Director of Development
The Barker Adoption Foundation | Hybrid (Virtual + In-Office) | Full-Time
Make a Profound Difference, Every Single DayFor 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. 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 a role for someone who wants their work to matter. 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.
About the RoleAs Director of Development, you'll own Barker's comprehensive fundraising strategy - 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:
โช Design and execute Barker's fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director/CEO, Marketing, the Board, and staff
โช Build and grow a donor pipeline - acquisition through major and planned gifts - using donor-centered, relationship-driven methodologies
โช Lead major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
โช Launch and grow a planned giving/bequest program
โช Manage annual appeals, including #GivingTuesday, DOMORE24, workplace giving, and our Phone-A-Thon
โช Support the Friends of Barker Endowment campaign
โช Design and lead fundraising events that expand our donor base and visibility
โช Oversee grant proposal development, reporting, and institutional funder relationships
โช Maintain and grow the DonorPerfect database and fundraising reporting
โช Supervise and mentor development staff, consultants, and volunteers
โช Represent Barker at donor meetings, conferences, and community events
What You Bringโช Bachelor's degree plus 5+ years in development/fundraising, or equivalent experience
โช A proven track record building fundraising strategy, cultivating donors, and meeting revenue goals
โช Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
โช Comfort with donor databases (DonorPerfect preferred), Microsoft Office, and virtual meeting tools
โช A natural relationship-builder - with donors, board members, staff, and community and corporate partners
โช Sound judgment and discretion handling confidential donor and organizational information
โช Self-direction, strong follow-through, and comfort leading projects independently
โช Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills, with real attention to detail
โช Cultural competence and a genuine commitment to working across diverse backgrounds
โช Flexibility for occasional evenings/weekends, and reliable transportation for periodic local and regional travel
Why Barkerโช A meaningful, mission-driven role where your work directly changes children's and families' lives
โช A collaborative, supportive team culture - you won't be building this alone
โช A hybrid work arrangement that combines flexibility with in-person connection to our team and community
โช Excellent benefits
โช A respected, 80+ year legacy in ethical, child-centered adoption services, with the room and support to build a modern, sustainable development program
SalarySalary 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.
ApplyIf 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.