Colorado Nonprofit Association

Director of Development

Who We Are

At “I Have A Dream Foundation”, we provide individualized social, emotional, and academic support to young people from under-resourced communities from 1st grade all the way through college, along with guaranteed tuition support. We believe that when given equal access to the resources they need to succeed, all children can ignite their innate potential and achieve their dreams.

The Role

The Director of Development serves as a visionary and strategic leader responsible for planning, managing and executing strategic funding plans that grow revenue, broaden the donor base, and establish diversified, sustainable funding streams. This position supervises the Donor Relations Manager, Marketing & Communications Manager, event and grants contractors while overseeing the $4M revenue budget.

Collaborating closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Executive Team, this role ensures fundraising and marketing strategies align with the organization’s mission and long-term goals. As a senior leader, they foster a positive work environment and culture of philanthropy, while leading the development team to maximize their strengths and potential. This role is instrumental in shaping the organization’s visibility, impact and long-term success.

Strategy and Leadership

• Collaborates with the CEO to identify and implement innovative strategies that align with the organizational strategic plan, aiming to diversify and sustain funding sources while cultivating current donors and stakeholders.
• Acts as the primary liaison between the development team and the Board of Directors, ensuring clear communication, regular updates on fundraising progress, and alignment on strategic development initiatives.
• Partners with Board of Directors Committees and the Executive team to develop comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategies, enabling the Development team to effectively execute campaigns and events that support donor cultivation, major gifts, and organizational visibility.
• Creates and implements initiatives that align with the organization’s mission and vision to enhance fundraising efforts, including securing prospect introductions, supporting events, and leveraging industry relationships.
• Mentors, coaches, and leads the Development team to achieve strategic fundraising goals, overseeing all fundraising and marketing initiatives.

Donor Growth and Retention

• Identifies and nurtures relationships with like-minded foundations and corporations to establish long-term financial partnerships that support programming
• Develops strategies for reaching new individual donors through targeted marketing efforts, focusing on geographic and demographic expansion.
• Enhances donor diversity by attracting a broader range of donors, sponsors, and individual gifts.
• Maintains a portfolio of individual donors, family foundations, corporate donors, and major donors, conducting direct, face-to-face solicitations.
• Works with staff to track and grow the Dreamer Scholar Sponsorship program with current and new donors.

Events

• Staff liaison to Event Contractor for annual events: golf tournament, donor appreciation event and fundraising luncheon.
• Manages all event budgets
• Sets fundraising goals and strategy for each event
• Works with team to secure corporate sponsorship, increase attendance and hit revenue goals

Marketing & Communications

• Oversees the development, strategies, and effective communication and marketing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Leads the development of fundraising strategies that drive all communications and collateral.

Grant Management

• Oversees the grant application process, ensuring timely and accurate submissions to foundations, government entities, and other grant-making organizations.
• Ensures compliance with all grant requirements and manages the reporting process for grant-funded projects.

Financial Oversight

• Manages the development budget, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to support fundraising initiatives.
• Monitors financial performance and prepares regular reports on fundraising outcomes for the CEO and Board of Directors.

Data Management and Analysis

• Utilizes fundraising software and donor management systems (Salesforce) to track donor engagement and analyze fundraising performance.
• Provides insights and recommendations based on data analysis to improve fundraising strategies and outcomes.

Who You Are

• You are both an innovative strategist and creative storyteller, exceptional at building connections that inspire action.
• You’re a go-getter and self-starter! Managing competing priorities and deadlines is where you excel.
• You can pivot on a dime, juggling both big-picture vision and detailed execution within a fast-paced environment.
• You’re a mentor and coach able to bring out the best in your team.
• You truly believe that education is key to breaking cycles of inequality and unlocking potential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in successful nonprofit development/fundraising, or a related field (e.g., business sales/public relations).
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor cultivation, including securing major gifts and managing donor relationships.
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders, including donors, board members, and volunteers.
• Proficiency in using donor management software and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect).
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management and financial reporting.
• Ability to analyze data and metrics to inform decision-making and measure fundraising effectiveness.
• Strong marketing and communications skills, with experience in developing collateral and outreach materials.

Additional Requirements

• Knowledge of grant writing and grant management processes.
• Experience in organizing and managing fundraising events and campaigns.
• Ability to represent the organization at public events and serve as an advocate for its mission.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Understanding and knowledge of allyship, commitment to DEI and an openness to learn.