Research And Development Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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

• Conduct grant research to identify funding for existing programs and potential programs

• Lead and coordinate grant writing efforts to ensure strong proposals and timely submission

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:

• Primarily office-based with occasional flexibility depending on organizational needs

• May require occasional evening or weekend availability

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.