Director of Development

Description

Days / Shift: Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Position Type/Classification: Full-Time;
Exempt

The Director of Development is the senior fundraising leader responsible for strategy, revenue performance, team leadership, and Board/CEO partnership. This role manages the annual development plan, drives major donor and corporate/foundation relationships, ensures strong stewardship, and maintains a performance culture using KPI dashboards and clear workflows.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain an all-inclusive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

• Strategic leadership:
  Own the annual development strategy and 18-month calendar; set quarterly priorities, budgets, and revenue projections by stream; course-correct based on KPI results.
• Major gifts & mid-level strategy:
  Build and manage a portfolio of major and mid-level donors and prospects; partner with the CEO/ED on top relationships; lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
• Board ambassador activation:
  Partner with the Board Development Committee to assign and coach Board ambassadors; provide tools (call sheets, scripts, one-pagers) and track ambassador activity.
• Corporate partnerships:
  Lead corporate prospect strategy; pursue sponsor ships, employee giving, workplace presentations, and cause-marketing opportunities; ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled on time.
• Foundation/DAF leadership:
  Oversee foundation relationship strategy, stewardship calendars, reporting, site visits, and DAF engagement (including year-end focus).
• Campaign oversight:
  Provide strategic direction and approvals for spring, fall, and year-end appeals, DV Awareness Month fundraising tie-ins, and monthly giving pushes.
• Event fundraising strategy:
  Ensure events align with revenue targets, donor pipelines, and lead capture goals; oversee post-event follow-up standards and donor journey integration.
• Team leadership & systems:
  Supervise and coach development staff; ensure clear role ownership, SOPs, and cross-department coordination with Programs, Finance, and Communications.
• Data & performance management:
  Ensure monthly KPI dashboard reviews; establish targets for retention, upgrades, acquisition, and conversion; maintain compliance with ethical fundraising standards.
• Adhere to Safe Space, Inc. ethics, policies, procedures, and contractual standards.

Requirements

• 7+ years progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including major gifts and corporate/foundation strategy; CFRE or comparable credential
• Bachelor's Degree in Fundraising, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field
• Demonstrated success leading teams and achieving revenue goals across multiple streams
• 10+ years advancement experience with a $3M+ annual fundraising program and/or $5M+ operating budget organization
• Extensive experience with donor CRM/database systems
• Experience partnering with Boards and volunteer leadership on cultivation and solicitation
• Knowledge of legal implications of charitable giving
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience
• Outstanding stewardship and relationship management skills, including building external relationships
• Ability to communicate efficiently utilizing strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple projects, establish and monitor priorities, maintain flexibility, and meet deadlines with little direct supervision
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed
• Maintain and protect the confidentiality of the program participants and shelter locations within agency guidelines and state statutes
• Lead and…