Senior Development Officer
Listed on 2026-09-22
-
Business
Business Development
Ascendusis a nonprofit small business lender whose vision is to create a world of financial ascension for all. Our mission is to empower low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs through access to the capital and business support to create and grow healthy enterprises and contribute to thriving local economies. Since 1991,Ascendushas provided more than $400million tomore than 55,000small business owners across the country. For more information, visitwww.ascendus.org
SummaryThe Senior Development Officer supports the Development & Communication team’s solicitation of $22 million in annual requests. The Senior Development Officer will report directly to the Chief Development Officer, and work closely with the Leadership Team including the CEO, COO, and CFO. The position works closely with all members of the Development & Communications Team on identifying and pursuing fundraising opportunities.
The position is collaborative, but requires initiative and the ability to own and close fundraising relationships and opportunities that align with the organization’s priorities. This position requires strong communication skills, and the ability to create high quality grant requests and reports on a weekly basis.
You have a proven track record in institutional fundraising and can manage a portfolio of donor relationships from prospecting to solicitation and stewardship.
You are passionate about building transformative relationships that connect people, ideas, and resources to drive lasting impact for small business owners.
You are collaborative yet self-driven, thriving in a team environment while taking ownership of projects and delivering measurable results.
You are strategic and action-oriented, identifying opportunities to grow funding while contributing to Ascendus’ mission and long-term goals.
Key OutcomesThe Senior Development Officer will be responsible for achieving the following:
Manage a portfolio of 40 institutional accounts, drafting and submitting grant proposals and reports, to request a total of $4.5 million annually;
Secure $1.5 million annually through the $4.5 million in solicitations;
Research, identify and cultivate new funding prospects to request at least $4 million in new support from prospective funders, converting 18% of dollars to approved grants; and
In partnership with the CEO and CDO, provide strategic direction on portfolio and move management for high priority donors and prospects, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for institutions with 7-figure giving potential.
Required Competencies and QualificationsCommunication
. The ability to effectively converse and listen to others concerning company matters. The use of proper written and grammatical skills, and the meaningful application of computer technology [e-mail, Internet, etc.].
Strategic Planning
. The degree to which the incumbent gathers and interprets data, appropriately applies knowledge to the planning process, and generates strategic plans that contribute to the short and long-term goals and objectives of the organization. Effectively conveys the vision, strategy, goals, and culture of the organization. Takes into account strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and any other factor that might possibly affect company objectives.
Initiative - The ability to perform job responsibilities independently and responsibly. The ability to proactively complete tasks, solve problems, improve processes, enhance products, and/or extend services within assigned range of authority.
Business Development
. The degree to which results are demonstrated in developing new business, generating leads, expanding the client base, and developing revenue opportunities.
Productivity
. The level of work output or efficiency as…
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).