Development Director

Early Connections Learning Centers • Colorado Springs, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Our Community Engagement team manages the fundraising and marketing efforts for our organization. Our Development Director is a critical member of the team and leads the fundraising efforts of Early Connections to include general operating fundraising, capital campaigns, and special events. The inclination, skill, and ability to maintain a personal portfolio of principal, major, and planned gift donors are core expectations of this position.

Requirements

• Demonstrated successful experience in resource development and fundraising
• Experience cultivating relationships with individuals, businesses, foundations, and community partners
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare donor communications, proposals, reports and presentations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite and donor/customer relationship management systems
• Experience working within customer relationship management (CRM) databases such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or similar platforms
• Valid driver license and current auto insurance required
• Prior to employment, candidates must pass federal and state criminal and Colorado Department of Early Childhood background checks, pre-employment drug screen, and verification of employment and education.

Nice To Haves

• A relationship-centered development professional who builds authentic connections with donors, partners, staff, and community stakeholders
• A proactive, self-directed leader who takes ownership, follows through, and manages priorities with minimal supervision
• Strong judgment, discretion, and professionalism when representing the organization and handling sensitive information
• Mission-driven and aligned with Early Connections’ work, values, and long-term organizational success
• Able to balance strategy and execution — comfortable setting direction while also managing details, timelines, and follow-through
• Confident and compelling communicator who can tell the organization’s story in a way that inspires investment and engagement
• Collaborative and enterprise-minded, with the ability to work across departments and connect fundraising efforts to broader organizational needs
• Organized, dependable, and consistent in managing donor relationships, events, campaigns, grants, and reporting requirements
• Comfortable using data, donor systems, and fundraising metrics to guide decisions and strengthen development practices
• Professional, warm, and credible presence in the community
• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Knowledge of local philanthropic, civic, and business communities preferred
• Knowledge of state and national resources, grants, and foundations preferred

Responsibilities

• Serves as a champion for children by elevating the mission, values, and organizational culture
• Develops and drives execution of fundraising plan to meet all fundraising goals
• Maintains a personal portfolio of principal, major, and planned gift donors and must be comfortable with face-to-face solicitation
• Ensures successful oversight and stewardship of assets/resources
• Designs, implements, and administers donor acquisition programs to include special events, annual and capital campaigns, and specific program fundraising
• Conducts prospect identification, screening, and rating
• Prepares statistical reports related to all fundraising activities
• Designs, implements, and maintains legacy and major gift societies
• Manages donor recognition and relations to maintain donor retention rates
• Overseas and manages special events for donors
• Plans and executes the organization's major fundraising event
• Researches relevant external data, including information and statistics relevant to early childhood education, health needs, etc.
• Assists the VP of Community Engagement with tour requests, scheduling, and leading tours
• Performs other duties as required

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• 13 paid holidays scheduled in 2026
• Generous paid vacation
• 8 sick days
• 1 anniversary day
• Paid Family Medical Leave for qualifying individuals
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Medical insurance – ECLC pays up to 75% of employee premium
• Free Employee Assistance Program with up to 5 sessions per life situation
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Childcare Benefit
• Substantial discount for childcare: employees pay $25/week for children 3+ who are enrolled at Early Connections Learning Centers
• Tuition Reimbursement, Continuing Education and Training
• Tuition reimbursement of $150 per 3-credit hour course is available to staff enrolled in approved coursework in Early Childhood Education or related to their position and who maintain the required grade point average.
• Reimbursement may be available for pre-approved job-related certificate programs
• Other Insurance
• 100% employer-paid Basic Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Voluntary Short Term Disability Insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior