Director of Development

AGAPE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES INC•Memphis, TN

About The Position

Agape has a current opening for a Director of Development. In partnership with the Chief Development Officer (CDO), the Director of Development leads the implementation of Agape’s comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and expand the impact of our mission. This includes major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, special events, and capital campaigns. This leader cultivates meaningful relationships with donors, funders, and community partners, connecting their generosity to Agape’s mission of fighting poverty. The Director of Development embodies Agape’s core values in all actions and decisions. Grounded in the Science of Hope framework, the Director of Development inspires belief in what is possible, creates clear pathways for donor engagement, and empowers others to act with purpose toward a shared vision of flourishing families and thriving communities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, Social Work, or related field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience (at least 4 years in lieu of a degree), and a minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, sales, communications, or related fields.
Minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
Demonstrated success managing major gifts, donor relations, and institutional partnerships.
Proven experience in grant writing and managing relationships with charitable foundations.
Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills (written and verbal).
High energy, professional demeanor, and a passion for Agape’s mission, vision, and values.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, donor management software, and other software applications essential to this position.
Ability to manage multiple projects, work both independently and collaboratively, and meet deadlines.
Will be required to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed.
Must have an automobile available for business use and maintain a current driver’s license and current auto insurance with acceptable coverage levels.
Candidate must be willing to engage in Agape’s Performance Quality and Improvement (also known as Continuous Quality Improvement) standards of quality & excellence.

Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising & Donor Engagement Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors, connecting their passions to Agape’s mission and impact.
Build and manage a portfolio of at least 100 major donors and prospects capable of contributing $5,000 or more, ensuring consistent engagement and movement toward gift closure.
Engage at least 100 donors and prospects annually, tracking progress toward financial and relationship goals through data-informed dashboards.
Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer on all major fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and events.
Develop and implement strategies that expand donor retention, deepen engagement, and encourage multi-year commitments.
Achieve annual fundraising goals established in partnership with the Chief Development Officer, measured by total dollars raised, donor retention, and goal attainment.
Communications, Marketing, & Public Relations Partner with the Chief Development Officer and Marketing & Communications Committee to implement the annual communications plan, ensuring all materials reflect Agape’s brand, mission, and hope-centered storytelling.
Oversee creation of development-related collateral, including newsletters, donor appeals, event materials, annual reports, and impact updates.
Serve as a public ambassador for Agape, speaking at events and representing the organization in the community with professionalism and authenticity.
Leadership & Team Development Supervise and coach members of the Development team, providing guidance, professional development, and accountability aligned with Agape’s mission and culture.
Foster collaboration across departments, modeling Agape’s value of Interconnectedness by building bridges between Development, Programs, and Operations.
Ensure agency policies, procedures, and performance standards are communicated and followed within the Development team.
Contribute to Agape’s Performance, Quality, and Improvement (PQI) standards by using data to drive continuous improvement.
Strategic Planning & Collaboration Participate in the design and execution of Agape’s strategic plan and future planning processes, ensuring development priorities align with organizational goals and mission.
Develop and implement programs that cultivate deeper donor relationships through volunteerism, shared storytelling, and faith-based engagement.
Support board committees and serve on internal agency committees as assigned, offering leadership that reflects Agape’s mission, core values, and guiding principles.
Operational Excellence Oversee systems and processes to manage donor data, track fundraising performance, and ensure compliance with industry standards and internal policies and processes.
Maintain a flexible schedule to accommodate donor and community engagement, including evening and weekend events as needed.
Collaborate effectively with internal staff and leadership to foster trust, transparency, and shared ownership of fundraising success.
Will perform all other duties within the general scope of this position, as requested by the direct supervisor or other members of Agape Leadership.