Director of Development

Overview

The Director of Development is part of the Leadership Team at Easterseals Oregon and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing major gifts and corporate and foundation relations strategies to meet Easterseals Oregon’s fundraising goals. This position is responsible for setting event fundraising strategies, leading cross-functional planning, optimizing sponsorship and donor engagement, and using data to drive continuous improvement. The Development Director supervises the department, including the Volunteer & Event Manager and temporary positions, supporting the successful execution of fundraising events and volunteer-supported initiatives, while maintaining a clear focus on securing philanthropic support and expanding the donor base.

• Plan, coordinate, and implement major gifts and corporate and foundation relations strategies to meet fundraising goals.
• Set event fundraising strategies, lead cross-functional planning, optimize sponsorship and donor engagement, and use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Supervise the department, including the Volunteer & Event Manager and temporary positions, supporting fundraising events and volunteer-supported initiatives.
• Maintain a focus on securing philanthropic support and expanding the donor base.

• In coordination with the President and CEO, develop and implement annual fundraising strategies focused on individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Manage a portfolio of major and planned gift donors and prospects; develop relationships and manage all aspects of the individual giving cycle.
• Lead identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects.
• Conduct one-on-one donor meetings, prepare proposals, and make asks for support to meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
• Engage ESO staff, board members, and key supporters to advance donor relationships.
• Maintain relationships with past and current donors, ensuring regular touchpoints and recognition.
• Lead event strategy and partner with the Volunteer & Event Manager on fundraising events, supporting donor and sponsor cultivation, messaging, and attendance.
• Maintain a collaborative relationship to ensure event-related tasks and donor relations are aligned but not duplicated.

• Create and manage sponsorship benefits and proposal packets and ensure timely recognition and deliverables.
• Identify opportunities to network with corporate sponsors.
• Research and pursue grant and sponsorship opportunities in alignment with the mission and strategic goals.

• Create donor communications including thank-you letters, stewardship updates, and campaign materials.
• Contribute content for organizational communications and marketing materials.
• Collaborate with Marketing and the Volunteer & Event Manager to ensure coordinated messaging for campaigns, fundraising events, and donor engagement efforts.
• Interface with Easterseals national office, including attending annual trainings and meetings.

• Lead, coach, and inspire the development team to meet and surpass revenue and engagement goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
• Coordinate ongoing training and staff development activities.

• Ensure accuracy and integrity of major donor data in donor CRM, with support from the Volunteer & Event Manager for gift processing and acknowledgement.
• Use donor data to inform strategies and track key performance indicators.
• Review development financial reports and reconcile fundraising income with Finance.
• Prepare reports and updates for the President and CEO and the Board of Directors.
• Participate actively in director and leadership meetings.
• Maintain accountability to administrative systems and procedures, including submitting expense reimbursements, credit card reconciliations, invoices, timesheets, and so on by the deadlines assigned.
• Represent ESO publicly and professionally at donor meetings, community events, and related functions.
• Travel to ESO offices, off-site events, donor visits, and annual out-of-state affiliate…