Director of Development

Position Summary

The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing a comprehensive, relationship-based fundraising strategy that drives sustainable revenue growth and advances the mission of Juliette Fowler Communities, a multi-generational community committed to supporting individuals and families through every stage of life with dignity, connection, and purpose. This role is primarily focused on major gifts, annual fund growth, and building meaningful relationships with individuals, families, foundations, corporations, and community partners. The Director of Development will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors with a strong emphasis on major gifts and transformational long-term engagement.

The Director of Development reports directly to the CEO and serves as the leader of the Development team, establishing a clear, fundraising-focused strategy that prioritizes donor relationships, growth, and accountability.

This role will lead the Development team, including staff responsible for donor stewardship, and database management, and ultimately lead a cohesive and healthy development operation aligned around fundraising outcomes.

This position requires a highly relational, mission-driven professional who is energized by connecting people to purpose and building authentic community.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy and Leadership

·         Lead the overall development strategy with a focus on growing philanthropic revenue

·         Create and manage a structured annual Development Plan, including clear goals, priorities, and performance metrics

·         Establish systems, processes, and reporting rhythms to support accountability and transparency in fundraising efforts

Team Leadership and Management

·         Lead and manage the Development team, including staff responsible for stewardship, donor relations, and database support

·         Provide clear direction, priorities, and accountability to ensure all team functions support fundraising outcomes

·         Foster a collaborative, high-accountability culture focused on results and relationship-building

Major Donor Engagement

·         Build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, with a focus on major gifts

·         Ensure donors and stakeholders clearly understand the mission, vision, and funding needs of the organization

·         Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors through consistent, relationship-driven engagement

·         Partner closely with the CEO to support the CEO’s donor portfolio and key relationships

Board and Leadership Engagement

·         Engage and equip the CEO, leadership team, and Board members in fundraising efforts

·         Support the Development Committee in driving strategy, accountability, and engagement

·         Provide tools, messaging, and guidance to help Board members participate meaningfully in development

Systems and Coordination

·         Maintain visibility into donor activity, fundraising progress, and donor portfolio management  

·         Utilize donor database systems to track engagement, manage portfolios, and inform strategy

·         Coordinate development efforts across the organization to ensure alignment and messaging consistency

Qualifications

This role should be filled first based on relational fit, alignment with the mission, and ability to build trust with donors and team members. Development experience is important, but secondary to the ability to connect, communicate, and lead within the culture of Juliette Fowler Communities.

·         Demonstrated ability to build authentic relationships that lead to trust, engagement, and ultimately financial support

·         Experience leading or managing people, with the ability to set direction and drive accountability

·         Strong understanding of development strategy, including donor lifecycle and major gift cultivation

·         Experience using donor database systems and managing donor information effectively

·         Highly organized, with the ability to set priorities, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines

·         Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate mission, needs, and impact

·         Alignment with the mission and values of Juliette Fowler Communities

Success for Development in Year 1 Looks Like

·         A clear and actionable Development Plan is in place, with defined goals, priorities, and regular reporting rhythms

·         A qualified donor pipeline is established, with defined portfolios and consistent movement from identification through stewardship

·         Meaningful relationships are built with key donors and prospects

·         The CEO and Board of Directors are actively engaged in development efforts, with clear expectations, tools, and accountability

·         The Development team is structured and aligned, with defined roles and a shared focus on supporting fundraising outcomes

·         Systems and processes are in place to track donor activity, measure progress, and improve communication

Increased clarity and confidence exist among leadership and stakeholders regarding development strategy, priorities,