Development Officer Job Durham area,North Carolina USA,Non-Profit & Social Impact

Job Summary:

We are seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial development professional who is excited by the opportunity to help build and grow a newer community. Based at ESP’s North Carolina location in High Point—which launched in March 2026—this role is ideal for a resourceful self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is energized by creating relationships, establishing a strong local presence, and building upon an emerging foundation of support.

The Development Officer is responsible for generating the resources necessary for ESP to fulfill its mission and provide Experiences, Support, and Purpose. This role will create and implement strategies to secure leadership annual gifts ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, deepening engagement with established donors while cultivating new community and personal relationships. The Development Officer will also lead initiatives that strengthen volunteer and donor engagement and expand support for ESP’s mission throughout the High Point community.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with internal and external stakeholders while playing a meaningful role in shaping the continued growth of ESP’s North Carolina presence. The Development Officer will report directly to the ESP High Point Executive Director and serve as an integral member of the broader ESP Development team.

About ESP:

ESP exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. Founded in 1986 in Watkinsville, Georgia, ESP now operates five locations across Georgia and North Carolina, providing year-round programming, summer camp, and family support to 1,450 families. ESP also has a social enterprise Java Joy that employs 82 adults with developmental disabilities through a mobile coffee model.

To learn more, visit espyouandme.org.

Our Values

Infused with Joyful Hospitality
Innovating Possibilities
Activating the Abilities of All
Fascinated with Fun
Compassion, Freely Given
Connecting the Unconnected
Persevering, Together

Top Five Responsibilities

Oversee and execute fundraising strategies to meet and surpass set goals, including managing and guiding other development staff, when necessary.

Manage a portfolio of 175-200 individuals and organizations, primarily targeting gifts in the $2,500 - $25,000 range.

Create and implement tailored plans to guide prospective donors through the entire development cycle.

Lead initiatives at ESP High Point to retain and expand the support from organizations, specifically including grant work and direct solicitation of businesses/foundations.

Attend and support special events, performing additional duties as needed, which may occur on evenings and weekends.

Detailed Functions and Responsibilities:

Donor Strategy & Management

Develop and implement programs to renew, retain, and grow leadership annual gifts.
Collaborate with the team to develop effective strategies to solicit and steward leadership annual gifts.
Identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit leadership annual gift prospects.
Align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities in collaboration with internal teams.
Collaborate with the team to craft effective strategies for soliciting and stewarding donors in the High Point community.

Portfolio Management

Design and execute strategic plans to move prospective donors through the various donor cycle stages of identification, cultivation, and solicitation over 12 months.
Manage a portfolio of 175-200 donors, aiming for 18 meetings per month.
Regularly engage with prospects through personalized communication, meetings, and events.
Track and report on progress, ensuring that all donor interactions are accurately recorded in the donor database.
Coordinate and…