Director of Development

Be part of a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of highly trained service and facility dogs. Accredited by Assistance Dogs International and a proud member of Animal Assisted Intervention International, the organization upholds the highest standards of excellence in every aspect of training and placement. Founded on the belief that something positive can come from tragedy, it is committed to empowering individuals with mobility disabilities and supporting professionals who use animal-assisted therapy in their work.

As the Director of Development, you will play a key role in driving the organization’s mission forward by fostering meaningful relationships and inspiring philanthropic support. This role blends strategic vision with hands‑on execution—crafting compelling campaigns, engaging donors, and designing experiences that connect the community to the transformative impact of our dogs. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, creative professional who thrives in a mission‑driven environment and takes pride in seeing their efforts directly improve lives.

While hybrid flexibility is offered, consistent in‑office presence is expected, particularly during the first year.

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, including major gifts, through personalized engagement and storytelling
• Partner with the Executive Director and board to identify and prioritize major gift prospects
• Bring expertise in capital campaigns, planned giving, and donor‑advised funds (DAFs)
• Identify and pursue foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities aligned with strategic priorities
• Write compelling proposals, manage a grants calendar, and maintain strong funder relationships
• Develop and manage relationships with corporate sponsors and community partners
• Serve as a public ambassador, representing the organization at events and networking opportunities
• Plan and execute fundraising events, overseeing logistics, budgets, marketing, and volunteers
• Lead digital fundraising campaigns across email, social media, and the website; build media partnerships to increase visibility
• Manage CRM (Salesforce) and digital tools for donor tracking, communications, and analysis
• Use data to forecast income, guide strategy, and set annual fundraising goals
• Track outcomes and refine strategies to strengthen relationships, boost engagement, and grow impact

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related discipline—or equivalent relevant experience; professional credentials (CNP, CFRE, CGW) are an advantage
• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, or business development
• Outstanding people skills with a proven ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships
• Proficient in data analysis and CRM/database management, with a knack for turning insights into effective strategies
• Skilled communicator and storyteller capable of inspiring support through grants, campaigns, and donor outreach
• Strategic and organized, with the ability to think big while managing details and follow-through
• Enthusiastic, mission‑focused, innovative, and flexible in a fast‑paced environment
• Comfortable interacting with dogs of all sizes and temperaments; able to lift up to 40 lbs
• Full‑time, exempt position requiring occasional evening and weekend hours and up to 25% travel

• Health, Dental, Life, and Disability coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off
• 3% Employer retirement match

Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval.

Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.