Penn-Mar supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living courageous lives, whether that’s securing a job, being an active member of their community, building independence, or developing new relationships. We do this by supporting people on their own unique personal journeys. Penn-Mar provides an array of customizable services and supports to the Maryland and Pennsylvania regions.

This position reports directly to the Chief Development/Marketing Officer and working in conjunction with the Development/Marketing team and Executive Director of the Penn-Mar Foundation, The Director of Development leads the fundraising, planning, and execution of high-end events for donors, corporate sponsors, and influential community stakeholders, most importantly the high-profile annual gala. This position is a full-time role, and primary responsibilities include strategic fundraising for multiple benefit events annually, designing, managing and executing project and deadline management, team/committee management and building strong relationships with Board members, donors, corporate sponsors and other stakeholders. Some evening and weekend work is required.

Key Responsibilities/Essential Functions

• Design and oversee the organization’s fundraising events that raise significant amounts ($750,000 – $1,000,000) including the annual Gala, golf outing and various cultivation events to increase corporate and donor engagement.
• Proactively acquire and steward corporate support, individual attendees, and other potential supporters.
• In partnership with the Executive Director of the Penn-Mar Foundation and the Development/Marketing team, identify and steward high net worth individuals that have a strong possibility of becoming major and/or planned giving donors.
• Participate in strategic planning and budgeting as necessary.
• Lead the logistics and oversee the execution of the events along with support from the Development/Marketing team and the Executive Assistant to the CEO.
• Manage invitation strategy and implementation for all fundraising related events, oversee and approve communication and marketing materials, and event follow-up to achieve desired outcomes.
• Proactively use fundraising platforms to store and manage fundraising data, preferably Raisers Edge NXT and One Cause.
• Coordinate administrative activities including contracts and agreements with vendors and contractors.
• Partner with the Development/Marketing team to develop compelling fundraising collateral to support campaigns, events, and donor outreach.

Skills and Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function to a high professional standard. Ideal candidates will be organized, motivated, high-energy, hands-on self-starters who work well within a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional planning and organizational skills, results and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of fundraising cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques.
• Ability to influence and engage diplomatically with and engender the trust of donors, sponsors, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to move initiatives forward without all the answers up front.
• Flexible and adaptable work style with the ability and willingness to work outside of standard hours when required, manage competing demands, and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and proactively manage multiple priorities and projects with tight deadlines.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound judgement, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite as well as fundraising software such as Raiser’s Edge NXT and One Cause (or similar platform).
• Knowledgeable advocate for the disability community highly preferred.

Education and Experience

• 8 years’ experience in leading non-profit fundraising events for at least 500-700 guests.
• Bachelor's degree highly preferred, or a combination of education, training and transferable experience.

Additional Information

Starting Salary Range: $85,000 to $100,000 (salary commensurate with experience).

Additional compensation is possible for highly qualified candidates.

Schedule: Monday-Friday (Hybrid)