Basic Function and Responsibility:
The Development Director is a strategic and results-driven leader responsible for designing, spearheading, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy for a diverse revenue portfolio, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, government and foundation grants, annual appeals, and special events thereby ensuring long-term financial sustainability and expanding community impact. The Development Director is also responsible for developing, maintaining, and executing a strategic communications plan and social media strategy to support community awareness and outreach as well as fundraising efforts.
The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser, entrepreneurial, high-energy, organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with strong communication, relationship building, and problem-solving skills excited about growing our donor pipeline and cultivating lasting relationships with community stakeholders.
The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director.
Essential Duties:
Fundraising
Create and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet revenue goals
Establish partnerships with the corporate and business community
Grow and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals
Secure major gifts through face-to-face meetings
Build and scale a structured donor pipeline to identify, cultivate, solicit, maintain, and steward donors from the business community and individuals
Direct multi-channel annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, digital fundraising, and monthly giving programs to reach current and potential donors
Identify potential donors to special project funds through examination of public profiles, donor records, contracts, stated interests, and community impact
Plan and coordinate fund drives for special projects
Develop a deferred giving program, including bequests and legacy gifts
Event Planning
Organize and execute at least two annual fundraising events
Lead sponsor, donor, and vendor coordination
Develop financial targets for signature fundraising events
Assist with budgeting processes and monitoring event related revenue and expenses
Track event revenue and expenditures
Support financial reporting of development efforts
Secure corporate and business sponsorships of events
Negotiate event related contracts and ensure quality and cost-effectiveness of services
Monitor vendor performance and proactively address issues
Grant Writing
Board & Committee Relations
Partner with the Board of Directors to leverage their personal networks
Coordinate the Board Development Committee and Festival of Flowers Committee
Liaise with the Board of Directors, Development Committee and other internal groups as appropriate to effectively manage communications and development activities
Establish and maintain relationships with vendors, service providers, and contractors
Communications & Social Media
Develop a strategic communications plan and social media strategy to increase visibility, highlight successes, promote events, and solicit donations
Create and execute marketing campaigns
Develop an impactful social media presence
Design and disseminate impact reports and newsletters for donors and potential donors
Create marketing and public relations material to enhance visibility and promote fundraising
Administrative & Management
Build, track, and manage the annual development budget alongside the executive team
Ensure the integrity of the donor database to track engagement metrics
Issue timely and accurate tax-exempt donation receipts
Identify opportunities to improve processes, workflows, and efficiency
Lead or support implementation of new processes and tools
Facilitate or support change management efforts to facilitate organizational growth and adaptation
Related Duties:
Exercise sound professional judgement and discretion on matters of consequence to the organization and its clients
Perform other related tasks assigned by Associate Director or Executive Director
Develop and maintain knowledge of resources, services, and opportunities available to assist staff
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business administration, nonprofit administration, communications, marketing, or a related field or equivalent experience
3+ years of prior fundraising experience
High proficiency using donor management CRM software and digital fundraising platforms preferred
Core Competencies:
Organization & Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate records and timely communication
Communication: Clear, professional, and effective communication across all levels of the organization with exceptional storytelling, persuasive writing, and public speaking abilities
Project Management: Organized multi-tasker capable of driving long-term strategy while executing immediate tactical details
Problem Solving: Proactively identifies challenges and implements solutions
Collaboration: Works effectively across teams to support organizational goals
Ethics: Strict adherence to ethical fundraising frameworks, maintaining data, protecting privacy and donor confidentiality
Working Conditions:
We believe in the power of diversity; people of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply.
Compensation: $52,000-$58,000 starting salary range, plus health insurance (including medical, dental, and vision), flex spending accounts, life/disability insurance, paid time off, 12 holidays (including 6 floating holidays), employee assistance program, 32-hour work week, and retirement plan after 3 years of service.
Status: This is an in-person, full-time, exempt position.