Director of Development

Why this role matters

For more than fifty years, MLKFS has held a place in Springfield that few organizations anywhere can claim, with a reputation and a depth of trust earned across generations of leadership. An institution of that standing deserves a development program built to match it.

That is the work of this role. The Director of Development builds the philanthropic foundation that carries MLKFS into its next generation: a stronger donor base, dependable systems, and steady fundraising that sustains the mission for the long term. Done well, this is the role that secures a thriving future for the organization.

Set the fundraising plan and own the numbers. Annual goals across grants, individual giving, sponsor ships, and events. You’ll own the 12-month calendar and keep it current. Monthly reports to the CEO and Finance Committee, and the judgment to adjust course when the data calls for it.

Build the individual and major giving base. Annual campaigns, Giving Tuesday, year‑end appeals, and a pipeline of qualified prospects. You’ll partner with leadership on major donors and see that every gift is acknowledged within two days.

Steer the grants portfolio. You’ll be an active member of the grants team, shaping which funders to pursue and keeping the portfolio on track. You won’t write the proposals; the organization has grant‑writing capacity for that. Your contribution is strategy, prioritization, and the funder relationships that keep the pipeline healthy.

Bring the board into the work. Help define board members’ role in fundraising, give them the tools and confidence to ask, and staff the Development Committee.

Run the events. The Annual MLK Day Celebration is the organization’s signature event. You’ll own sponsor packages, revenue targets, acknowledgment, and budget.

Direct development communications without carrying the production. A dedicated Marketing & Communications Coordinator handles content, posting, and design. You set the priorities and review what reaches donors, so your time stays on donors, grants, and strategy.

Four to six years in nonprofit development, including grants and annual fund. A record of setting fundraising goals and meeting them. Experience growing a donor base, not only maintaining one. Strong writing across donor correspondence, campaign materials, and board updates. Working knowledge of a CRM and a commitment to clean data. Experience working with a board on fundraising. Familiarity with the Western Massachusetts philanthropic landscape is a plus.

MLKFS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. We especially welcome applicants who reflect the communities we serve, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience of the issues at the heart of our work.

Reasonable accommodations are available on request.