Director of Development

Title:                           Development Director

Reports to:                 Executive Director

Direct Reports:           N/A

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Sheltering Tree, Inc. is seeking a proven fundraiser and leader to serve as the next Development Director. The Development Director reports to the Executive Director and, as a member of the leadership team, directs the organization’s fundraising and public engagement efforts. With a primary focus on donor strategy, the Development Director leads the advancement team in development, communication, and brand management efforts. The advancement team serves to engage current and new supporters, increase financial investment, and build an increasingly strong and diverse network of stakeholders.

As the chief fundraiser, the Development Director spends considerable time cultivating and stewarding donors, partners, and prospects, representing Sheltering Tree publicly as an extension of Sheltering Tree’s executive office to secure major and transformational gifts for our work. When strategically necessary, the Development Director works with the Executive Director to cultivate and request major contributions and support from individuals.

Sheltering Tree is a thriving and innovative nonprofit that builds and operates affordable apartment communities for adults with developmental disabilities. With 120 planned apartments by 2026, including the upcoming Purple Martin Apartments in Elkhorn, Sheltering Tree continues to fill the gap in safe, supportive, and community-centered housing. The organization also offers impactful programs such as GOALS and the Activities and Enrichment Program, which empower tenants to lead self-determined lives while fostering connection, growth, and independence.

The Development Director collaborates with program staff to support funding needs and priorities and manages communications to ensure consistent branding, clear and targeted messaging, and strengthened relationships with supporters. Working closely with the Executive Director, the Development leads efforts to set and achieve annual and long-range fundraising goals, measuring progress throughout the year to ensure success.

This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Sheltering Tree offers an excellent benefits package, including unlimited PTO, a flexible work schedule, a combination of in-office and remote work, and a 403(b) matching plan.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develops and oversees the implementation of the Development Plan in consultation with leadership.
• Leads the execution and success of Sheltering Tree’s annual Gala, Golf Event, and other key fundraising initiatives, ensuring these events meet or exceed financial and engagement goals.
• Manages a portfolio of donors and prospective major donors by leading in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; maintains current documentation of activity.
• Plans and directs event strategy and logistics, including volunteer coordination, sponsorship acquisition, and donor recognition efforts.
• Develops and strengthens relationships with individuals, corporations, government agencies, and foundations.
• Delegates and oversees the creation of donor-related materials, including print and electronic appeals, stewardship communication, and meeting packets.
• Utilizes and manages donor management software/platform for tracking gifts and analyzing donor data.
• Collaborates with leadership to coordinate annual fundraising targets with organizational strategic objectives and budget.
• Provides timely notice to the Business Manager of impending gift requests to ensure clear accounting and procedures.
• Prepares or delegates preparation of written and verbal proposals, concept and informational materials, endowment and planned giving agreements, and other materials needed to secure major gifts.
• Solicits a measurable number of major gifts annually—in collaboration with the Executive Director—while growing a pipeline of new opportunities to support future major gift solicitations.
• Represents the organization publicly to strategically grow the community of stakeholders, working with staff to coordinate meetings and small-scale events as needed.
• In coordination with the Executive Director, creates opportunities to increase the visibility of Sheltering Tree across the state through partnerships, events, and special initiatives.
• Strives to secure funding from different organizations and individuals by researching, drafting, and submitting grant proposals. Maintains relationships with funders, donors, and community partners.
• Provides grant funding reports to supporting foundations as requested.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, maintaining personal networks, and exploring new ideas through professional growth opportunities.
• Provides guidance to staff reports and tracks performance against the development plan.
• Communicates regularly with the Executive Director to strategize about stewardship, prospecting, proposals, and appeals; evaluates areas needing focus and growth.
• Actively participates in leadership team meetings to strategize and position the organization for the future.
• Meets regularly with the Executive Director and Board members to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
• Coordinates with the Development Committee Chair to prepare for Board Development Committee activities and reports.

Education, Skills, and Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Proven track record of success in reaching and exceeding fundraising goals.
• Experience planning and executing major fundraising events.
• Strong organizational skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, including event logistics and donor relations.
• Proven ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize and motivate teams to achieve goals.
• Experience motivating and collaborating successfully with volunteers.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office software, especially Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to function in a flexible work environment where schedules and demands change regularly.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to develop relationships of trust and respect with staff, colleagues, volunteers, and donors.
• Commitment to building a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable community where all people can thrive.

📨 Apply Today!

Ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference? Send your resume and cover letter at denise@shelteringtreecommunity.org

Together, we’ll grow Sheltering Tree’s mission, one life-changing opportunity at a time.