Director of Development - Career Blazers Nonprofit Search

Director of Development 

 
 
Position Overview 
Be a part of a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health and promoting education and research surrounding infectious disease. As the Director of Development, you will oversee the organization's fundraising efforts, collaborating with team members to expand private and public grants and individual giving. In this role, you will build and nurture relationships with key funders, private foundations, and public agencies to secure sponsorships, grants, and major gifts. 
 
Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan to meet revenue goals through donor acquisition, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship 
• Create programs to support Major Gifts and upgrade mid-level donors, moving smaller gifts to larger contributions 
• Lead direct mail, online giving, and social media campaigns with MarCom and Membership Engagement teams 
• Position the Foundation for grant opportunities, developing ask projections and managing application timelines. Lead grant writing and template creation for applications, budgeting, and donor follow-up 
• Establish communication, solicitation, and follow-up strategies, involving the Foundation’s Board to enhance their fundraising impact 
• Work with leadership to set annual goals aligned with strategic priorities and support fundraising activities, including donor meetings 
• Oversee the creation of monthly fundraising dashboards and maintain donor tracking systems, enhancing Salesforce capabilities 
• Collaborate on targeted campaigns and stakeholder messaging to align with the Foundation's mission and vision 
• Share donor feedback and funding interests with the Program team to inform future initiatives 
• Identify and support grant application drafting with relevant staff
• Prepare board members for effective participation in major gift fundraising and prospect meetings 
• Monitor fundraising trends and anticipate strategic adjustments

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, liberal arts, or a related field (or equivalent experience); advanced degree is a plus 
• 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience, including 7+ years in nonprofit development 
• Strong team leadership skills with experience in staff management, performance oversight, and motivation 
• Proven track record in securing and closing major gifts and building long-term stakeholder relationship 
• Expertise in major gift solicitation, annual campaigns, grant writing, and partnership development 
• Familiarity with advanced gift planning, business planning, and evolving fundraising trends 
• Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills; able to drive clarity and meet goals in a fast-paced environment 
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills with high-profile stakeholder engagement experience 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Salesforce experience is a plus 
• CFRE certification and existing relationships with national health foundations are preferred 
• Experience with donor management software  
• Relevant experience in healthcare or nonprofit/association settings is strongly preferred 
• Must be able to travel up to 25% for donor engagement and foundation events 

Compensation 

• Salary: $130,000-$140,000 
• Excellent benefits, Vacation, and Retirement package 

 
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval. 
 
Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.