Director of Development

About the Position

The Director of Development oversees all Project SAGE fundraising efforts. They are responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, grants and special events. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and volunteer committees to develop fundraising goals and strategies, and will manage a team of fundraising professionals.

Project SAGE works 37.5 hours a week. This is a full-time exempt position. 

This position reports directly to the Executive Director and directly supervises the part-time Development Associate and full-time Events Coordinator (position to be filled later in 2024).

Philanthropy Context: 

With a current annual budget of $1.5 million, Project SAGE has recently experienced significant growth and has a strong foundation—both in terms of reputation and revenue generation—on which to continue to increase their impact.

Last year, the agency raised 36% of its revenue from individual and institutional donors, 35% from state and federal funding, and 29% from their nationally acclaimed annual event called Trade Secrets, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in May 2025. Project SAGE’s committed Board of 16 members actively engages in fundraising, with 100% Board participation in giving and willingness to reach out to their networks and assist in the thoughtful identification, cultivation, and stewardship of donors. In addition to partnering with the full Board of Directors on fundraising, the Director of Development will also collaborate closely with two active committees, the fund development committee of the Board and the Trade Secrets Underwriting committee, as well as be involved with other volunteer committees.

In February 2022, Project SAGE moved to a new space with increased capacity for client services and staff needs. They are now embarking on the second phase of the building renovation and plan to continue to leverage the enthusiasm for the project, which will be a focus of fundraising in the coming year. Given compelling fundraising opportunities and a significant base of donors and prospects, Project SAGE is poised to strengthen philanthropy in both the near and long term. The Director of Development will play a critical role in this growth and in supporting a philanthropic culture of hospitality and generosity. 

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and Implement a Comprehensive Fundraising Plan including an annual development plan and calendar.
• Manage and lead a team of fundraising professionals
• Work closely with a variety of volunteer committees 
• Identify and work with Project SAGE’s grants writing consultant, and help provide leadership and oversight for grant writing including research, narrative strategy, and editing.
• Manage the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of new and existing donors, develop meaningful and authentic donor relationships to ensure sustained and increased support.
• Manage a personal portfolio of 100-150 major gift-level donors
• Facilitate and organize donor meetings with the Executive Director
• Working with a marketing/communications consultant, create effective donor communications and development materials.
• Oversee and complete a special “Phase 2” 1.2 million dollar fundraising campaign to renovate the second half of our new building, some of which has already been raised and pledged.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• Work to identify and oversee a move to a new donor tracking system
• Guide and manage all aspects of annual giving appeals which includes: fall annual appeal, winter holiday outreach, Trade Secrets Underwriting winter appeal and spring LYBUNT appeal.
• Expand and diversify Project SAGE funding sources 

Special Requirements: 

• Obtain and maintain certification as a domestic violence counselor per CGS 52-146k (Project SAGE provides training).
• Maintain client confidentiality subject to Project SAGE’s confidentiality and mandatory reporting policies and the provisions of CGS 52-146k privileged communications between domestic violence counselors and victims.

General Requirements

• Participate in Project SAGE community outreach efforts.
• Attend and participate in Project SAGE staff meetings and trainings.
• Perform other agreed upon projects and duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Key Qualifications

• Enthusiasm about working and collaborating with a small team at a mission-driven  organization.
• Calm and steady with superior networking skills a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal working relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, community groups, and stakeholder groups from many backgrounds.
• Ability to exercise a high level of discretion in both internal and external interactions
• Self-motivated and self-directed to complete tasks in a timely and accurate manner
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Meticulous attention to detail with superb organizational skills
• Prioritizes clarity and accuracy in all communications
• Diligent in follow through with a growth mindset
• Systems thinker with hands on experience with donor database software, as well as Microsoft office suite and Google calendar. 

Key Experience:

• Knowledge and experience in the ever-changing evolutions in the field of philanthropy, including trust-based philanthropy, the rise of AI and technology, investing in the workforce and operations and engaging millennials and gen Z in philanthropy.
• Demonstrated history in effectively mentoring and developing direct reports
• 5 years of non-profit fundraising experience
• Experience in grant research and writing proposals
• Successful track record of identifying, soliciting, and securing 4-6 figure gifts
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent life experience, professional designation as a Certified Fundraising executive a plus
• Demonstrated success in developing and overseeing budgets and ensuring on-time, on-budget implementation
• Possess a working knowledge of and sensitivity to issues regarding nonprofit organizations to ensure compliance with all legal and fiscal management requirements related to the solicitation of funds.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $78,000-$84,000. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be determined commensurate with experience, competencies, and skillset. Project SAGE has a comprehensive benefits package, including a 4% retirement match, expansive health insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, 12 paid holidays and four weeks of vacation annually. To view the living wage in Litchfield County, visit the MIT Living Wage Calculator. 

The position is locally based. All work will be on site. Project SAGE is currently undergoing initial exploratory work around remote work possibilities. The Director of Development should have the ability to travel as needed in their scope of service to Project SAGE; therefore, a valid driver’s license and current certificate of insurance is required.

How to apply:

Please send your resume and a short cover letter or video explaining why this position appeals to you at this point in your life and career to careers@project-sage.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications will begin to be reviewed immediately. 

Project SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, learning, intellectual disability, learning disability, physical disability (including, but not limited to, blindness), present or past history of mental disability, having opposed or complained of such conduct believed to be discriminatory (i.e., retaliation), genetic information, prior conviction of a crime, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances. Project SAGE’s management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to any of its activities, including but not limited to selection of its volunteers and vendors, recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs and general treatment during employment.

Research indicates that men apply for jobs when they fulfill an average of 60% of the criteria, while individuals from historically underestimated communities tend to apply only if they meet every requirement. Project SAGE is committed to creating, maintaining, and learning about a diverse and inclusive working space and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.