Development Director

Lead Fundraising Strategy for a Premier Cultural Organization

This is a high-visibility leadership role for a strategic, relationship-driven development professional who excels at building diversified revenue streams, cultivating major donors, and partnering closely with executive leadership and the board.

Role Impact

The Development Director is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission by designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports both annual operations and long-term growth initiatives. The role oversees a full development portfolio, including:

• Annual giving
• Major gifts
• Corporate sponsor ships
• Foundation and government grants
• Planned giving
• Special events
• A rolling capacity-building and vision campaign

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities and long-term vision
• Create annual fundraising plans with measurable targets across all giving levels and revenue sources
• Monitor performance using data and metrics; adjust tactics to optimize results and sustainability

Donor Development & Revenue Growth

• Increase average gift size and donor retention through targeted cultivation and stewardship
• Proactively identify, cultivate, and solicit new individual, foundation, and corporate prospects
• Manage donor engagement timelines across the full giving cycle to maintain momentum
• Identify and pursue new grant and government funding opportunities
• Design and launch a planned giving program, including outreach materials and processing systems

Events, Sponsor ships & Campaigns

• Plan and execute fundraising events in collaboration with internal teams
• Secure cash and in-kind sponsor ships that support programming and operations
• Align fundraising initiatives with communications and audience engagement strategies

Leadership, Board & Infrastructure

• Manage development staff and external contractors with clear accountability
• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee
• Support board members and volunteer leaders in fundraising and donor engagement
• Oversee CRM systems, workflows, and fundraising tools to ensure operational excellence

Ideal Candidate Profile

You are a results-oriented fundraising leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution and thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in development, advancement, or business affairs
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners
• Experience managing diverse funding streams (individual giving, grants, sponsor ships, events)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail
• Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Experience

• Arts, cultural, or mission-driven nonprofit experience
• Experience working with boards and volunteer committees