Director of Advancement

HR Synergy•Manchester, NH

About The Position

Are you a dynamic, mission‑driven fundraising and marketing professional ready to make a meaningful impact? Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Advancement to lead and elevate their development and marketing efforts. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role plays a critical part in strengthening fundraising systems, deepening donor relationships, expanding community outreach, and driving both philanthropic and earned revenue. If you are energized by building relationships, leading teams, and creating strategic growth, this opportunity offers the chance to shape the future of a historic and community‑centered organization. In this role, you will organize, support, and coordinate comprehensive fundraising and marketing initiatives while equipping the Executive Director and Board with the tools and information needed for successful donor engagement. The Director of Advancement will manage paid and volunteer team members, oversee donor stewardship, conduct prospect research, and help guide the organization toward long‑term strategic goals—including preparation for a future capital campaign. You will also partner closely with internal leadership and external service providers to design and implement a robust annual marketing plan that aligns with the organization's multifaceted revenue model.

Requirements

A motivated, visionary, and resourceful self‑starter passionate about advancing mission‑driven work.
A minimum of five years of successful nonprofit fundraising experience, including digital, event-based, and relationship-driven philanthropy.
Strong skills in donor prospect research, stewardship, and donor management systems.
Excellent communication, leadership, and decision‑making abilities, with the capacity to motivate staff, board members, and volunteers.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, donor database systems, and desktop publishing software.
Knowledge of effective marketing strategies across print, digital, and multimedia channels.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience managing or preparing for a capital campaign preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage annual fundraising and marketing activities, including creating and executing a development plan, timeline, and budget.
Serve as the staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, supporting prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Maintain consistent and effective communication with donors through personal outreach, mailings, and digital channels.
Coordinate donor meetings and cultivation opportunities for the Executive Director and Board members.
Manage your own portfolio of donor prospects, meeting established goals for stewardship and gift development.
Develop a comprehensive annual marketing plan in collaboration with staff leadership and external partners.
Conduct regular donor prospect research targeting individuals, corporations, and foundations.
Contribute to long‑range planning and identify future projects and funding needs tied to the strategic plan.
Lead internal efforts toward preparing a capital campaign to be launched within the next five years.
Hire, train, and supervise paid, volunteer, and contracted team members who support donor management, gift tracking, recognition programs, marketing, events, and grant writing.