Director of Development

Director of Development

Location

Southeastern Region of the U.S., Remote

Reports to Executive Director 

Overview:

Higher Purpose Hub is a 501c3 nonpartisan nonprofit intermediary based in Clarksdale, Mississippi, created in 2016.  HPH’s mission is to improve intergenerational economic opportunity across the Mississippi Delta. Our work focuses on Business Ownership, Arts & Culture, Food & Agriculture, Health & Wellness, and Capital Access. HPH utilizes education, grantmaking, and storytelling to create impact. Learn more about our organization by visiting www.HigherPurposeHub.org.

Job Responsibilities:

The Director of Development (DOD) oversees the initiation, coordination, and administration of executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to advance the Higher Purpose Hub’s mission and goals.  This position is a key leadership role, as it involves identifying, cultivating, and securing corporate sponsorships, charitable and corporate foundation grants, and individual giving for the sustainability and growth of Higher Purpose Hub. The position entails working closely with the Executive Director and Board Members to steward new and existing donor relationships and serving on the Leadership Team. This role will also supervise any consultants or graduate students to ensure the effective execution of fundraising tasks.

We believe you will thrive if you love fundraising, strategizing, and solution-solving while continuously looking for ways to execute, build, and improve fundraising efforts while having fun and impacting the world.

Key job responsibilities will include tasks listed below and duties assigned by the Executive Director:

Foundation Grants & Philanthropic Giving (35%)

• Identifying and pursuing charitable and corporate foundation grants to support Higher Purpose Hub programs and operations.
• Developing compelling grant proposals, working closely with the Executive Director and Finance & Operations team to align funding requests with program needs.
• Ensuring timely grant reporting, working with the Finance & Operations team to collect financial and impact data for funders.
• Researching and cultivating relationships with foundation leaders and grant-making organizations.
• Collaborating with the Executive Director, who leads government grants and contracts, to ensure a cohesive funding strategy.

Corporate Sponsorship & Partnerships (35%)

• Updating and implementing a corporate sponsorship strategy to secure funding and in-kind contributions from businesses.
• Identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding corporate partners, ensuring alignment with their CSR goals and marketing objectives.
• Creating compelling sponsorship proposals and customized partnership packages.
• Working closely with the creative team to ensure sponsorship visibility and benefits are fulfilled.
• Tracking and reporting sponsorship deliverables, ensuring a high level of engagement and retention.

Fundraising & Donor Stewardship (15%)

• Collaborating with the Executive Director, Leadership team, and board members to set and achieve annual revenue goals.
• Identifying and cultivating new revenue opportunities, including cause marketing campaigns, matching giving programs, and team & board giving initiatives.
• Leading development efforts alongside the Executive Director to secure at least $3 million annually.
• Supporting efforts to increase individual and major gifts from volunteers and supporters.
• Maintaining accurate records in the donor database and providing reports on fundraising progress.

Supervision & Team Leadership (10%)

• Serving as a member of the Leadership Team, collaborating closely to execute the overall strategy and operations for the organization.
• Supervising and supporting consultants to ensure the successful execution of fundraising events and initiatives.
• Managing and mentoring a part-time graduate student, providing guidance on development operations and donor stewardship activities.
• Fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the development and communications team.

Events & Donor Engagement (5%)

• Leading sponsorship efforts for fundraising events, ensuring corporate engagement and revenue targets are met.
• Planning and executing donor cultivation events, networking opportunities, and site visits to engage corporate partners.
• Ensuring meaningful donor stewardship, acknowledging contributions, and fostering long-term relationships.

Desired Qualifications:

• Resident of Southeastern Region: MS, LA, AR, AL, GA, TN, KY, SC, NC, FL, VA, WV
• Master’s Degree in Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Philanthropy or a related field; CFRE preferred
• Minimum of 4 years experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, and marketing/communications, preferably in the nonprofit sector
• Successful fundraising track record of securing a minimum of $1 million is required.
• Must be a proficient and fluent writer.
• Excellent storytelling, branding, and public relations skills.
• Strong relationship-building, organizational, communication, public speaking,  negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Strong customer service background and mindset, including compassion and the ability to work with diverse people.
• Strong ability to anticipate needs, identify opportunities, develop long-term plans, and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Computer proficiency required in Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience in grant writing, event sponsorship, donor cultivation, and CRM database management.
• Must exercise discretion when handling confidential information related to donors and funders.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA and other federal, state, and local standards. 
• Ability to lift and carry 20-30 pounds occasionally and climb stairs.
• Ability to talk, type, listen, and speak clearly in person, on telephone and video-conferencing platforms, including social media platforms.

Application Process: 

Phase 1: After submitting the application, cover letter, and resume the top applicants will proceed with the first round of interviews via Zoom. Phase 2: Three final applicants will proceed with background checks, reference verifications, and drug tests. Phase 3: Includes one week of paid time to work with the ED on creating a development plan to better understand their role and the organizational culture.  For more info contact Jasmine Cunningham, Director of Operations at 662-592-1388 or jasmine@higherpurposeco.org.

Compensation and Benefits: 

This is a full-time, 100% grant funded, exempt position. The salary range is $53,000-$63,000 with a competitive benefits package that includes 75% company-paid medical, 100% paid dental and vision, long-term disability coverage, flexible paid time off, professional development stipend, 401K with up to 3% company match, a flexible work schedule including working remotely, 14 paid holidays, four weeks of self-care PTO, annual team wellness retreat, relocation allowance, and more. 

Culture: 

Higher Purpose Hub consists of  a team of changemakers who co-collaborate daily to craft a unique company culture centered around intentionality, teamwork, agency, celebration, and authenticity.

EOE Statement: 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Higher Purpose Hub does not discriminate against applicants or employees due to their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, physical ability, hairstyle, previous incarceration, or length of time spent unemployed. We intentionally work to ensure our staff reflects our mission and the community of members we serve.

Salary : $53,000 - $63,000