Director of Development

Position Summary

This role works closely with the Chief Development Officer to execute effective fundraising strategies that fuel our programs and support survivors. The DoD will manage donor communications, write grant proposals to government and private funders, cultivate and steward event sponsors, support event planning, and contribute to campaigns that uplift survivor stories and community impact.

This is a true small shop development role: the ideal candidate is energized by variety, comfortable moving between strategy and hands-on execution, and eager to expand their well-rounded fundraising expertise across grant writing, events, direct appeals, and donor stewardship. Success in this role means building authentic donor relationships, meeting deadlines, and contributing creative ideas that inspire generosity and deepen engagement, all while helping create a safer, more supportive world for survivors and their families.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Individual Giving

• Partner with the CDO to meet annual fundraising goals and support the growth of agency programs
• Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, government entities, and foundation funders
• Lead prospect research initiatives, identifying high-impact funding opportunities across individual, corporate, and foundation giving
• Support board members in their fundraising efforts
• Support capital campaign planning and execution

Donor Communications & Stewardship

• Oversee and guide direct mail and digital campaigns, ensuring alignment with donor engagement goals
• Oversee monthly e-blasts and produce impactful annual reports
• Draft and design content for social media, websites, newsletters, and fundraising appeals
• Use strengths-based, ethical storytelling to engage and motivate supporters
• Write personalized thank-you notes and ensure timely, accurate tax documentation for donors
• Provide responsive, professional support to donor inquiries and community requests
• Coordinate with in-kind donors, document donations and maintain updated lists of needed items in partnership with program staff

Grants

• Write and secure government and foundation grants
• Manage grant reporting to ensure compliance and maintain strong funder relationships
• Steward relationships with foundation funders

Events

• Plan and execute the agency's annual signature fundraiser, Champions for Change, for 550+ attendees overseeing technical production, sponsorships, the live auction, and event messaging
• Coordinate the agency's holiday giving program
• Coordinate agency participation in and support of community-led fundraising initiatives, such as the Love Run 5K and Dancing with DeKalb Stars

Systems & Administration

• Oversee the donor CRM, ensuring efficient, consistent use across the team
• Manage and maintain accurate donor records; reconcile regularly with accounting systems
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven (7) years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including grant writing, event planning, donor stewardship, and direct appeals
• Demonstrated success in “small shop” fundraising, with a genuine willingness to be hands-on across the full development portfolio
• Exceptional writing skills and comfort writing in multiple voices, from formal grant narratives to warm donor communications
• Highly detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Polished interpersonal and relationship-building skills; equally comfortable in a supporting role and a leadership role
• Genuine enthusiasm for growing across multiple areas of development, taking advantage of the training and skill-building this role offers
• Professional demeanor and sound judgment when representing the agency with donors, board members, and the community
• Commitment to the mission of ending domestic violence and sexual assault

What We Offer

• A mission-centered, values-driven workplace
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development
• A collaborative and supportive team environment

Other: Evening or weekend hours are sometimes required for special projects and events.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Will you be able to provide a sample proposal you authored for a grant that was funded?

Experience:

• nonprofit fundraising: 7 years (Required)

Work Location: In person