employees start their first year earning up to nearly 6 weeks of paid time off (20+ PTO days plus 9 paid holidays), with even more time added as you grow your career with us.

• Invest in Your Future:
• 401(k) with company match, tuition reimbursement program, and access to college tuition discounts.

• Built into the Job:  
• Mileage & toll reimbursement.

• Support Beyond Work:  
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with free, confidential resources for you and your family, including:

• Counseling and emotional support through in-person, telehealth and text therapy.

• Financial and legal guidance 

• Grow With Us:  
• Paid training, ongoing professional development, and opportunities to learn and advance across diverse roles and programs. 

Access Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.