Colorado Nonprofit Association

Director of Development

Position Overview:

The Director of Development (DoD) will be a key leadership position responsible for advancing Har Hashem’s fundraising efforts and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of our vibrant community. The Director will be tasked with developing, managing, and executing a comprehensive development strategy that includes annual giving, capital campaigns, major gifts, special initiatives, and grant funding. This role will also play a critical part in cultivating a culture of giving, engaging both new and established donors, and building strong relationships across the community.

The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the board leadership and senior staff to identify funding priorities, implement fundraising strategies, and engage the Har Hashem community. This position requires an experienced, dynamic, and self-motivated development professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to achieving long-term goals for the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy Development and Execution

• Lead the development and execution of Har Hashem’s fundraising strategy, including the Annual Campaign, Capital Campaign, Legacy Society, Special Initiative projects, and grant opportunities.
• Create and implement strategies to meet and exceed fundraising goals across all giving levels.
• Develop and manage a donor stewardship plan to cultivate long-term relationships and increase donor retention.

2. Major Donor Engagement and Cultivation

• Identify and engage high-potential major donors, ensuring regular and meaningful communication.
• Personally cultivate relationships with current and prospective major donors, identifying new opportunities for giving and legacy gifts.
• Work closely with board leadership, senior staff, and lay leaders to facilitate major donor solicitations.

3. Board and Volunteer Engagement

• Partner with the board of directors and senior staff to ensure their active involvement in fundraising efforts.
• Support and guide board members in their roles as fundraisers, including providing training and tools to enhance their effectiveness.
• Organize and implement donor cultivation and stewardship events to engage and recognize donors.

4. Donor Communications and Outreach

• Develop compelling fundraising materials, including case statements, donor appeals, newsletters, and other communication pieces that reflect Har Hashem’s mission and impact.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of donor acknowledgments, ensuring timely and personalized recognition for all levels of giving.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure a cohesive and consistent messaging strategy across all fundraising platforms.

5. Development Operations and Reporting

• Manage the donor database, ensuring that donor records are accurate, up-to-date, and leveraged for personalized outreach.
• Track fundraising progress and report on the success of campaigns and initiatives to senior staff and board leadership.
• Prepare and present regular reports on fundraising activities, goals, and outcomes.

6. Grant Writing and Management

• Research and identify new grant opportunities to secure funding for special initiatives and operational needs.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals, working closely with senior staff to align funding priorities with programmatic needs.
• Manage the reporting and stewardship of grant funding to ensure compliance and strong relationships with funders.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s preferred).
• At least 5 years of professional fundraising experience, with a proven track record in major gifts, annual giving, and capital campaigns.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, preferably in a faith-based or community-driven organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, board members, and community leaders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messaging and proposals.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor management software, and campaign tracking tools.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
• A passion for the mission of Har Hashem and a commitment to fostering a culture of philanthropy within the community.