Director of Development

Position Summary:

Collier Youth Services, a human service and special education non-profit organization approaching its hundredth anniversary, seeks a dynamic and strategic Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts—the organization aims to raise about  $2 million annually to support its $20 million operations. The Director of Development will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, managing donor relationships, and leading development initiatives that align with the mission and vision of the organization. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to raise about $2 million annually through major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, events, and other revenue streams.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Identify new funding opportunities and expand the donor base to sustain and grow the organization’s financial resources.
• Collaborate with the grant writer to secure and maintain foundation and government funding.
• Plan and execute high-impact fundraising events, including annual galas, donor appreciation events, and community engagement activities.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors/Foundation Board to engage them in fundraising efforts, providing support and training as needed.
• Develop and implement donor recognition and stewardship programs to ensure long-term donor engagement and retention.
• Manage the development team, including staff and volunteers, to achieve fundraising goals and objectives.
• Oversee donor database management and ensure accurate and timely reporting of fundraising performance and donor engagement metrics.
• Maintain compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical standards.

QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY

Experience

• A strong track record of achieving tangible fundraising outcomes in a competitive field
• Senior leadership development and/or philanthropy experience in a nonprofit, educational, or public service environment (typically 6-8 years)
• Experience responding effectively to shifting and evolving fundraising priorities
• Experience cultivating and maintaining investors in a mission-driven organization
• Experience cultivating and securing major grants and/or high-net-worth individual investors

Desired Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the local/state/national nonprofit and advocacy stakeholders
• Strong Leadership Skills
• Skilled communicator and relationship-focused leader
• Commitment to CYS mission.
• Technologically savvy and knowledgeable, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Apps, Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang, Blackbauddev

Abilities

• Demonstrated track record in developing, communicating, implementing, and adapting a strategy in a constantly changing environment
• Demonstrated track record in developing and leading staff to achieve results
• Experience managing a cross-functional program team
• Ability to assess the organization’s strengths, gaps, and efficiencies, balancing the  health of the organization with programmatic needs and functions
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Ability to listen to others and communicate honestly, responsibly, and professionally verbally, written, and electronically
• Strong interpersonal skills; capable of working comfortably with a variety of individuals at all levels inside and outside the organization, including willingness to roll up one’s sleeves necessary to get the job done for special events and work with corporate volunteers
• Ability to perform several tasks concurrently with ease, effectively, and efficiently
• Commitment to impeccability and integrity

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to the Human Resource Director, cmato@collieryouthservices.org, by May 1, 2025. Collier Youth Services is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.