Development Jobs in Bridgeport, CT (NOW HIRING)

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT 

Make a Real Difference Every Day: Do you want a career where you directly impact lives, experiencing the deep fulfillment that comes from helping others and a strong sense of purpose?

About DDI: For 65 years, DDI (Developmental Disabilities Institute) has been a leading agency providing a full spectrum of care for over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. We are driven by a dedicated team and a deep belief in the potential of every individual

The Role: The Director of Development is a strategic thinker with extensive fundraising experience who plays a key role in amplifying philanthropic revenue and building a culture of giving. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director is responsible for overseeing the organization's fundraising strategy, cultivating high-level donor relationships, and securing significant financial contributions to support DDI’s mission. This role will also be responsible for working closely with Marketing Communications staff to tell a cohesive story of DDI's mission and ensure unified goals across all public-facing platforms.

Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00/year

***Please provide a cover letter along with your resume***

What You'll Do: 

Fundraising & Strategy Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with DDI’s goals; identify priority donor segments and create targeted cultivation plans.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors, including high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations, through personalized engagement and stewardship.
• Secure significant contributions by focusing on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and planned giving initiatives.
• Oversee the creation of compelling proposals and presentations to secure funding for specific programs and initiatives.
• Lead the planning and execution of high-profile fundraising events, including donor appreciation dinners and awareness campaigns.
• Monitor fundraising performance and analyze data to identify trends and opportunities, providing regular reports to the Board and senior leadership.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Senior Director of Development & Public Affairs to unify fundraising strategies and develop the annual fundraising plan.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and the Board of Directors to develop effective fundraising channels and strategies.
• Staff the Fundraising Committee and serve as the primary liaison between the committee and Senior Management.
• Work with staff across DDI’s functions to leverage existing relationships and identify new partnership opportunities with corporations, foundations, and diverse stakeholders.
• Supervise the Development Team, consultants, and interns to prioritize, assign, resource, and deliver projects, ensuring optimal performance and professional development.
• Participate in departmental meetings by sharing insights to improve DDI's fundraising initiatives.
• Monitor and integrate industry-wide tech trends, including generative AI for content creation and advanced CRM analytics, ensuring DDI remains at the forefront of modern, ethical fundraising best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Need for The Role: 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of 7 years relevant experience
• Substantive experience in building robust partnerships with stakeholders
• Strong management skills, excellent verbal, and written communication skills
• A strategic and proactive leader

Why You'll Love This Job: 

• Build Meaningful Relationships: Develop strong connections with individuals and their families.
• Learn and Grow: Benefit from ongoing training and professional development.
• Be Part of a Supportive Team: Work with passionate and dedicated colleagues.
• Experience Job Satisfaction: Feel a deep sense of accomplishment knowing your work matters.
• Exceptional Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off.

Here’s How We Support You: 

• Comprehensive Paid Training: Get the skills you need to succeed.
• Exceptional Benefits: Including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, FSA, and EAP.
• Retirement Security: 403(b) retirement plan.
• Invest in Your Future: Tuition reimbursement opportunities.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within DDI.
• And More: Paid time off and other valuable benefits!

If You Are: 

• Empathic, compassionate, and patient
• Positive, energetic, and enthusiastic
• A good communicator and team player
• Passionate about making a difference

Then, we encourage you to apply and join the DDI team! 

When you join our team, you become part of the DDI Family! Click here to watch our video to find out more about the DDI Family. 

DDI is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to actual or perceived race, color, sex, pregnancy, reproductive decision making, gender expression or identity, national origin, disability, military status, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other group protected by federal, state or local law. We are committed to creating a deep sense of belonging and a culture where all applicants and employees feel welcomed, valued and respected. We are people inspired by purpose.