Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development

Position: Exempt

Department: Development Department

Reports: Executive Director

Work Location: On-site

Summary:

The Director of Development is a key leadership position responsible for designing and executing the overall fundraising strategy to support the school's annual operations, capital projects, and long-term sustainability. This role collaborates with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to align development initiatives with the school's mission and financial needs. The Director of Development manages all aspects of the Development Department, including donor relations, major gift cultivation, grant writing, events, and communications related to fundraising.

The Director leads and manages the Development team, fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and results-oriented environment that reflects the organization's core values of Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Innovation, and Stewardship. This leader inspires, motivates, and empowers team members to achieve individual and departmental goals while promoting professional growth, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement. The Director ensures effective project management, timely execution of development initiatives, and achievement of fundraising objectives by establishing clear priorities, meeting deadlines, and maintaining strong organizational practices.

This individual also ensures that all development activities are conducted with integrity and in compliance with organizational policies, ethical standards, and best practices in philanthropy, while serving as a steward of the organization's mission, resources, and donor relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Planning:

• Develops and implements a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet annual, capital, and long-term financial goals in alignment with the school’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Prepares and presents reports on development progress, goals, and outcomes to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Leads capital monthly/annual/recurring gift campaigns and creates a strategy to increase and maintain donors.
• Collaborates with specific departments within the organization to develop a funding plan based on organizational needs.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Builds and nurtures relationships with current and prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Oversees major gift solicitations, donor recognition programs, and stewardship activities to ensure strong donor engagement and retention.

Grant Writing and Management:

• Research and identifies grant opportunities aligned with the school’s mission.
• Writes and submits grant proposals and manages the reporting and compliance processes associated with awarded grants.
• Creates all budgets for grants submitted in collaboration with the Director of Finance.
• Oversee and monitor grant tracking, compliance, and outcomes, to include final reports.

Event Planning and Coordination:

• Plans, oversees, and executes fundraising events, including annual galas, auctions, and other initiatives that drive donor engagement and revenue.
• Collaborates with volunteers, chairs, and committees for any special events.

Marketing, Communications and Financial Oversight:

• Collaborates with the Communication and Public Relations staff to develop and approve regular communication and promotional materials to highlight fundraising initiatives and increase community engagement.
• Develops and manages timelines, budgets, and communication plans to ensure successful campaign execution. Analyze fundraising data and report on progress towards goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

As applicable, monitor, and supervise work performance for Development Team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or a related field. Advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in fundraising or development roles, preferably within a non-profit or educational setting. Three years in a leadership position, preferred.
• Proven successful track record in fundraising, including major gift solicitation and grant writing.
• Strong leadership, team management, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with donor database software.
• Proficient in using technology to track and manage donations and donor relationships.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of the local philanthropic landscape and community resources.
• Experience with planned giving and capital campaigns.
• Familiarity with the principles of non-profit management and governance.

Working Conditions:

• Regular attendance is required to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of this role, including occasional evening and weekend commitments for fundraising events and donor meetings.
• Ability to work in a school environment with students, faculty, and staff.
• Travel and driving may be necessary to meet with donors, attend conferences, or coordinate events.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent requirements are sitting, walking, talking, and listening for extended periods of time.
• Frequent use of a computer for extended periods, requiring good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
• Speaking clearly and effectively in presentations or group settings. Engaging in in-person meetings.
• Specific vision abilities for close vision and distance vision.
• Occasional requirements essential to the position are meeting deadlines with severe time constraints and interacting with the public and other workers.
• Potential demands are working irregular or extended hours, direct responsibility for the safety, wellbeing, or work output of others, and managing multiple demands from several individuals.
• Physical demands require occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
• Lifting and carrying materials, such as promotional items, displays or equipment, as needed.
• Physical involvement in planning and executing fundraising events, including setting up venues, arranging tables and coordinating logistics.

If interested in this position, please go to www.sunshinecottage.org and download our application. Please send your completed application to hr@sunshinecottage.org.

Salary range: $91,000 - $119,000 per year

About Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children:

Our Mission: Sunshine Cottage School for Deaf Children promotes early identification and intervention for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and helps them develop their maximum potential through listening, spoken language and literacy. Our Core Beliefs: We believe that children who are deaf or hard of hearing can learn to listen and talk if early identification, appropriate amplifications, and intervention take place. We follow the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention 1-3-6 model. We believe that all children can learn in a stimulating environment led and encouraged by educated, dedicated teaching staff. We believe that the participation of parents and their partnership with the school are critical to the success of the child.The following comprehensive educational programs and support services are available for children who are deaf or hard of hearing:Newborn Hearing Evaluation Center: Diagnostic hearing evaluations from birth through 6 months oldParent-Infant Program: Birth to three years of ageEarly Childhood and Elementary Programs: Three years old through fifth gradeAudiology: Identification, fitting and management of hearing technologySpeech-Language Therapy: Comprehensive therapy provided for students