Director of Fundraising & Partnerships

National Association of Convenience Stores • Alexandria, VA

13d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Fundraising & Partnerships will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the NACS Foundation by designing and strategically leading and executing all fundraising initiatives and cultivating long-term relationships with major donors and corporate partners. This position is responsible for securing financial contributions and expanding philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and federal and local government grants, directly supporting all the NACS Foundation’s signature programs and pillars—Response Relief, Future Fund, and Neighborhood Nourish—and expanding our reach in communities nationwide.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, or related field. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising or development with national or multi-program nonprofits, with a proven track record of designing and executing successful campaigns, securing major gifts, cultivating donor relationships, and achieving significant revenue targets. Demonstrated success in corporate partnership development, sponsorship acquisition, and familiarity with donor-advised funds, matching gift programs, and workplace giving strategies.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams and collaborate effectively with executive leadership.
• Communication & Organization Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve problems, and adapt to changing circumstances in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in fundraising and donor management software/CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud, ProTech, HubSpot), Microsoft Office Suite, data analysis, and digital platforms for fundraising.
• Networking: Strong networking abilities and an established network within the philanthropic or corporate community are a plus.
• Passion: A strong passion for the Foundation's mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid or remote work environment.
• Proven ability to manage a fundraising portfolio with annual revenue targets of $500K–$1M+.
• Knowledge of or interest in the convenience & fuel retailing industry is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) certification.
• Experience with donor stewardship strategies and planned giving.
• Experience with public-private partnerships or cause marketing campaigns is desired.
• Experience with grant writing and foundation/corporate grant applications preferred, though not a primary function of this role.

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing annual plans and comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and events to meet annual revenue goals and ensure the Foundation’s financial sustainability. Work closely with the Board of Advisors and relevant Committees to expand the organization’s donor network.
• Relationship Management: In partnership with the NACS Foundation’s Executive Director, identify, cultivate, and solicit and steward major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations—building strong, sustained relationships and national sponsorship with key stakeholders.
• Partnership Building: Fostering strategic alliances and collaborations with community partners and businesses to drive support and expand the Foundation's impact and reach.
• Team Leadership: Leading, mentoring, and managing a team of fundraising professionals and volunteers on the NACS Foundation’s Fundraising Committee, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. Collaborate with the Fundraising Committee Chair to drive committee strategy, recruit new members, and increase engagement to help meet fundraising goals.
• Oversight and Evaluation: Overseeing the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns and events (including donor appreciation events and annual campaigns), managing our donor database, monitoring key performance metrics, analyzing data and trends to refine strategies, and regularly reporting on progress to executive leadership and the NACS Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
• Strategic Communication: Collaborate with the marketing team and key Foundation committees to develop compelling narratives, proposals, impact reports, appeals, donor. acknowledgement, presentations, giving campaigns and other communication materials to resonate with current and potential donors, and articulate the organization's mission and impact.
• Compliance: Ensuring all fundraising activities adhere to legal and ethical standards and reporting requirements.
• Support execution of the Foundation's "Top 25" major gift prospect strategy, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-value donor relationships.
• Support execution of the Foundation's "Top 25" major gift prospect strategy, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-value donor relationships.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Manager