Director of Development

About Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, Inc.

For over 50 years, Good Shepherd Housing (GSH) has been a cornerstone in Fairfax County, VA, turning the key to brighter futures for families and individuals at risk of being unhoused or priced out of their own communities. With a $3.5 million annual budget and more than 100 affordable housing units, GSH helps over 1,000 residents each year secure stability and self-sufficiency.

Beyond housing, GSH provides wraparound services – financial counseling, children’s resources, emergency relief, and career coaching – that strengthen the whole person and the whole community.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a strategic and hands‑on fundraising leader responsible for advancing GSH’s mission through effective storytelling, donor engagement, and fundraising innovation. The Director oversees communications, donor cultivation, and Board engagement while managing one partial direct report and external consultants.

This position requires a combination of relationship‑building, creative communication, and data‑driven strategy. The ideal candidate is both a strong writer and a persuasive connector – someone who can translate complex issues into human‑centered stories that inspire giving.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Lead donor segmentation, annual fund campaigns, and major gift initiatives, ensuring steady revenue growth and diversified support.
• Identify and cultivate new prospects, prepare the Executive Director for donor meetings, and help advance relationships toward successful commitments.
• Manage key fundraising events that align with strategic priorities – including an annual golf tournament, a five‑year anniversary gala (next in 2029), and occasional special events – focused on deepening donor relationships and organization reputation rather than increasing event volume.
• Secure sponsor ships, oversee logistics, and collaborate with vendors, consultants, and volunteers to deliver events that reinforce the organization’s mission and impact.

• Direct all donor‑facing communications, including newsletters, social media, direct mail, and email appeals – with the ability to design visually compelling materials.
• Develop messaging for “urgent need” or rapid‑response campaigns that connect donors to immediate impact.
• Maintain consistent branding and mission‑driven storytelling across digital, print, and event channels.
• Embrace and effectively leverage emerging tools – including AI‑assisted writing and design – to enhance messaging, streamline workflows, and increase the reach and impact of fundraising initiatives.
• Manage social media and digital communication tools, using them strategically to expand GSH’s reach, engage donors, and share compelling stories of impact.
• Represent GSH at community and industry events, strengthening the organization’s visibility and cultivating relationships with partners, donors, and stakeholders.

• Leverage the donor database (currently Bloomerang) to analyze giving trends, track relationships, and inform strategy.
• Serve as project lead if the organization transitions to a new CRM, ensuring data integrity and adoption across the team.
• Oversee monthly financial reports to track the annual budget and funding stream goals.

• Manage and partner with the Development Committee of the Board, comprised of experienced fundraisers and community leaders.
• Provide clear reporting, strategy updates, and engagement opportunities that empower Board members to support fundraising success.

• Serve on the leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director and peers to embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Supervise one partial direct report and episodic consultants supporting communications, events, and donor engagement.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure fundraising strategies align with programmatic goals and organizational priorities.

This role…