Development Director

Role Summary

The Director of Development provides strategic and operational leadership for all fundraising activities. This role is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy with a strong emphasis on major gifts and planned giving, while also strengthening annual giving, donor engagement, and events.

The Director leads a small development team (two full-time and one part-time staff), sets a compelling vision for results-driven fundraising, and ensures daily operations align with long-term goals. The role also oversees modernization of development systems, data integrity, analytics, and cross-departmental collaboration to support organizational growth.

Reporting directly to the COO, this position works closely with Program, Operations, Finance, and Development teams. The role is primarily in-person with flexibility for remote work and required travel. Evening and weekend participation in special events is expected. The ideal candidate is a seasoned relational fundraiser, strategic thinker, and faithful steward aligned with Ocean Grove’s Christian mission and values.

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Lead and expand major gifts and planned giving programs, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and personally solicit significant gifts
• Partner with the COO, President, and Board to support fundraising and donor engagement
• Establish measurable fundraising goals and regularly track and report progress

• Lead, mentor, and support a development team of three
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and performance metrics
• Foster a collaborative, mission-centered, results-driven culture
• Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and encouragement

• Oversee donor database/CRM systems to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable data
• Strengthen cross-departmental collaboration to support effective fundraising
• Lead modernization of fundraising systems, processes, and reporting
• Use data and analytics to inform strategy, segmentation, and decision-making
• Ensure compliant gift processing, acknowledgment, and stewardship practices
• Maintain adherence to ethical fundraising standards and regulations

• Ensure consistent, meaningful donor communication and stewardship
• Lead development of the annual report and refine appeals and digital giving strategies
• Collaborate with marketing/communications to align messaging and campaigns
• Strengthen donor journeys from first gift through long-term partnership and legacy giving

• Support and leverage the Board of Trustees and Development Committee in fundraising
• Partner with the Development Committee Chair to develop and execute fundraising strategies and campaigns
• Prepare regular reports and updates for the Board and committees
• Work across departments to ensure donor feedback informs programs and organizational priorities

• Major gift strategy and relationship management
• Planned giving knowledge and donor conversations
• Team leadership and staff development
• Vision-setting and results-driven management
• Systems thinking and operational excellence
• Clear communication and collaboration
• Faith-integrated leadership and stewardship mindset

• Wholehearted support of the organization’s Christian mission and values
• 7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated major gifts success
• Experience with planned giving programs
• Proven ability to lead and manage staff
• Strategic thinker with strong execution and follow-through
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• High integrity, professionalism, and spiritual maturity
• Experience with donor databases/CRMs and data-driven fundraising
• Ability to monitor and leverage social media trends and digital tools in fundraising

• Prior experience as a Director of Development or senior development leader
• Demonstrated success working with Boards and senior leadership
• Experience leading system upgrades or process improvements
• Familiarity with Christian or faith-based nonprofit environments
• CFRE or similar certification