Director of Development

Job Overview We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Development to lead our fundraising, relationship management, and outreach efforts within a dynamic nonprofit organization. The ideal candidate will be a natural connector and networker. They should have a high degree of emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal, relational and listening skills. We seek a colleague who is a highly collaborative team-player and a self-starter. We seek a candidate who is an outstanding listener and communicator with strong presentation skills and the ability to connect, engage, motivate and inspire others. This leadership role requires a proactive individual capable of fostering partnerships, managing databases, and enhancing our organization’s visibility through innovative marketing and public relations initiatives. The Director of Development will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by cultivating donor relationships, overseeing fundraising campaigns, and ensuring sustainable growth. Duties Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals. Lead grant proposal writing efforts, including research, data collection, and compliance with funding requirements. Oversee all aspects of events management, including planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events and community outreach initiatives. Cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community stakeholders through effective relationship management and public relations strategies. Coordinate digital marketing campaigns to promote events and initiatives. Manage social media accounts and website content to increase visibility and engagement. Lead volunteer management efforts to support fundraising activities and community programs. Develop budgets for development projects and monitor expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility. Collaborate with internal teams on marketing strategies, research initiatives, estate planning opportunities, and other fundraising activities. Represent the organization at public events, conferences, and community meetings to enhance visibility and foster strategic partnerships. Qualifications Proven experience in nonprofit management or related fields with a focus on development or fundraising roles. Strong skills in event planning, proposal writing (including grant proposals), negotiation, and digital marketing. Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders effectively. Knowledge of social media management platforms and email marketing tools. Experience in budgeting, research methodologies, public relations, volunteer management is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to develop strategic plans that align with organizational objectives. Exceptional written communication skills for proposal writing and reporting purposes. Requirements Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field required Minimum of 1 year experience in fundraising, marketing, planning special events and public relations Strong writing and computer skills required Abilities Plus is an organization with an orientation towards growth, learning and education so we look for team members who demonstrate flexibility and a growth mindset. The director of Development will contribute to a positive work environment, finding personal and professional alignment with the Agency's mission to promote opportunities that result in independence and active decision making for people with disabilities and their families. Abilities Plus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of Abilities Plus to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour Benefits: 403(b) Dental insurance Dependent health insurance coverage Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance Education: Bachelor's (Required) Experience: Fundraising, marketing, event planning or public relations: 1 year (Required) License/Certification: Driver's License (Required) Work Location: In person