Advancement Director

Granite State Independent Living•Concord, NH

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is seeking a motivated, passionate Advancement Director who believes the best fundraising happens in the community. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys getting out of the office, building new relationships, strengthening existing ones, and confidently inviting donors and sponsors to invest in work that truly matters. The Advancement Director is responsible for driving GSIL's overall fundraising, donor engagement, and advancement strategy. This highly visible leadership role focuses on cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations to achieve budgeted fundraising goals and support long‑term organizational sustainability. By providing strategic direction, ensuring cohesive messaging, and fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization, the Advancement Director will help position GSIL for long‑term growth, financial stability, and mission impact. This role requires frequent in‑state travel-both independently and alongside GSIL team members-to meet donors, represent GSIL in the community, and actively grow support. Success in this position comes from connecting with people face‑to‑face and nurturing meaningful community relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field (master's degree preferred)
Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and/or advancement leadership
Proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships
Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences
Proficiency in donor database management and Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment

Nice To Haves

master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to achieve annual and long‑term budgeted contributed income goals
Provide advancement‑related input, data, and recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer
Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and long‑term relationships
Lead and grow GSIL's grant strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, submission, reporting, and compliance
Research, develop, and implement innovative fundraising strategies to ensure a diversified and sustainable funding stream
Manage and analyze donor data to track progress, inform strategy, and strengthen donor partnerships
In coordination with the COO, identify and pursue new funding sources and business development opportunities to expand programs and services
Engage in frequent in‑state travel-independently and with GSIL team members-to attend donor meetings, cultivation visits, networking events, community presentations, and other activities that increase visibility and support fundraising goals
Perform other related duties as assigned to advance GSIL's mission and development goals