Director of Development

Job Description

Job Description

Location: Plainfield, Union County, New Jersey (On-site, Hybrid)
Organization: Family Promise Union County
Reports to: Executive Director
Type: Full-time, Monday through Friday, 40 hours a week, Exempt
Salary Range: $85,000-$100,000

Manages Development Team: Community Engagement Coordinator

Are you a self-starter who has a passion for improving the lives of families in your community? Do you thrive in a team-oriented environment and have experience building programs? If so, Family Promise Union County may be the right place for you! We are seeking a passionate, committed Director of Development.

About Us

Family Promise Union County is a nonprofit dedicated to helping families experiencing homelessness achieve stability and long-term housing. Through compassionate, family-centered services, we partner with community organizations, funders, and local systems to reduce barriers and support families on their path to independence.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The full-time Director of Development is responsible for coordinating efforts of financial support and to promote community awareness of the mission of Family Promise of Union County (FPUC). The position serves as a member of the agency’s Leadership Team and helps to guide its strategic growth.

At the highest level, the Director of Development (DD) is responsible for driving the performance of the people who deliver the critical experiences and touch points that lead to growth in key metrics. More specifically, the DD reports directly to the Executive Director (ED) and leads the team responsible for implementing a wide array of experiences that reach and inspire constituents, key stakeholders and community leaders while raising funds to support the agency mission.

The DD and team work across other departments including Leadership, Management, Finance, Operations and Programs to help ensure the organization is thriving. 

Primary Responsibilities

Organizational Strategy & Leadership

• Serve as a member of the Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, planning, and sustainable growth.
• Develop and implement development goals and strategies that align with the organization's strategic plan and annual priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise the Development Team, fostering a culture of philanthropy collaboration, and accountability.
• Establish clear goals, priorities, and performance expectations for development staff.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Development committees, and cross-functional teams to advance organizational initiatives and fundraising objectives.
• Build strong internal partnerships to ensure Development efforts support programmatic, operational, and financial priorities.
• Monitor fundraising performance and departmental outcomes, using data to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Stay informed of philanthropic trends, best practices, and community opportunities to strengthen organizational sustainability.

Fund Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fund development strategy to achieve annual and long-term fundraising goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, congregations, civic organizations, and community partners.
• Build and execute fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, and special events.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships that increase philanthropic support, community engagement, and mission awareness.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors and funding opportunities.
• Oversee donor stewardship, gift acknowledgment, recognition, and relationship management while ensuring accurate donor records and gift tracking.
• Analyze fundraising performance and donor engagement metrics to inform strategy and maximize revenue growth.

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Develop and oversee the organization's grants strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, submission, reporting, and compliance.
• Manage the grants calendar and ensure timely completion of applications and required reports.
• Build and maintain relationships with foundations.
• Collaborate across departments to gather program data and outcomes that strengthen grant proposals and reports.
• Identify new institutional funding opportunities that support organizational priorities.

Marketing, Communications & Community Engagement

• Lead the organization's marketing and communications strategy to increase awareness, engagement, and philanthropic support.
• Oversee development of fundraising materials, annual reports, newsletters, digital communications, website content, social media, and public relations.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand stewardship across all external communications.
• Represent FPUC at community events, speaking engagements, and partner meetings.
• Strengthen relationships with businesses, congregations, schools, civic organizations, volunteers, and community stakeholders to expand awareness and support for the mission.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Passion for our mission to help families experiencing and at-risk of housing instability achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.
• Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equality, Equity and Social Justice.
• Reputation as a team player and comfort interfacing with all levels of staff and external audiences.
• Professional, conscientious, friendly, and enthusiastic.
• Ability to effectively multi-task, establish priorities, work and make judgments independently, and take initiative.
• Basic video editing abilities.
• Proficiency with Adobe and Office 365 applications.
• Ability to work both independently and within a team.
• Ability to work both remotely and in-person as environmental factors permit.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience (at least 5 years of documented professional experience applicable to the duties and responsibilities).
• Background Check, Valid NJ Driver's License, and Vehicle Required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.
• Database management skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, demonstrate an understanding of ethics related to development activities, and use discretion in interactions with donors, prospects, volunteers, and others.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of development objectives.
• Ability to foster effective working relationships within a team environment.
• Community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.
• Program planning and leadership skills.
• Highly developed verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present effectively to small and large groups.

A plus if you have

• Previous experience in fundraising or fulfilling a development role.
• Demonstrated ability securing major grants and gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other private funding sources.
• Demonstrated ability planning and implementing long- and short-range development initiatives in conjunction with strategic planning processes.
• Bi-lingual skills.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 403b with match, Paid Time Off

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter (including why you’re interested in homeless family services)
3. Three professional references (may be provided later in the process)

Family Promise Union County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.