Director of Development

Overview

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a strategic and hands-on fundraising leader responsible for building and advancing GSH’s mission through effective storytelling, donor engagement, and fundraising innovation. This is a foundational leadership role designed for someone eager to meet this moment – strengthening GSH’s visibility, credibility, and impact during a period of heightened need and uncertainty by shaping strategy, testing approaches, and build systems and capacity over time.

The Director oversees communications, donor cultivation, and Board engagement while managing one partial direct report and external consultants, with the opportunity to design the future structure of the development function as the organization deepens philanthropic engagement.

This position requires a combination of relationship-building, creative communication, and data-driven strategy. The ideal candidate is both a strong writer and a persuasive connector – someone who can translate complex issues into human-centered stories that inspire giving.

For over 50 years, Good Shepherd Housing (GSH) has been a cornerstone in Fairfax County, VA, turning the key to brighter futures for families and individuals at risk of being unhoused or priced out of their own communities. With a $3.5 million annual budget and more than 100 affordable housing units, GSH helps over 1,000 residents each year secure stability and self-sufficiency.

Beyond housing, GSH provides wraparound services – financial counseling, children’s resources, emergency relief, and career coaching – that strengthen the whole person and the whole community.

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual, corporate, and foundation giving, with the autonomy to pilot new approaches, refine systems, and build scalable practices. Lead donor segmentation, annual fund campaigns, and major gift initiatives, ensuring steady revenue growth and diversified support. Identify and cultivate new prospects, serve as the organization’s primary fundraising expert, prepare the Executive Director for donor meetings, and help advance relationships toward successful commitments.
  
  Manage key fundraising events that align with strategic priorities – including an annual golf tournament, a five-year anniversary gala (next in 2029), and occasional special events – focused on deepening donor relationships and organization reputation rather than increasing event volume, with clear revenue, stewardship, and follow-up objectives tied to broader fundraising strategy. Secure sponsor ships, oversee logistics, and collaborate with vendors, consultants, and volunteers to deliver events that reinforce the organization’s mission and impact.

Communications and Donor Engagement

• Direct all donor-facing communications, including newsletters, social media, direct mail, and email appeals – with the ability to design visually compelling materials. Develop messaging for “urgent need” or rapid-response campaigns that connect donors to immediate impact. Maintain consistent branding and mission-driven storytelling across digital, print, and event channels. Embrace and effectively leverage emerging tools – including AI-assisted writing and design – to enhance messaging, streamline workflows, and increase the reach and impact of fundraising initiatives.
  
  Manage social media and digital communication tools, using them strategically to expand GSH’s reach, engage donors, and share compelling stories of impact. Represent GSH at community and industry events, building relationships across the philanthropic, nonprofit, and regional business communities and serving as a visible ambassador for GSH’s mission and impact. Proactively build GSH’s presence and relationships within the Northern Virginia philanthropic, business, and nonprofit communities to expand awareness, partnerships, and long-term investment.

Data and Systems Management

• Leverage the donor database (currently Bloomerang) to analyze giving trends, track relationships, and inform…