Director of Development

Job Description

Job Description

FLSA: Salary (Exempt) Revised: 10/7/2026

Reports to: Chief Development and Marketing Officer (CDMO) Reviewed: 07/10/2026

Supervises: Development Coordinator, Grants Manager, Major Gifts Officer, Event Manager, KEPPT and/or other assigned staff

Function:

The purpose of this position is to design, oversee and execute a comprehensive resource development plan to generate sustainable support for the Animal Foundation’s activities in pursuit of its mission. In addition, this position oversees The Animal Foundation’s Keeping Every Person and Pet Together (KEPPT) program which serves the organization through community support and surrender intervention.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for design and implementation of a strategic resource development plan covering individual and business giving, special events, major gifts, grants, planned giving, and in-kind donations. 

• Oversee donor engagement processes including gift tracking, gift acknowledgment, donor recognition, and donor data management to maximize the effectiveness of the resource development plan. 

• Oversee a comprehensive grant management program to provide budget-relieving and mission-enhancing support for The Animal Foundation, including research, evaluation, proposal design, project measurement, and reporting systems. 

• Responsible for the management and oversight of The Animal Foundation’s special event plan to maximize the return on investment and efficiency of the signature fundraising events and capitalize on third-party fundraising events. 

• Drive Development strategic planning to set meaningful goals and benchmarks.  Track and report on progress towards goals to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team.  Make recommendations and adjust strategy as necessary. 

• Facilitate donor tracking and relationship management to foster a long-term cultivation plan for key donors and prospects including major donors, Organization contacts, and corporate partners. Actively seeks to deepen current donor relationships and to forge new ones.

• Work with the CEO and other leadership to execute resource development plan, including identifying contacts, scheduling requests, and managing cultivation of key donors.  

• Coordinate with internal staff to foster a culture of resource development, donor accountability, and accurate reporting at all levels of the organization.  Work with staff to identify budget-relieving, mission-enhancing funding opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the Organization.

• Track expenses and revenue against goals and prepare reports on results; identify trends and make recommendations for the future. 

• Travel as necessary.

• Attend and participate in meetings as assigned; keep associated notes for the development team.

• Represents The Animal Foundation publicly and vets potential partnership opportunities with entities wanting to work with The Animal Foundation. 

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training team members; planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance; reviewing and disciplining team members; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s service to its guests by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.

• Provides responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests.

• Other duties as assigned 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in nonprofit management, public administration, marketing, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years experience in nonprofit administration and fund development. 

• Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered.

License & Certification Requirements:   

• Incumbents must hold a valid driver’s license for a minimum of three (3) years and maintain an acceptable driving history..

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective fund development strategy including individual giving, corporate engagement, donor cultivation, special events, and grants management.

• Experience with planning and implementing donor communications and marketing strategies 

• Excellent verbal and presentation skills

• Proficient research and writing skills

• Sound time-management practices

• High degree of professionalism with internal and external audiences

• Highly organized and able to manage many tasks simultaneously

• High energy, positive, ‘can-do’ attitude, flexibility, teamwork and attention to detail; high degree of initiative