Director of Development

Laurel House•Norristown, PA

5d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

Laurel House is seeking a dynamic, innovative, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead its fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, and community partnership efforts. This role is a leadership opportunity to shape fundraising strategy, expand philanthropic support, strengthen community relationships, and lead a dedicated team in advancing the mission of supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. The Director of Development plays a vital role in securing the philanthropic resources and community partnerships that help sustain and strengthen this work.

Requirements

Five to seven years of experience in fund development, with knowledge of the full fundraising cycle.
Demonstrated success meeting annual fundraising goals and securing gifts from individuals, major donors, foundations, and corporations.
Experience developing and managing fundraising programs, donor portfolios, and philanthropic relationships.
Demonstrated ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors and prospective supporters.
Experience supervising employees, volunteers, or fundraising teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare compelling fundraising materials and deliver effective presentations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish strong, productive relationships with Board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
Strong planning, organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and donor database systems.
Flexibility, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
A collaborative, results-oriented approach to leadership and fundraising.
Successful completion of required background clearances, including child abuse history, criminal history, FBI clearances, and driving record checks.
Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and required automobile insurance.
Consistent access to a working vehicle.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor's degree is preferred. However, priority will be given to relevant experience and a demonstrated record of fundraising success.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and management for Laurel House's comprehensive fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and community engagement efforts.
Develop and implement strategies to expand philanthropic support and advance organizational priorities.
Supervise the Development Associate, Donor Relations Specialist, two Thrift Shop Managers, and the Administrative Assistant in connection with development-related responsibilities.
Lead the development and implementation of annual and long-term fundraising plans to increase philanthropic support.
Research and implement strategies to identify, prioritize, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors and prospective donors.
Collaborate with organizational leadership to establish annual revenue goals for each funding stream.
Monitor fundraising progress and adjust strategies as necessary.
Partner with leadership to identify organizational funding priorities and align fundraising activities with agency needs.
Develop and oversee individual giving initiatives.
Manage a portfolio of existing major donors and identify, cultivate, and solicit new major gift prospects.
Develop and implement strategies to secure gifts at all levels and strengthen annual giving results.
Partner with the Board's Funds Development Committee to implement and expand Laurel House's Planned Giving Program.
Lead planned giving promotional strategies, prospect research, donor stewardship, and relationship development.
Develop and implement engagement and recognition opportunities for members of the 1980 Legacy Society.
Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward corporate partners and prospective corporate donors.
Build meaningful relationships with businesses, community organizations, faith communities, civic groups, and other potential supporters.
Identify opportunities to expand philanthropic partnerships and engage new community supporters.
Represent Laurel House at community events, public forums, and external engagements.
Collaborate with management staff and Board committees to strengthen communications and increase Laurel House's visibility.
Develop and periodically update compelling cases for support.
Oversee the development of agency publications, including annual reports, newsletters, brochures, and other fundraising and communications materials.
Support a consistent, mission-aligned organizational brand across communications and outreach activities.
Provide fundraising-related website content and oversee the website's donation section.
Support a brand-aligned social media strategy and develop fundraising-specific social media content.
Serve as a representative of Laurel House at public forums and before public audiences.
Serve as a backup media spokesperson.
Support Laurel House's signature fundraising events.
Coordinate with key staff to strengthen donor experiences and maximize opportunities for philanthropic engagement.
Arrange donor cultivation and stewardship events.
Ensure third-party event hosts and sponsors receive appropriate acknowledgment and continued relationship-building support.
Oversee the accurate and timely maintenance of Laurel House's donor database.
Ensure donor records include appropriate data entry, contact notes, solicitation activity, and stewardship information.
Prepare segmented donor reports and other fundraising reports.
Monitor donor engagement and fundraising results.
Prepare reports for the Board of Directors.
Work closely with the Board of Directors and Funds Development Committee to achieve annual fundraising objectives.
Support Board engagement in donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and philanthropic outreach.
Collaborate with leadership to align fundraising strategies with the agency's financial and programmatic priorities.
Provide information, updates, and reports to support effective decision-making and fundraising accountability.
Provide leadership, training, support, supervision, and performance evaluations for assigned employees and volunteers.
Establish clear expectations, support professional development, encourage collaboration, and promote accountability across the development team.