Development Director

About the Place

The PLACE is the only nonprofit in the Pikes Peak region solely dedicated to supporting youth ages 15–24 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Guided by our mission to ignite the potential in youth to create self‑determined, fulfilled lives, The PLACE provides street outreach, a drop‑in center, and supportive housing grounded in trust, consistency, and long‑term stability.

The PLACE is currently in a period of organizational transformation, strengthening programs, refining systems, and reimagining how we fund and sustain our work. This is a unique opportunity for a Development Director who is excited to help shape the future of a mission‑critical organization and build a development function that is strategic, relational, and impactful.

• Help shape the future of a nonprofit in transformation
• Build meaningful relationships that directly support youth exiting homelessness
• Partner closely with the CEO and Board in advancing mission and sustainability
• Create lasting impact through innovative, relationship‑driven fundraising

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and the position will remain open until a candidate is selected. For best consideration, please apply by January 26, 2026.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references who can speak to the required skills and experience. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience building and implementing effective financial systems and structures that support a business office of excellence.

The Director of Development is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing The PLACE’s comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategy. This individual will lead development efforts across the full spectrum—including individual giving, major gifts, events, grants support, donor stewardship, volunteers, and data management—while helping to build and scale a high‑functioning development team in close partnership with the CEO.

A central component of this role is building and maintaining strong community and civic partnerships that advance the mission, expand visibility, and strengthen long‑term sustainability.

This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial, relationship‑driven fundraiser who thrives in a dynamic environment, is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, and wants to have a direct impact on youth experiencing homelessness.

• Strategy & Leadership:
  • Develop, implement, and manage the annual development strategic plan aligned with organizational goals and mission priorities
  • Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, working collaboratively to build and strengthen the development function and team
  • Track progress toward fundraising goals and adapt strategies as needed in a changing funding environment
  • Prepare development reports and updates for leadership and the Board of Directors. Work with the Board of Directors Development Committee
• Fundraising, Partnerships & Community Engagement:
  • Build, steward, and sustain strong relationships with individual donors, major donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community and civic leaders
  • Manage donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across giving levels
  • Support and grow a portfolio of individual and major gift prospects
  • Collaborate with the CEO and Board members on donor engagement and solicitation strategies
  • Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with local businesses, civic organizations, government partners, and community stakeholders
  • Represent The PLACE in community, civic, and philanthropic settings to advance awareness, trust, and engagement
• Events & Community Engagement:
  • Lead planning and execution of the organization’s major annual fundraising event, including sponsor ships, logistics, and follow‑up
  • Identify and develop additional engagement opportunities that strengthen community partnerships and donor relationships
  • Represent The PLACE in the community and cultivate strategic partnerships
• Development Operations & Data:
  • Oversee development operations, including CRM/database management, data entry, gift tracking, acknowledgements, and…