Role: Senior Director of Development
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Category: Full-Time/Exempt
Location: In-Person in Birmingham, Alabama
Position Summary
The Senior Development Director is a pivotal leadership role responsible for advancing the organization’s mission by designing, executing, and overseeing comprehensive donor development and fundraising strategies. This position will lead the Engagement Team, fostering innovation and collaboration to achieve significant growth in donor engagement, philanthropic revenue, and long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate is a dynamic leader with proven expertise in fundraising, relationship management, and strategic planning, committed to advancing Christ’s kingdom through impactful nonprofit work.
It is the duty of the Senior Development Director to hold to the mission, vision, and core values of the organization. The Senior Development Director must be willing to sign the Statement of Faith. The Senior Development Director reports directly to the COO and is responsible for upholding the policies as set forth by the Board of Directors. The responsibilities of the Senior Development Director include, but are not limited to the duties defined in this responsibility description.
Specific Responsibilities: Key Areas of Responsibility
1. Strategic Fundraising Leadership
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Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
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Oversee the creation of annual revenue projections and budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
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Establish and track performance metrics for fundraising programs to measure success and identify opportunities for growth.
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Establish goals for building a pipeline of recurring donors and supporters, leveraging innovative approaches and strategies.
2. Donor Development and Stewardship
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Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and churches, ensuring meaningful engagement and long-term investment.
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Develop and execute strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and upgrading, with a focus on major gifts and planned giving.
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Lead the development of personalized donor stewardship plans that communicate impact and foster ongoing support.
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Work collaboratively with other teams to integrate donor engagement efforts across all organizational touchpoints.
3. Leadership and Team Development
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Provide strategic oversight and mentorship to the Engagement Team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and accountability.
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Set clear goals and objectives for team members, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and professional growth opportunities.
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Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including the CEO, COO, CFO and Board of Directors, to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
4. Events and Campaign Management
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Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, campaigns, and donor experiences that inspire engagement and generosity.
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Lead innovative initiatives to expand fundraising efforts, including digital campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, and corporate partnerships.
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Ensure all campaigns and events align with the brand and mission.
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Coordinate efforts to maximize giving through seasonal campaigns and special initiatives.
5. Communications and Advocacy
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Collaborate with the marketing team to develop compelling fundraising collateral, donor impact reports, and communications that inspire action.
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Serve as an ambassador, representing the organization’s mission and vision to external audiences.
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Develop and deliver presentations, proposals, and reports for donors, partners, and board members.
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Build and manage relationships with key external stakeholders and networks.
6. Data-Driven Strategy and Analysis
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Use data analytics to drive decision-making, identify donor trends, and optimize fundraising efforts.
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Implement tools and systems to track and evaluate donor engagement and campaign success.
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Provide regular reporting on progress toward fundraising goals, identifying risks and opportunities.
Key Deliverables
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Achieve annual fundraising revenue goals to sustain and expand programs in Uganda.
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Increase the number of major donors and multi-year commitments, ensuring a diversified and sustainable funding base.
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Build and maintain a robust donor pipeline with documented engagement and stewardship strategies.
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Deliver successful execution of fundraising campaigns and events, with measurable outcomes and positive donor experiences.
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Provide quarterly reports to the COO, CEO and Board of Directors on fundraising performance, metrics, and strategic initiatives.
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QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Education:
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Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
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Experience:
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Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and donor stewardship.
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Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising targets in a leadership role.
Requirements:
This role requires an organized, self-initiator who is goal driven and can communicate effectively through multiple channels with key constituents to help build relationships and encourage support.
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Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
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Strong leadership and team management abilities, with experience mentoring and developing high-performing teams.
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Proficiency in donor management systems (e.g., Neon, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and fundraising technology.
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Passion for the organization’s mission and a demonstrated commitment to Christ-centered leadership.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Working Conditions:
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This position requires occasional evening and weekend work for events and donor meetings.
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Travel may be required domestically and internationally, including trips to Uganda.
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Ability to work in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment with flexibility and adaptability.
Employees choose to participate in our grace-based environment by:
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Modeling Christ-like attributes and values though actions, words, and attitudes
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Maintaining a safe, transparent and healing environment that is based on grace, truth, love, trust and authenticity without fear
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Embracing the accountability process that leads to personal self-evaluation
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Teaching and mentoring children, volunteers, and peers in every opportunity by using Biblical precepts
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Building healthy, loving, and compassionate relationships with children, volunteers, visitors, and staff while establishing healthy and safe boundaries
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Maintaining a personal lifestyle of integrity, honesty, and responsibility
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Praying with children, volunteers, guests and staff
Compensation
The organization provides eligible staff members with competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
Benefits
The organization offers staff members a comprehensive benefits program, including:
Medical Insurance; 401K; Life Insurance; PTO; Paid Holidays; Short/Long-term Disability; Continuing-Education Training; Maternity and Paternity Leave Policies;
Other employee-elected benefits
For questions or to apply, contact recruiter@brightstreetsolutions.com
Bright Street Solutions provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination.