Director of Development
Position Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, the Director of Development will serve as the operational and managerial lead of the Development Department. High-level responsibilities include managing 2-4 direct reports, collaborating with the CEO and Sr. Director to create an annual development plan and strategy, managing a portfolio of mid-level annual donors, maintaining, and innovating the department's stewardship initiatives, implementing, and managing the development plan and calendar, and leading the financial operations of the department. The Director will be an experienced user of a development database, will have demonstrated skill in finance and budgeting, and have a strong understanding of the needs and interests of donors and prospects. This position will be an integral part of molding the philanthropic culture of PathForward's Development team. Some evenings and weekends are necessary to attend community, fundraising, volunteer, and other philanthropic events to further the agenda of the development department. This position will sit at our office in the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington, VA. This role is hybrid, in-office 2 - 3 days per week. Some weekend and evening work required to attend community and donor events.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising and Development

- Collaborate with the CEO and Sr. Director to create and execute a comprehensive development and communications plan.

- Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, with a focus on growing and converting them to major donors.

- Develop and maintain a pipeline of new monthly donors through active community engagement.

- Oversee donor database maintenance, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

- Implement donor segmentation strategies for targeted communications and fundraising efforts.

- Project manage the departmental development and communications calendars.

- Represent PathForward at external events to engage with donors and the community.

- Manage donor inquiries and refer them to appropriate staff members.

- Cultivate and steward foundation donors.

- Develop grant proposals and ensure compliance with grant requirements.

- Research funding opportunities and manage the work of a contracted grants specialist.

Department Finances

- Develop and execute an annual giving plan to meet financial targets.

- Make high-level decisions on department finances and provide strategic direction.

- Utilize donor database and financial tracking programs for regular performance analysis and reporting.

Department Management

- Provide operational supervision, coaching, professional development, and mentorship to 2-4 direct reports.

- Collaborate with other departments to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals.

Qualifications and Skills

- Dedication to PathForward's mission and values, with a strong desire to exceed fundraising goals.

- Proven financial knowledge and acumen, preferably in a fundraising and development setting.

- Ability to persuasively articulate PathForward's mission and funding needs to donors and the community.

- Strong analytical skills and expertise in development data.

- Confidence in managing donor research, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal processes.

- Proven project management experience in a nonprofit or similar setting.

- Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

- Ability to respond strategically and effectively in a fast-paced environment.

- Strong team player with a high level of professionalism and integrity.

- Ability to manage confidential materials with discretion.

- A "go-getter" attitude.

Experience and Education Requirements:

- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in fundraising and/or development, preferably in a nonprofit organization.

- Minimum of 2 years of experience in managing projects and people.

- Experience with a donor database and CRM required (PathForward uses DonorPerfect).

Physical Requirements

- Occasionally required to lift up to 25 lbs.

Application Process

If you are a passionate and strategic development professional looking to make a significant impact, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and qualifications.