Director of Development

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County seeks an experienced and dynamic individual to serve in a critical role as Director of Development. The Director of Development will lead fundraising strategies to support the organization’s strategic plan and annual fundraising goals to grow revenue significantly beyond its current $2.3M annual budget.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all the organization’s fundraising initiatives, including the annual fund, major gifts program, planned giving, special events, and capital campaigns.

The ideal candidate will be a confident, collaborative, hands-on, and results-oriented leader who can articulate clear and compelling cases for support and to ensure the growth and vitality of Habitat. They will have a passion for affordable housing and enjoy meeting face-to-face with donors to share this exciting work to solicit, close, and steward their financial support.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will provide leadership for one direct report and one indirect report and will have the following primary responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Create and execute a comprehensive $2M+ annual fundraising plan to achieve annual fundraising goals to support the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring steady growth and sustainability over the next 3-5 years.

• Cultivate new sources of revenue by creatively and strategically expanding the existing donor base, with an increased focus on major and planned giving.

• Oversee the grants program with a focus on key activities including research, relationship building, proposal writing, tracking, and completing reporting requirements.

• Develop and maintain an annual development calendar with relevant dates for solicitations, appeals, applications, renewals, stewardship reporting, and events.

• Collaborate with Executive Director on the preparation of annual operating plans and long-term financial strategy to support strategic activities.

Donor Relations & Cultivation

• Maintain a portfolio of 100+ individual donors and prospects with a capacity of $1,000+ gift potential, targeting a specific annual fundraising goal.

• Create individualized cultivation plans for each donor to retain or upgrade donors and gifts. Use annual events and volunteer opportunities as incentives for engagement.

• Demonstrate curiosity about prospects and donors, asking insightful questions to understand motivations for substantial giving and adapt engagement strategies as needed.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board Development Committee, facilitating communication, strategy, and collaboration to support fundraising goals.

• Collaborate with Board members and fundraising volunteers to develop strategies, plans, and materials to support their efforts to cultivate, solicit, and provide stewardship to prospects/donors.

• Create and offer a variety of ongoing board and volunteer fundraising engagement opportunities.

Data Management & Compliance

• Develop and maintain a donor database (Blackbaud eTapestry), utilizing data analysis to inform fundraising strategies and decision-making.

• Manage systems for timely execution of donor acknowledgments and ensure donor benefits are fulfilled.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to fundraising and development activities.

Marketing & Communication

• Compassionately articulate Habitat’s story, mission, impact, and goals.

• Develop and oversee organizational communication strategies, ensuring consistency in messaging to donors, prospects, and the general public.

• Create compelling content and marketing materials to enhance donor engagement and promote key fundraising events, organizational activities, and impact.

Leadership

• Provide direction, motivation, and support to a small development team, fostering a positive, collaborative work environment that drives results.

• Set clear goals and expectations, promoting accountability within the team to achieve fundraising targets and uphold the organization’s mission and values.

• Lead by example in demonstrating a commitment to the organization’s mission, serving as an inspiring and effective ambassador for the organization internally and externally.

• Support professional growth and development opportunities within the team, encouraging best practices and continuous learning.

Professional Development & Innovation

• Stay current on best practices and trends in nonprofit fundraising and development, implementing new ideas and strategies as appropriate.