POSITION SUMMARY:
The Development Director is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising program to support a mission-driven, multi-service homeless shelter organization. This individual leads all philanthropic revenue strategies, including major gifts, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, special events, and donor engagement. The Development Director partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive leadership team to ensure sustainable and diversified revenue growth aligned with the organization’s strategic plan.
Why St. Mary’s Community Services?
- Mission-Driven Leadership – Be at the heart of an organization dedicated to serving the most vulnerable.
- Strategic Influence – Shape policies and initiatives that uplift lives and drive systemic change.
- Collaborative Environment – Work alongside a passionate team, community partners, and dedicated stakeholders.
- Sustainable Impact – Lead an organization committed to long-term solutions for housing, healthcare, and social support.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and execute a multi-year, comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet or exceed annual revenue goals.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to align development goals with organizational priorities and program expansion.
- Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making.
- Provide regular reporting and analysis on fundraising performance, trends, and forecasts.
Major Gifts & Donor Relations
- Manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individual donors and prospects.
- Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for major gifts ($10K+ or as defined).
- Partner with the CEO and Board in donor engagement and relationship management.
- Build a strong pipeline of new major donors and planned giving prospects.
Institutional Giving (Grants & Contracts)
- Oversee grant strategy, including foundation, corporate, and other funding opportunities.
- Strategically partner with Finance department and Grants Manager.
- Ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals, reports, and compliance requirements.
- Collaborate with program and finance teams to develop compelling proposals and budgets.
Corporate & Community Partnerships
- Develop and grow relationships with corporate sponsors and community partners.
- Create opportunities for corporate engagement, including sponsorships, volunteerism, and cause marketing.
- Represent the organization in the community to increase visibility and support.
Events & Campaigns
- Oversee planning and execution of fundraising events (e.g., annual gala, community events, campaigns).
- Ensure events meet revenue goals while strengthening donor engagement.
- Lead capital campaigns, endowment campaigns, or special initiatives as needed.
Board Engagement
- Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising capacity and participation.
- Support Board members in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
- Provide training and tools to enhance Board engagement in fundraising.
Development Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee donor database management, gift processing, and reporting systems.
- Ensure data integrity, donor segmentation, and effective use of CRM systems.
- Develop and monitor the development budget.
- Establish policies, procedures, and best practices for fundraising operations.
Team Leadership
- Hire, supervise, and develop a high-performing development team.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented team culture.
- Set clear performance expectations and provide ongoing coaching and evaluation.
What You Bring:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including leadership roles.
- Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing diverse revenue streams.
- Experience working in a nonprofit organization with a budget of $10M+ preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong strategic thinking and execution skills.
- Proven relationship-building and donor engagement abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working with nonprofit boards and executive leadership.
- High level of emotional intelligence and cultural competency, especially working with vulnerable populations.
- Proficiency in donor databases/CRMs (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid time off
SMCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values and respects all individuals. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
