The Senior Director of Development is responsible for leading and building the client's fundraising strategy and operations, guiding the organization towards a comprehensive national development program. This role is pivotal, tasked with overseeing all fundraising functions, such as individual giving, grants, and corporate partnerships, while reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Senior Director will manage a team of three development staff and work closely with executive leadership to ensure the organization secures the necessary philanthropic resources to fulfill its mission effectively.
The position requires a strategic leader who can develop and implement a robust fundraising strategy that stabilizes revenue and positions the organization for sustainable growth. This includes rebuilding and formalizing systems, processes, and policies to ensure consistency and transparency. The role also involves mentoring the development team, assessing departmental needs, and fostering a high-performing culture. The Senior Director will spearhead initiatives such as launching a national corporate sponsorship program, enhancing the grant program, and designing a data-informed year-end giving campaign.
Qualified candidates should have a minimum of 8+ years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, including at least 5 years in a senior or director-level position. They should possess a successful track record of developing or revamping development functions, systems, and teams, as well as a demonstrated ability to lead comprehensive fundraising programs across various revenue streams. The role demands a strategic thinker capable of executing a forward-looking fundraising strategy, providing strategic guidance to leadership, managing transitions to new fundraising software, and delivering accurate performance reports to both executive leadership and the Board.