Development Director

Resume and Pre-Interview Questions: 

To apply, we ask that you send a resume to Teiana Nakano, Human Resources Generalist at teiana@ampersandfamilies.org. We do not require a cover letter.  

This position will remain open until filled; however, an initial review of resumes will begin on December 9, 2024. 

Position Description: The Development Director will be responsible for maintaining a solid and sustainable philanthropic program to achieve the organization’s mission and growth goals. The successful candidate will be strategic, visionary, and skilled at hands-on fund development and communication activities and will work to incorporate the principles of community-centric fundraising into Ampersand Families philanthropic programming.   

The Development Director will have responsibility for all fund development initiatives and for achieving the organization’s fund development revenue goals. They will report to the Executive Director, will be a member of the Leadership Team, and will work closely with the Finance and Operations Director.   

Agency Summary: 

Ampersand Families provides permanency and adoption services to older youth and families who face barriers to equity in child welfare, and champions systemic changes that advance belonging, dignity and hope. 

We are seeking experienced professionals who are curious to understand the profound impact that child welfare intervention has on the lives of children, youth and families. An orientation of professionalism and humility that values continuous learning and commitment are requirements for successful employment at Ampersand Families.  

Ampersand Families is committed to doing our part to create a more equitable child welfare system. Ampersand Families provides equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, ethnic background, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital status, socio-economic status, status regarding public assistance, political affiliation, veteran status, other non-visible differences, and other protected attributes. 

Ampersand Families is proud to be an employer of choice with an organizational culture of excellence that embraces humor, learning, and collegial support. We employ professionals who are accountable for real outcomes for youth and families, and contribute to excellence in the programs designed to support them. 

Primary Duties: 

Annual Development Plan  

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, Finance and Operations Director, and board members, create a comprehensive annual development plan that supports the agency’s strategic plan  
• Implement the annual development plan, setting clear goals and meeting budget targets 
• Identify new and strengthen existing funding sources including individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, and others  

Donor Relationships/Individual Donors  

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of donor relationships  
• Strengthen individual giving through the identification of new donors, visits, research, and networking 
• Manage the life cycle of donors, from entry-level giving acquisition, to retention, to major giving  
• Manage donor stewardship plans and prepare gift acknowledgements and tax receipts for donors in a timely manner  
• First point of contact for all donation inquiries 

Events  

• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns and events for various donors and prospect audiences/attendees 
• Determine when an event is cost-effective when other strategies might be equally or more effective in meeting fund raising goals  

Grant Management  

• Develop and manage a comprehensive annual grant program, including identifying prospects and drafting letters of inquiry, proposals, applications, and reports 
• Identify government, corporate, and private foundation grant opportunities  

Communications 

• Create fundraising messaging (e.g. e-newsletters, social media, direct mail, annual reports, annual appeals, targeted campaigns, etc.) that increases awareness and expands giving  
• Utilize communication strategies to expand public awareness of our work as a strategy for growing the pool of contributors 

Database Management  

• Maintain a clean, accurate database and create consistent processes for gift entry, donor and prospect management, acknowledgements, and reports  
• Design, develop, and run regular reports such as revenue and cultivation reports   
• Analyze donor data 

Desired Characteristics and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience in marketing, fund raising, communications, business, or a comparable field   
• Minimum of 5 years of varied and successful fundraising, marketing, communications, or related experience   
• Demonstrated ability to solicit annual, major, and planned gifts, write successful proposals, and secure sponsors   
• In-depth knowledge of the philanthropic community and donor development trends and practices   Familiar with donor database software and management tools   
• Experienced in recruiting and engaging volunteers and board members in fundraising   
• Excellent written and oral communication skills   
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines, attentive to detail, and consistent in meeting goals and deadlines   
• Strong leadership and project management experience   
• Entrepreneurial, results-driven style and ability to identify and implement creative approaches to fund development  
• Excellent people skills and versatility to effectively build relationships with varied stakeholders   
• Personal and professional commitment to Ampersand Families’ mission, vision, and goals and to advancing the Agency’s commitment to antiracist practices   

Salary: $86,500-$106,000 

As part of our commitment to equitable hiring practices, we offer the highest starting salary based on an applicant’s qualifications that the agency is able to pay.  Therefore, we do not engage in salary negotiations at hiring. There is a 3% pay increase after successful completion of a 6 month probationary period. 

Benefits: 

Ampersand Families has a competitive benefit package, including Health, Dental , Vision, Life, and Long-term Disability Insurance; Retirement Plan, 20 Days of PTO (accrued per year; increases with each year of employment), 10 floating holidays plus Juneteenth and Election Day paid holidays, Paid Parental Leave, and Short-term Disability Bank (accrue 5 days/year of service).      

Before accepting an offer, candidate is given an opportunity to meet with current staff to get a further sense of the Agency culture and to ask any questions they may have.