The Director of Development will serve as a trusted thought partner to the CEO, helping translate Food Connect’s mission, strategy, and measurable impact into compelling philanthropic investments. This leader will build durable systems, elevate donor relationships, and cultivate a culture of clarity, accountability, and professionalism across the organization.

The Director will manage a small team, collaborate with Regional Directors, and work cross-functionally with Communications & Advocacy, and Finance to build a cohesive, compelling national fundraising strategy.

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Strategic & Institutional Leadership

• Partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership to architect and execute a multi-year revenue strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth plans.
• Translate long-term strategy into clear annual fundraising goals, KPIs, and operational plans, ensuring discipline and follow-through.
• Help strengthen Food Connect as an institution, ensuring fundraising systems are credible, transparent, repeatable, and scalable.
• Serve as a senior external ambassador for Food Connect with funders, philanthropic advisors, corporate partners, and sector leaders.
• Foster a culture that values clarity, preparation, and partnership.
  
  

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Fundraising Leadership: Develop and execute a robust, multi-channel fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, government grants, and innovative revenue-generating models.
• Market-Specific Support: Work closely with Regional Directors in each market to tailor fundraising strategies to local needs, leveraging regional networks to drive financial support.
• Major Donor & Corporate Engagement: Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, philanthropic foundations, and corporate partners to secure transformative gifts.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to support strategic introductions, donor meetings, and stewardship touchpoints.
• Government Grants & Contracts: Identify, apply for, and manage government funding opportunities, ensuring compliance and alignment with organizational goals.
• Innovative Revenue Models: Explore and implement fee-for-service models and other entrepreneurial funding strategies within the nonprofit sector.
• Collaboration & Leadership: Work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to align fundraising strategies with organizational objectives.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Oversee donor databases and reporting systems to track fundraising progress, measure impact, and refine strategies.
  
  

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Set and manage KPIs for fundraising efforts, including donor acquisition, retention, and growth.
• Oversee Development Manager and lead department strategy towards organizational goals
• Oversee the execution of high-impact donor campaigns, events, and annual fundraising initiatives.
• Ensure donor stewardship best practices to maintain and grow long-term donor relationships.

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• 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, major gifts, and/or institutional fundraising.
• Demonstrated success raising $3M+ annually through diversified revenue streams.
• Deep experience with major donors, foundations, and complex funding relationships.
• Strong strategic thinking paired with operational rigor.
• Comfort partnering closely with CEOs and Boards in high-stakes fundraising environments.
• Experience building or strengthening development systems within a growing organization.
• A leadership style grounded in calm, credibility, and trust.
• Strong leadership abilities with experience managing development teams.
• Ability to analyze and use fundraising data to drive strategy and decision-making.

• Paid Vacation Leave (10 days/year after 3 months)
• Paid Sick Leave (5 days after 3 months)
• Paid Birthday Leave (1 day/year after 3 months)
• Paid Work Anniversary (1 day/year after 3 months)
• 12 Paid US Holidays
• 4-week paid leave at 5-year work anniversary
• 401k benefits
• Healthcare benefits
• Work from home with as-needed in-person meetings
• Flex-time options
• Supportive work/life balance in a high-performing, friendly team environment

• PI Assessment
• 15 Minute Pre Screen Call
• Round 1 - 30 minute Interview: Skills assessment
• Round 2 - 60 minutes Deep dive into experience, your areas of excellence, your “Why"
• Round 3 - 45 minute Interview - Exploring goals, vision, core values
• Round 4 - 90 minute Interview - In-person, deep dive on organization, questions, fit