Director of Advancement

Job Description

Job Description

Supervisory responsibilities : Development Coordinator

The Director of Advancement is a senior leader responsible for driving GSIL's overall fundraising, donor engagement, and advancement strategy. This role leads efforts to cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations; oversees major fundraising initiatives and expands GSIL's grant and sponsorship portfolio. By providing strategic direction, ensuring cohesive messaging, and fostering a culture of philanthropy, the Director of Advancement will position GSIL for long-term growth, sustainability, and mission impact.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to achieve annual and long-term contributed income goals, including the target of $1M annually by FY29.
• Develop and maintain GSIL's strategic and business planning processes, ensuring timely, effective, and standardized annual and multi-year planning.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and long-term relationships.
• Lead and grow GSIL's grant strategy, including prospecting, proposal development, submission, and reporting to ensure compliance and quality.
• Oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of major fundraising events, ensuring exceptional donor experiences and maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Research, develop, and implement innovative fundraising strategies to ensure a diversified and sustainable funding stream.
• Manage and analyze donor data to track progress, inform strategy, and improve donor retention.
• Oversee development communications and marketing to ensure consistent, compelling messaging that supports strategic goals and increases visibility among donors, consumers, employees, and the public.
• In coordination with the COO, identify and pursue new funding sources and strategic business development opportunities to expand programs and services.
• Manage the department budget in alignment with organizational budget guidelines.
• Provide ongoing performance feedback, mentorship, and annual evaluations for all direct reports and volunteers involved in advancement activities.

Physical / Mental demands

While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to sit, use a computer, a telephone, and other office equipment and to move throughout the building and attend meetings. Employee may occasionally need to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift carry, push or otherwise move objects (e.g. files or presentation materials). This position requires the ability to express or exchange ideas and to comprehend and present detailed and critical information including but not limited to financial information. Exceptional judgment and creativity are regularly required to evaluate results and make decisions.

Travel required

Travel throughout the state to represent GSIL at community events, conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance visibility and relationships.

Required education and experience

Other duties

Benefits :

About Us

Granite State Independent Living is a statewide non-profit and New Hampshire's only Center for Independent Living, we stay close to our roots with a focus on our 5 core services of education, information, advocacy, support, and transition services for people with disabilities and underserved youth. We can speak and think with authority on behalf of the people we serve and support because we are led by a board of directors and staff of which over 51% are people with disabilities.

We carry out our mission through our Home Care Services, Community-Based Disability Supports and Employment Services. With the help of our local New Hampshire communities, we assist people with the tools for living life independently, so they can change their lives for the better. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains the same; GSIL is committed to the principle of personal choice and direction.