Director of Development

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

Purpose of Classification :

The purpose of this classification is to be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of Step Forward's fundraising activities foundation, corporation, and individual gifts (excludes government grants).

The Director of Development works closely with the senior leadership team, and the Board of Directors in all development and fundraising endeavors, and reports to the President and CEO.

The ideal candidate will have an entrepreneurial mindset and be innovative, proactive, and strategic, with a proven ability to identify opportunities, solve problems, and drive growth.

Essential Functions :

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.

Other duties may be required and assigned.

Fundraising Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that align with the organization's mission and goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit foundation, corporate and individual prospects, and maintain relationships to ensure long-term support.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Establish and maintain relationships with individual and corporate donors, foundations, and other stakeholders.
• Develop strong relationships within the community to foster a positive image of Step Forward to individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Create and execute donor acknowledgment and stewardship programs to ensure donors are recognized and appreciated.
• Act as the primary contact for funding, donations and fundraising-friend raising events.
• Work with President and CEO to create funding targets for the Board of Directors.
• Perform networking at selected community and leadership events.
• Deliver presentations on programs to community and corporate groups as needed.

Grant Writing

• Research and identify grant opportunities that align with the organization's needs and mission.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals, ensuring compliance with all requirements and guidelines.

Event Planning and Management

• Plan and coordinate special fundraising events, ensuring they meet financial goals and promote the organization's mission.
• In collaboration with the executive office, oversee event logistics, including venue selection, catering, marketing, and volunteer coordination.

Marketing and Communications

Assist the Communications and Outreach department to develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to promote fundraising efforts;

prepare fundraising materials, including brochures, newsletters, and social media content; monitor the organization's online giving platforms.

Database and Records Management

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records of donations, donor contacts, and fundraising activities.
• Utilize donor management software to track and analyze fundraising efforts and outcomes.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight

• Work with the President and CEO to develop and manage the annual development budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Provide regular reports on fundraising activities and outcomes to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Foster a positive organizational culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promotes employee engagement and well-being.

Additional Functions :

• Actively develops and manages relationships at the grassroots level and ensures that Step Forward's brand and services are known in the community at governmental levels.
• Actively cultivates strategic alliances with community organizations for profits and nonprofits to build mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Represent Step Forward at events, conferences, and other forums to promote its work and build relationships with key influencers.
• Attends meetings, conferences, and workshops related to the agency's program or professional development of administrative / management.
• May work evenings and weekends as needed for special events, donor visits, and meetings.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related role within a nonprofit organization.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor development.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and high level of integrity, creativity, and initiative.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Salary will commensurate with experience.

Additional Requirements / Conditions of Employment :

Successful results of pre and continued employment assessments including fingerprinting, drug testing, medical examinations and background check(s).

Step Forward is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Agency will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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