Join our Team!
Development Director
Position Summary
The Development Director serves as a key member of the leadership team, responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive, year-round fundraising strategy to advance United Way’s mission and community impact. This role oversees individual giving, workplace campaigns, major gifts, corporate partnerships, digital fundraising, and donor stewardship. The Development Director works collaboratively with staff, board members, volunteers, and community leaders to grow resources, strengthen relationships, and inspire philanthropic investment across our six-county region.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Resource Development
- Lead the planning and execution of the annual campaign, including workplace giving, individual and major gifts, and digital fundraising initiatives.
- Strengthen and expand existing workplace campaigns while launching 10+ new campaigns annually.
- Build strong relationships with corporate, community, and university partners, including coordination of the IU campaign.
- Develop and implement strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and growth across all giving levels.
- Oversee donor stewardship and recognition efforts, including cultivation events and year-round engagement opportunities.
- Identify and pursue additional fundraising opportunities such as planned giving, sponsorships, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
Data, Planning & Strategy
- Set annual revenue goals and track progress through data-driven reporting and evaluation.
- Ensure high standards of data integrity and donor confidentiality within the donor database.
- Collaborate with the CEO, Board of Directors, and campaign volunteers to maximize outreach and fundraising effectiveness.
- Maintain policies and best practices for development operations.
Community & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with program staff to align fundraising strategies with community impact initiatives.
- Support grant applications and reporting in collaboration with the grants team.
- Represent United Way at community events and serve as an ambassador for the organization’s mission and values.
- Foster innovation by exploring new fundraising tools, platforms, and partnerships.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification a plus.
- Minimum 3–5 years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in annual giving, major gifts, and/or corporate partnerships.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, including comfort with digital communication platforms.
- Experience with donor databases and fundraising technology; CRM proficiency preferred.
- Strategic thinker with creative problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and to advancing United Way’s mission in the community.
- Reliable transportation required for travel across the region.
Work Environment
- Fast-paced office environment with flexibility for some remote work.
- Occasional evening and weekend commitments for events and donor engagement.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary starting at $50,000+, commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities, including training and leadership growth.
To Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter to randy@unitedwaysci.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until September 16, 2025.