Director of Development

Summary: The Director of Development is a driving force behind the Ugandan Water Project’s fundraising strategy and execution. This visionary leader oversees multi-faceted revenue generation efforts to fuel the organization’s growth and impact.

Serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Development builds and stewards meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders while working alongside the Development team to exceed ambitious fundraising goals.

With a passion for securing major gifts and a focus on strategic positioning, this role ensures that every opportunity to advance the mission of transforming lives through clean water is maximized.

About the Ugandan Water Project: The Ugandan Water Project exists to see Uganda liberated from the bondage of waterborne disease and poverty. We leverage the transformative power of clean water to empower Ugandans using our synergistic, three-tiered approach:

Building infrastructure that relieves immediate water insecurity today,

Developing sustainable water enterprises that keep clean water flowing tomorrow,

Supporting the establishment of national systems that will ensure safe water flows forever.

In collaboration with government, NGO partners, and the private sector, the Ugandan Water Project blends philanthropy, market-based approaches, and advocacy to catalyze innovation and rapidly respond to evolving needs in Uganda’s water sector.

Reports To: CEO/Founder

Supervisory Responsibility: external Marketing Contractor, skilled volunteers, interns

Key Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for overseeing the strategy and implementation of multi-faceted fundraising efforts, creating revenue to support the growth of the Ugandan Water Project over time. This role sets the direction for and collaborates closely with the Development team. The Director of Development oversees an external Marketing Contractor to amplify UWP’s fundraising efforts and effectively mobilize UWP’s donors through compelling media and messaging.Fundraising (60%): Working across the spectrum of demographics, creating a robust donor strategy, and implementing the yearly fundraising plan that supports current operations and continues to fuel expansion efforts over time. The Ugandan Water Project has a $2M annual budget for the coming year with the goal of reaching $4M by 2027.

The Director of Development will:

• Develop the pipeline for high-potential, mission-aligned major donors and corporate partners.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors, specifically focusing on multi-year, five and six-figure gifts.
• Grow membership in our giving circles, The Tide and The River.
• Own the strategy and ultimate execution for all fundraising efforts, including three annual fundraising campaigns, three annual events, and all other contributed income streams.
• Develop a recognition program that delights and connects our donors to the important members of our team, partners, and communities we serve through stories, photos, and updates.
• Refine or create systems to support powerful fundraising efforts, including maintaining philanthropy data system (Salesforce) functionality.

Leadership and Strategy (10%): We are looking for a leader who can identify opportunities to magnify the impact of our fundraising and communications. This high-level role sits on our leadership team to develop strategy, innovate solutions, and participate in periodic roadmap meetings to develop/refine UWP’s Strategic Plan.

• Be a key member of the leadership team to guide strategy, implementation, and collaboration between staff.
• Collaborate with the Program team and Operations team, and an external marketing contractor to advise on areas of impact/positioning that would contribute to UWP’s revenue development.
• Engage with the Board of Directors in their role as fundraisers for the organization.

External Relations (15%): Working with the leadership team and an external Marketing Contractor, create and leverage opportunities to authentically and strategically engage with funding partners.

• Attend conferences or events where current or prospective funding partners are present.
• Develop opportunities to partner with our funding partners on things such as co-presenting at events, soliciting input for strategic initiatives, developing engagement activities with partner employees or stakeholders, and offering ambassador trips to Uganda, among other activities.
• With CEO/Founder, look for opportunities to build strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations to enhance the image, visibility, and credibility of UWP.
• Contribute to the sector influencing effort, together with the CEO/Founder and leadership team.

Management (15%): This role will directly manage an external Marketing Contractor, skilled volunteers, and interns, and is responsible for the work output.

• Provide management direction and support, and adjust work process changes.
• Recruit and retain skilled volunteers and interns to support the Development team. Engage and direct skilled volunteers and interns to make a productive and meaningful contribution through their efforts.
• Oversee relevant budgeting, reporting, and analysis on a regular basis.

You’re a Great Fit If:

• You have experience in successfully working alongside a team of diverse, committed individuals
• You have a passion for transforming lives through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
• You exhibit integrity and discretion
• You connect deeply and build trust effortlessly
• You communicate clearly and effectively
• Your enthusiasm is contagious and drives the mission forward
• You’re a self-starter with a great work ethic
• You’re an exceptional team player
• You drive for results, are bottom-line oriented
• You are a process-driven leader who systemizes and gets the most out of resources
• You enjoy navigating unforeseen challenges and working through ambiguity
• You’re an out-of-the-box creative thinker who thrives on innovation to ensure mission success
• You’re only satisfied when the job is completely finished
• You have an unwavering attention to detail and high levels of organization

Required Skills/Qualifications:

• 5 years of development experience with increasing responsibility, tangible positive results, and a proven track record of building a successful major gifts or corporate partner pipeline.
• 2 years of people management.
• Demonstrated fluency with authentic relationship development and moves management.
• Outstanding communication skills and the ability to represent the organization in person, on screen, and in writing.
• Positive attitude and energy and the ability to work collaboratively across teams and departments with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• A high level of focus and goal-oriented drive.
• Ability to set and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong project management experience that drives efficiency and excellence.
• A passion for staying up to date with development best practices and applying that knowledge
• Fluency with Google Suite.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Background in non-profit international development or WASH programming.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
• Experience with planned giving, capital campaigns, brand partnerships, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, Asana, iWave Kindsight, MailMeteor, MailChimp, Give Lively, Giving Block, Canva, Adobe, Figma, and the EOS Framework.

Travel: Travel for meetings with current and prospective partners, travel to the US Office for major fundraising events, and travel to Uganda is expected.

Location: Remote office-based for those already in, or willing to relocate to, the Rochester, NY area. At this time, we are only considering candidates who are eligible to work in the United States without the need for company sponsorship now or in the future.

Compensation Range: $50,000 - $65,000

Contact: Express your passionate interest in joining our team by emailing Alex at alex@ugandanwaterproject.com. Use the subject line: I’m the perfect Director of Development! Please include a current résumé or CV as well as any relevant links to online materials.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off
• Parental leave

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lima, NY 14485

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000