Director of Development

Director of Development

The Barker Adoption Foundation | Hybrid (Virtual + In-Office) | Full-Time
Make a Profound Difference, Every Single Day
For over 80 years, The Barker Adoption Foundation has helped build and strengthen families through ethical, child-centered adoption services and lifelong support for birth parents, adoptees, and adoptive families. Barker is known and respected throughout the adoption community for the depth and integrity of that support - a reputation built on decades of putting the best interests of children first, maintaining rigorous ethical standards, and staying with families for the long haul rather than the length of a single placement. We're looking for a Director of Development to lead the fundraising strategy that makes this work possible - and to help even more children find permanent, loving homes.
This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional who enjoys both strategic leadership and hands-on execution. Because Barker is intentionally small, this role carries outsized influence: you won't be one voice among a large development shop, you'll be the strategic architect of Barker's philanthropic future. The decisions you make, the systems you build, and the relationships you cultivate will shape this organization's trajectory. You'll work closely with an engaged Board, a committed leadership team, and a passionate community of supporters - all invested in giving you the partnership and runway to make a visible, lasting mark.
This is a role for someone who wants their work to matter, at an organization whose track record speaks for itself. Every gift you help secure, every donor relationship you build, and every campaign you lead directly expands our ability to serve the families who count on us - from an expectant parent navigating a difficult decision, to a family bringing home a child, to an adoptee seeking support decades later. You'll be raising funds for an organization that donors already trust, with 80-plus years of credibility behind every ask you make - while having the kind of latitude and visibility that's rare in development work.
About the Role

As Director of Development, you'll report to the CEO/Executive Director, serve as a member of Barker's Leadership Team, and will be responsible for leading Barker's comprehensive philanthropy program, including annual giving, major gifts, donor cultivation and stewardship, planned giving, grants, special events, and corporate and foundation relations. You'll work closely with our Executive Director/CEO, Board of Trustees, and a collaborative staff team, and you'll serve on Barker's Management Team.

You'll build and manage a structured donor pipeline from first gift through legacy giving, lead major gift strategy, and oversee the systems and reporting that keep our development program running smoothly. You'll also supervise development staff and partner closely with marketing to tell Barker's story in ways that inspire people to give.

What you'll do:

• Design and execute Barker's fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director/CEO, Marketing, the Board, and staff

• Build and grow a donor pipeline - acquisition through major and planned gifts - using donor-centered, relationship-driven methodologies

• Lead major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

• Launch and grow a planned giving/bequest program

• Manage annual appeals, including #GivingTuesday, DOMORE24, workplace giving, and our Phone-A-Thon

• Support the Friends of Barker Endowment campaign

• Design and lead fundraising events that expand our donor base and visibility

• Oversee grant proposal development, reporting, and institutional funder relationships

• Maintain and grow the DonorPerfect database and fundraising reporting

• Supervise and mentor development staff, consultants, and volunteers

• Represent Barker at donor meetings, conferences, and community events
What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years in development/fundraising, or equivalent experience

• A proven track record building fundraising strategy, cultivating donors, and meeting revenue goals

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Comfort with donor databases (DonorPerfect preferred), Microsoft Office, and virtual meeting tools

• A natural relationship-builder - with donors, board members, staff, and community and corporate partners

• Sound judgment and discretion handling confidential donor and organizational information

• Self-direction, strong follow-through, and comfort leading projects independently

• Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills, with real attention to detail

• Cultural competence and a genuine commitment to working across diverse backgrounds

• Flexibility for occasional evenings/weekends, and reliable transportation for periodic local and regional travel
Why Barker

• A meaningful, mission-driven role where your work directly changes children's and families' lives

• A collaborative, supportive team culture - you won't be building this alone

• A hybrid work arrangement that combines flexibility with in-person connection to our team and community

• Excellent benefits

• A respected, 80+ year legacy in ethical, child-centered adoption services, with the room and support to build a modern, sustainable development program
Salary
Salary Range: $125,00 - $150,000 annually. Placement within the hiring range will be based on the selected candidate's experience, education, demonstrated skills, and alignment with the position's responsibilities, while maintaining internal equity.
Apply

If you're ready to bring your fundraising talent to work that changes lives, we'd love to hear from you. Please provide a cover letter along with your application and resume.