National Director of Development

National Director of Development

About Comfort Zone Camp

Comfort Zone Camp (CZC) is an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, primary caregiver, or significant person. Established in 1999, CZC offers free bereavement camps, primarily for individuals aged 7 to 17, providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can process their grief and connect with others facing similar challenges.

The camp programs are designed to help participants build resilience and coping skills through a combination of traditional camp activities and therapeutic group sessions. Activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and team-building exercises are integrated with “Healing Circles,” which are led by trained grief facilitators/mental health professionals. These sessions offer campers a space to share their experience and emotions, fostering a sense of community and understanding.

CZC operates camps in locations across the United States, including California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia. Each camp is staffed by trained volunteers and mental health professionals who ensure a support and safe environment for all participants. In addition to camp programs, CZC provides resources and support for families and caregivers, recognizing that grief affects entire communities.

Over the years, CZC has served thousands of children and families, emphasizing the importance of addressing grief in a compassionate and understanding setting. The organization’s commitment to providing free services ensures that financial barriers to not prevent children from receiving the support they need during challenging times.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the National Director of Development (NDD) will have primary responsibility for shaping, implementing, and leading a comprehensive fundraising strategy to elevate the organization’s fundraising success and significantly expand its philanthropic footprint.

The NDD will provide strategic direction and oversight for all fundraising channels including special events, annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, and grants from foundation and family offices. Additionally, the NDD will oversee and mentor a dedicated team of development professionals, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes excellence and accountability.

As an integral part of CZC’s senior leadership team, the NDD will collaborate closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders to align fundraising goals with the strategic priorities and mission of the organization. CZC has a strong preference for candidates to live in or relocate to the Richmond, VA market.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a robust fundraising strategy aligned with CZC’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Provide leadership and supervision to the development team, consisting of a Development Director, Development Manager, and Development Coordinator, ensuring clear goals, effective collaboration, and high performance.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and prospective donors, partners, corporations, foundations, and family offices.
• Identify, solicit, and steward major donors and develop personalized engagement plans to deepen donor commitment.
• Oversee the planning and execution of CZC’s fundraising events, ensuring events meet or exceed revenue goals and foster community awareness and engagement.
• Expand and manage corporate partnerships to drive sustainable funding and strategic growth.
• Research and apply for grants from foundations and family offices and ensure compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Implement data-driven approaches to fundraising, tracking key performance indicators to measure effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Collaborate with the CEO and leadership team to ensure alignment of fundraising goals with organizational priorities.
• Serve as a compelling ambassador for CZC at external events, speaking engagements, and community initiatives.

Candidate Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (CFRE or CAP) preferred.
• 7 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising and development with demonstrated ability to raise $2.5 million and grow revenue year over year.
• Proven track record of success in securing major gifts, managing high-profile events, and securing corporate and foundation grants.
• Exceptional leadership, team building, and management skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building capabilities.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.
• Passion for and commitment to the mission of Comfort Zone Camp.

POLICY AND PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and Comfort Zone Camp are equal opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against based on age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.