The Director of Development is a key role responsible for driving the client's annual fundraising strategy, focusing on expanding research funding. This individual will report directly to the CEO and collaborate closely with board leadership and staff. The position involves designing, implementing, and executing a comprehensive development plan to grow unrestricted and program support for the client's research portfolio. The role requires managing year-round fundraising activities, overseeing major initiatives such as regional cultivation events, and developing strong relationships with donors, scientists, board members, and partners.
The Director will play a crucial role in shaping strategies for major gift prospects who can contribute $50,000 or more, while also enhancing corporate, foundation, and planned giving programs. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment and is motivated by scientific progress and addressing urgent unmet needs. The Director will operate from a home-based office, contributing to a small but effective remote team that funds over $3 million in research annually.
The Director of Development's responsibilities include leading the design and execution of an annual fundraising plan aligned with the client's organizational priorities and research funding goals. This involves establishing revenue projections, campaign goals, and performance benchmarks, as well as providing regular reporting and analysis on fundraising performance. The position also entails identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, partnering with the CEO and Board for strategy and donor engagement, and expanding revenue from corporate and foundation partners through strategic relationship-building. Developing and implementing personalized engagement strategies for donors, ensuring donor recognition, and maintaining a pipeline of institutional prospects are also critical tasks associated with the role.