Development Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:
The Director of Development is a key member of the leadership team responsible for the planning, development, and execution of comprehensive fundraising, communications, community outreach, and public relations strategies to support the agency's mission. The Director of Development builds and stewards' relationships, engages and solicits support from donors, foundations, individuals, government partners, and corporations, and develops innovative strategies to differentiate Adelbrook in the market. The Director ensures the delivery of high-impact, mission-driven campaigns that elevate brand visibility, drive philanthropic engagement, and contribute to the agency's sustainability and growth. This position reports to the President and CEO.
Work Schedule: Traditional weekday office hours however some agency events may occur in the evening and weekends. Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, early morning and occasional weekends.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead the design and implementation of strategic fundraising plans aligned with agency goals and brand identity.
• Develop and lead the implementation of a vision for building a comprehensive development strategy that produces aggressive revenue growth.
• Oversee all communications, including digital and print collateral, social media, email campaigns, and public relations.
• Oversees content creation and distribution, in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Manager, for websites, newsletters, press releases, videos, and advertising materials.
• Develop and maintain brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all internal and external platforms.
• Support recruitment and retention initiatives in partnership with Human Resources by driving internal branding and employee engagement.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to support program growth and visibility.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute all fundraising campaigns including annual appeals, Giving Tuesday, capital campaigns, and donor-specific initiatives.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a significant portfolio of donors and prospects.
• Research, evaluate, develop, and implement a plan for fundraising through grants. Write compelling grant proposals and ensure timely submission of all supporting documentation and continued relationship cultivation with funders.
• Oversee donor recognition, database management, and regular reporting to track engagement and giving trends.
• Lead fundraising events and volunteer engagement efforts to expand donor base and mission visibility.
• Leads, recruits, manages, and retains volunteers.
• Provides strategic support for public relations efforts.
• Work closely with the Executive Team to implement initiatives that advance the agency's mission and long-term strategic plan.
• Works with the CEO to support the Board's Fundraising Committee and help to capitalize on fundraising efforts through Board engagement.
• Represent the agency at community events, conferences, networking groups, and sponsorship activities to build awareness and foster strategic partnerships.
• Partner with internal program directors and staff to identify and share "mission moments" that highlight client success and agency impact.
• Provide strategic insight into market trends and develop community-centric campaigns to enhance engagement.
• Maintain compliance with agency trainings as applicable and as assigned.
• Complete other duties as assigned.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:
• Exceptional written, oral, and visual communication skills.
• Strong leadership, staff development, and project management capabilities.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency in digital marketing, social media platforms, and CRM/donor management systems.
• Skilled in event planning and donor cultivation strategies.
KNOWLEDGE:
• Comprehensive knowledge of nonprofit fundraising practices and donor stewardship.
• Understanding brand management, content strategy, and public relations techniques.
• Familiarity with nonprofit financial management and donor database reporting.
• Knowledge of the needs of individuals with ASD and IDD is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with design and marketing tools (e.g., Canva, Constant Contact, WordPress, social media tools).
ABILITIES:
• Ability to develop and lead integrated marketing and fundraising campaigns that generate engagement and revenue.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, and stakeholders across sectors.
• Ability to communicate complex messages in a clear, mission-focused manner.
• Ability to manage a team, set goals, and measure performance outcomes.
• Ability to think creatively, adapt to change, and work collaboratively across departments.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree required but Master's degree (preferred) with emphasis on marketing, communications, fund-raising, or nonprofit management.
• A minimum of five years of fund-raising experience, preferably in a non-profit human service organization, and at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Dynamic team player and experienced fundraiser, with a proven track record of cultivating meaningful relationships, building a robust donor pipeline, and a history of securing gifts of $10,000 and above.
• Successful track record in philanthropic grant writing, corporate giving, major gifts, event management, and government funding.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suites, database experience (Raisers Edge and Hubspot is a plus). Comfort with website work and social media technology.
• Valid driver's license with a clean record; ability to transport individuals safely
• Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications (PMT, First Aid, CPR; training provided)
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Typical office setting primarily however occasional work within a school or residential program.
• Perform/ all required trainings.
• Regular standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and active physical engagement required
• Exposure/ Comfort in working with individuals with special needs.
• Travel between locations, to events, and occasional overnight travel required.
A job description is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility
Equal Opportunity Employer
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