Director of Development

Job Title:
Director of Development
Date:
February 20, 2026
Classification:
Exempt
Supervisor:
President and Executive Director
Compensation: $120,000–130,000 per annum, with benefits

The Director of Development oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, individual giving, membership, foundations, annual appeals, special events, corporate partnerships, and government grants.

• Work in close partnership with the Executive Director and the Development Committee of the Board to set and achieve fundraising goals.
• Direct the spring benefit, Poetry & the Creative Mind, during National Poetry Month.
• Direct the fall Chancellors Reading Benefit.
• Steward foundation, individual, and corporate donors and oversee appeals and proposals.
• Direct the membership program and benefit fulfillment.
• Supervise donor database management.
• Manage the direct mail and online membership campaigns, including working with consultants.
• Oversee production of monthly financial reports and perform analysis to identify trends and suggest improvements or tests.
• Manage the departmental budget and reconcile monthly with Finance.
• Manage membership and fundraising communications and solicitations on Poets.org.
• Oversee the development and production of a membership newsletter and Benefactor newsletter.
• Create compelling emails, donation pages, and social media promotions.
• Encourage online audiences to make a gift through targeted messaging.
• Create and coordinate social media promotions for membership and development-related events.
• Oversee the promotion of planned giving on Poets.org and American Poets magazine.

• 10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Strong team management skills.
• Steep experience in individual giving, membership, and major gifts.
• Foundation grant writing experience.
• Advanced knowledge of popular CRMs, with Raiser's Edge experience.
• Proven track record of success in organizing special events.
• Commitment to providing excellent customer service.
• Commitment to excellence in database administration.
• Strong written and oral communications skills.
• A passion for poetry, literature, and the arts a plus.

To apply, email your cover letter and resume as one PDF tocareers, with the job title and your last name in the subject line.