Director of Development

Down Syndrome Alabama (DSA) is seeking a highly organized, mission-driven Development Director to lead donor development efforts and take primary responsibility for the logistics and execution of DSA’s major fundraising events. This role strengthens DSA’s fundraising infrastructure and supports the organization’s transition to an investment-based giving model. This position offers some scheduling flexibility; however, regular in-office presence is required, particularly during event planning and execution periods.

DSA operates with a small, collaborative staff team that works closely together across functions. The Development Director will be a key member of this team, partnering regularly with the Executive Director and Operations & Communications Assistant. This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys contributing ideas, rolling up their sleeves, and working in a supportive, mission-driven environment where teamwork and communication are essential.

• Plan and manage logistics for DSA’s major fundraising events, including STEP UP for Down Syndrome Walk, TEE UP Golf Tournament, GLASSES UP for Down Syndrome, Football Fashion & Fun Event, Junior Board events, and volunteer coordination for third-party fundraising events.
• Coordinate vendors, venues, volunteers, timelines, registration systems, auctions, event communications, sponsor fulfillment, and post-event reporting.
• Build and steward a year-round donor pipeline, including monthly donors and annual contributors.
• Support annual fundraising campaigns such as the Annual Appeal, WDSD Appeal, and Giving Tuesday.
• Maintain accurate donor records and segmentation within the CRM.
• Support rollout and tracking of DSA’s tiered Investment Partner giving program.
• Provide grant support including calendar tracking, research, proposal assistance, and reporting.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Director and Operations & Communications Assistant to ensure fundraising, communications, and event efforts are well-aligned and executed smoothly.
• Support corporate sponsorship fulfillment and recognition (corporate solicitation led by the Executive Director).

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, or a related field preferred.
• 2–3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or event management.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience with donor CRMs preferred, some marketing experience preferred.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends tied to fundraising events.
• Commitment to inclusion and the mission of Down Syndrome Alabama.

• Salary range: $60,000–$63,000
• Paid time off and federal holidays
• Compensatory time following major fundraising events, as approved by the Executive Director
• $300/month healthcare allowance (in lieu of group insurance)
• Technology/communications allowance
• Mileage reimbursement at IRS rate
• Flexible scheduling with required in-office presence

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.