Community Development Director

Exceptional Persons Inc • Waterloo, IA

2d

About The Position

Lead Community Impact with Purpose – Join a Mission That Changes Lives At EPI, we don’t just talk about impact, we live it every single day. Since 1957, we’ve been connecting people, creating opportunities, and nurturing growth for individuals with disabilities and families across our community. Our work is grounded in four core values: People, Stewardship, Creative Cooperation, and Integrity. These values guide every decision we make and unite our team around something bigger than ourselves. The Leader We’re Looking For We are seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Community Development Director to advance the philanthropy and partnerships that make EPI’s mission possible. This role provides leadership and hands‑on execution across fundraising, donor engagement, grants, and community outreach, ensuring sustainable support for agency priorities. If you are a development professional who thrives on building meaningful relationships, storytelling, and community connection, this role offers the opportunity to create lasting impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, public relations, human services, or related field. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Five 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, business development, marketing, or sales.
• Strong relationship‑building, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or travel for events.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to pass required background checks.

Nice To Haves

• Experience cultivating individual, corporate, and foundation donors preferred.
• Grant writing or grant management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and execution of EPI’s annual fundraising plan, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grants, and special events.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and community partners through strong relationship management.
• Strengthen community visibility by serving as a key ambassador for EPI with donors, businesses, and stakeholders.
• Oversee fundraising campaigns, donor engagement events, and community partnerships.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities, support proposal development, compliance, and reporting.
• Ensure strong development operations, including accurate donor data, gift processing, reporting, and collaboration with Finance.
• Partner across teams to communicate mission impact and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
• Uphold ethical fundraising standards and donor confidentiality.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans (even pet insurance!).
• Generous paid time off.
• 401(k) employer match up to 6%.
• Free telemedicine and virtual counseling.
• Immediate employee discounts (gym memberships and more).
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• A mission‑centered environment where your work truly matters.
• A values‑driven, people‑first culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, and integrity.
• A supportive, relationship‑focused workplace where your ideas are welcomed and your contributions are recognized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees