Director of Development

Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center•Jacksonville, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing the organization’s fundraising and external communications strategy. This role focuses on grant writing and research, donor engagement, corporate sponsorships, and the development of compelling content to support organizational growth and sustainability. The Director of Development works closely with the CEO and leadership team to strengthen revenue streams, expand community partnerships, and ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all external platforms.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred; advanced degree a plus.
Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit leadership.
Demonstrated success in grant writing and securing funding from diverse sources.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
Experience in donor cultivation, corporate sponsorships, and relationship management.
Knowledge of marketing, communications, and digital engagement strategies.
Strong organizational, leadership, and strategic planning skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising or CRM systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the identification, and cultivation of grant opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
Write, prepare, and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting documentation.
Manage the full grant lifecycle, including tracking deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance.
Maintain a grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and follow-up.
Collaborate with program and finance staff to gather data, outcomes, and narratives for proposals and reports.
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan in partnership with the CEO.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors to support long-term engagement and giving.
Identify, solicit, and steward corporate sponsorships and community partnerships.
Create and oversee donor cultivation strategies, including meetings, events, and communications.
Monitor fundraising performance and adjust strategies to meet revenue goals.
Lead Special events creation, planning, logistics for 3 major annual events (Luncheon, Tennis Tournament and Summit)
Oversee the development of all external communications to ensure consistency and alignment with the organization’s mission and brand.
Create and manage high-quality written and visual content for fundraising and outreach purposes.
Develop newsletters, donor communications, and campaign materials in collaboration with Comms contractor and/or staff comms specialist
Ensure all content effectively communicates organizational impact and storytelling.
Oversee and guide social media strategy to enhance visibility, engagement, and donor outreach.
Ensure consistent, mission-driven messaging across all digital platforms.
Monitor performance metrics and recommend improvements to increase audience engagement.
Lead the creation of external collateral, including brochures, presentations, reports, and promotional materials.
Ensure all materials are professional, accurate, and aligned with branding standards.
Support media outreach efforts and assist in developing relationships with media partners.
Oversee the development of marketing materials for campaigns, events, and initiatives.
Work closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to align development strategies with organizational goals.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate representation of programs and impact.
Provide guidance and support to staff involved in development and communications efforts.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive donor and organizational information.