Senior Director of Development

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life and disability coverage
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA)

The Senior Director of Development is a senior fundraising leader responsible for driving contributed revenue growth, strengthening donor relationships, and supporting the organization’s long‑term sustainability. This role partners closely with executive leadership to shape development strategy and oversees a portfolio spanning major gifts, membership programs, corporate sponsor ships, foundation relations, and high‑impact fundraising events.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned fundraiser with strong leadership skills, proven success cultivating donors, and the ability to manage a high‑performing team across multiple fundraising programs. Responsibilities in this role mirror those seen in leading development organizations, including direct donor engagement, strategic planning, and operational oversight.

• Develop and execute multi‑year fundraising strategies to increase contributed revenue across major gifts, membership programs, grants, sponsor ships, and special campaigns.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high‑net‑worth donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Serve as a frontline fundraiser managing a portfolio of major donors.

• Build and strengthen long‑term donor relationships through meetings, stewardship touchpoints, and ongoing communication.
• Develop compelling proposals, sponsorship decks, and donor materials.

• Co‑lead signature fundraising events such as galas, luncheons, and annual donor gatherings, ensuring exceptional donor experience and revenue outcomes.
• Partner with internal teams to maximize visibility, participation, and philanthropic engagement.
• Supervise development staff across multiple locations or program areas, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for team members.

• Oversee donor database management, ensuring accurate tracking of pipelines, activity, and reporting.
• Provide data‑driven reporting to leadership, including revenue forecasts, analysis, and strategic recommendations.

• Collaborate with marketing, programs, finance, and executive leadership to align fundraising strategy with organizational priorities.
• Represent the organization externally as an ambassador at events, programs, and networking engagements.

• 10+ years of progressive fundraising or business development experience, including success securing major gifts
• Strong track record cultivating donor relationships and meeting revenue goals
• Experience managing or co‑leading teams in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Exceptional communication, proposal writing, and presentation skills
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project‑management abilities
• Proficiency with CRM systems and data‑driven fundraising strategies
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred