Director of Development - Vanderbloemen

Location: Duluth, GA

The Role: Director of Development

Meet Maxwell Leadership Foundation/EQUIP:

Maxwell Leadership Foundation/EQUIP, founded by Dr. John C. Maxwell, is a globally recognized leadership development organization that focuses on empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their leadership potential. With over 40 years of experience, John Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, speaker, and author, has built this organization to deliver transformative leadership content, coaching, and training.

Empowering Global Transformation

The Maxwell Leadership Foundation and EQUIP are dedicated to sparking positive, sustainable change around the globe through transformational leadership. By equipping leaders with the tools and principles to inspire and empower others, we are creating a ripple effect that transforms nations from within. Through our Global Transformation work, we partner with governments, communities, and organizations to foster leadership values that elevate entire societies. Your support is crucial in advancing this mission, enabling us to train and mobilize leaders who are catalysts for change. Together, we can ensure that leadership excellence becomes a cornerstone of global development, driving unity, growth, and opportunity for all.

Transforming the Next Generation

At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to Student Transformation, a critical investment in the leaders of tomorrow. The Maxwell Leadership Foundation is actively working within public schools and youth programs to instill leadership values and character development in students worldwide. By providing resources, mentorship, and tailored leadership training, we empower young people to reach their full potential and positively impact their communities. Your contributions to this initiative will directly support programs that shape a generation of ethical, confident, and capable leaders. With your help, we can create a brighter future, one student at a time.

A Journey of Soul Transformation

Transformation begins from within, and the Maxwell Leadership Foundation is deeply committed to Soul Transformation as a vital aspect of our mission. Through initiatives like Beyond Success, we are reaching individuals with faith-based principles that inspire hope, healing, and purpose. With 190,000 facilitators leading this movement, we are on track to touch one million lives annually—and we dream of reaching one million souls each month. Your partnership in this work is an investment in the spiritual renewal of individuals and communities. Together, we can share the transformative power of faith, enabling people to embrace a life of significance and purpose.

About the Director of Development:

John Maxwell Leadership is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Development to lead and expand the organization’s fundraising efforts, with a strategic focus on securing grants and cultivating corporate partnerships. The Director of Development will play a pivotal role in driving sustainable growth by identifying funding opportunities, building relationships with key stakeholders, and implementing comprehensive development strategies. This position requires a results-driven leader with strong communication skills, a passion for leadership development, and a proven track record in grant acquisition and corporate giving.

At John Maxwell Leadership, you will be part of a mission-driven organization committed to transforming lives through leadership development. As Director of Development, you will have the opportunity to play a crucial role in expanding our reach, building meaningful partnerships, and ensuring that individuals and organizations worldwide benefit from our proven leadership principles.

The Director of Development Responsibilities Include:

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to increase revenue streams, with an emphasis on securing grants, corporate gifts, sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
• Grants Management: Lead a team that is able to identify, research, write, and submit grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and other funding entities. Manage the grant lifecycle oversight, including reporting, compliance, and stewardship.
• Corporate Partnerships: Build and nurture relationships with corporate donors and sponsors, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial collaborations. Design and execute tailored proposals for corporate partnerships and gift programs.
• Donor Relations: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate leaders. Oversee donor stewardship activities to ensure long-term engagement and support.
• Development Operations: Oversee the management of donor databases, tracking contributions, and ensuring accurate reporting. Analyze fundraising data to assess and improve strategies.
• Collaboration: Partner with internal leadership, marketing, and program teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals and initiatives.
• Events & Campaigns: Support and develop fundraising events, campaigns, and other engagement opportunities to drive donor participation and revenue growth.

What You Bring:

The following describes many of the characteristics of the ideal candidate for the Director of Development:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, communications, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, and corporate partnership development, preferably in leadership development, education, or nonprofit sectors.
• Proven record of able to increase donations significantly within an organization through multi-facets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated success in securing major grants and corporate gifts.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and inspire donors, stakeholders, and team members.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in proposal development and presentation delivery.
• Proficiency in donor database systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office Suite among other computer skills, and CRM experience, as required.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to interact with and influence philanthropic leaders. Pre-existing professional relationships with the philanthropic community is a plus.
• Experience motivating and managing highly talented staff and building a development team to reach maximum impact on donor development.
• Expert knowledge of trends in philanthropy and major gifts.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with various internal and external constituents.
• Ability to organize and complete multiple tasks simultaneously with close attention to detail and prioritization to meet deadlines.

Personal Characteristics & Qualifications

• Committed Christian who demonstrates a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
• Commitment to excellence and performing at a high level.
• A self-motivated leader who initiates and completes projects efficiently and on time.
• Embody the entrepreneurial spirit. Self-starter who crafts creative solutions and opens doors to new donor relationships.
• An active listener to all constituents, focusing especially on staff and donor needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

What it's Like to Live in Duluth, GA:

Duluth, GA, is an exceptional place to call home, offering a perfect blend of suburban charm, modern amenities, and a strong sense of community. Located just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Duluth provides residents with easy access to the bustling city while maintaining a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere. The city boasts beautiful parks, such as McDaniel Farm Park and Bunten Road Park, where residents can enjoy walking trails, sports facilities, and community events. Its vibrant downtown area is a major draw, featuring locally-owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues like the Town Green, where concerts, festivals, and seasonal events bring people together year-round.

One of the standout features of Duluth is its diverse and inclusive community. The city is known for its rich cultural scene, which is celebrated through events such as the Duluth Fall Festival, Barefoot in the Park, and the Summer Stage Concert series. These events foster a strong sense of belonging and create opportunities for residents to connect with one another. Duluth also has a thriving food scene that reflects its multicultural population, offering a wide variety of international cuisines alongside beloved Southern staples. This cultural vibrancy, combined with a safe environment and high-quality public services, makes Duluth an ideal place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

In addition to its strong community and recreational offerings, Duluth is an excellent choice for those seeking economic opportunities and a high quality of life. The city is part of the growing Gwinnett County, which is home to top-rated schools, making it a great place for families with children. Duluth is also a hub for businesses and employment, with proximity to major corporate offices, healthcare facilities, and tech industries. Residents benefit from affordable housing options, diverse neighborhoods, and well-maintained infrastructure. With its balance of economic opportunity, cultural experiences, and a welcoming atmosphere, Duluth, GA, is an ideal place to settle down and enjoy life.