Development Director

CEDAR VALLEY HOSPICE INC•Waterloo, IA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Development Director provides leadership for all fundraising, donor engagement, community relationships, and philanthropic initiatives. This role is responsible for building strong social connections throughout the community, increasing philanthropic support, overseeing fundraising campaigns and creating stewardship programs while leading major gift development, grant proposals and capital campaign efforts. The Development Director works closely with the Chief Growth Officer to execute strategies that increase donations, strengthen community relationships, and support organizational growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, communication, marketing, public relations, or related field or commensurate experience required.
At least 3 years’ experience in professional fundraising, preferably in a non-profit or health care setting preferred.
Proven success in major gift solicitation, donor cultivation, grant writing, and event management.
Experience in healthcare, hospice or mission-driven organizations preferred.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Strategic thinker with a results-oriented approach.
Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Proficient in fundraising databases, CRM systems, and digital fundraising tools.
Maintains a polished and professional appearance and conduct while representing the organization.
Creative, innovative, and resourceful in developing fundraising strategies and donor engagement initiatives.
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and move throughout the workday for extended periods.
Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, computer work, digital communications, and document preparation.
Ability to occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry materials such as laptops, event supplies, signage, or other equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to walk short to moderate distances within office locations, event venues, and community sites.
Must be able to navigate stairs, uneven surfaces, and variable environments when attending events or donor meetings.
Local travel by car is required; occasional regional or overnight travel may be necessary for conferences, trainings, or donor-related activities.
Sufficient visual, auditory, and verbal abilities to create, review, and interpret fundraising materials, reports, and communications.
Must effectively participate in team discussions, community presentations, donor meetings, etc.
Ability to navigate sensitive topics with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
Must demonstrate creativity, strategic thinking, sound judgment, and resilience while representing the organization and cultivating relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Frequent interaction with leadership, staff, donors, volunteers, and external partners.
Requires a polished and professional presence, adaptability across settings, and the ability to inspire, educate, and engage both internal and external audiences while upholding the mission, values, and integrity of Cedar Valley Hospice.
Pre-employment/post-offer physical, TB, and drug screen required.

Nice To Haves

At least 3 years’ experience in professional fundraising, preferably in a non-profit or health care setting.
Experience in healthcare, hospice or mission-driven organizations.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan.
Identify and cultivate major gift prospects and philanthropic partners.
Manage annual giving campaigns including direct mail, digital campaigns, and donor appeals.
Develop strategies to grow donor retention, acquisition, and engagement and increase long-term support.
Work with leadership on campaign initiatives, special funding priorities, and long-term philanthropic growth.
Build relationships with key donors and supporters through personal outreach and engagement opportunities.
Plan and oversee all fundraising events in collaboration with the Donor and Events Specialist, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, donor engagement strategies, and budgetary guidelines.
Assist in identifying sponsorship opportunities and donor cultivation activities connected to events.
Provide guidance and strategic direction for event execution while leveraging the Donor and Events Specialist for operational and logistical support.
Ensure events reflect the mission and brand of Cedar Valley Hospice and provide meaningful experiences for donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Collaborate on post-event evaluation, including donor follow-up, reporting, and identification of opportunities for future engagement.
Assist in planning and executing capital campaigns to support major organizational initiatives such as facility expansion or program development.
Coordinate campaign strategies including donor prospect identification, campaign timelines, and fundraising milestones.
Support the Chief Growth Officer and campaign leadership volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
Help prepare campaign materials including case statements, pledge documents, and donor recognition plans.
Coordinate campaign meetings, prospect briefings, and volunteer leadership engagement.
Oversee campaign stewardship and donor recognition efforts throughout the life of the campaign.
Serve as a primary ambassador for the organization within the community.
Build and maintain relationships with business leaders, civic groups, foundations, and community influencers.
Represent the organization at community events, networking meetings, and public engagements.
Identify opportunities to expand partnerships with local organizations, corporations, and community groups.
Coordinate community presentations and outreach efforts to increase awareness of hospice services and mission.
Strengthening the organization’s reputation and visibility through strategic relationship building.
Identify and research grant opportunities that align with Cedar Valley Hospice programs and initiatives.
Prepare, write, and submit grant proposals.
Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance.
Collaborate with program staff to collect data and outcomes necessary for grant reporting.