Development Director

at Rainbows United, Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Development Director is responsible for securing and growing annual fund contributions and mid-level donor gifts to support the organization's mission and strategic priorities. This position cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual donors through meaningful engagement and relationship-building activities. The Development Director develops and executes fundraising strategies to increase donor retention, acquisition, and philanthropic support. Working closely with the Vice President of Philanthropy, this role assists with fundraising initiatives, campaigns, donor events, and other development activities that advance revenue goals. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (RESPONSIBILITIES)

• Partner with the Vice President of Philanthropy to develop and implement fundraising strategies that maximize philanthropic support, strengthen donor engagement, and achieve annual revenue goals.
• Manage a portfolio of annual fund and mid-level donors and prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding meaningful relationships that increase donor retention, engagement, and giving.
• Identify, cultivate, and pursue new individual, corporate, and community partnership opportunities to expand the organization's philanthropic support and advance fundraising objectives.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising initiatives and donor engagement activities, monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes to ensure achievement of established goals.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Philanthropy in developing comprehensive fundraising plans, budgets, timelines, and performance metrics for revenue-generating initiatives.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with individual donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen relationships and encourage ongoing involvement.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, sponsorship requests, donor communications, and other fundraising materials that effectively communicate organizational impact and funding needs.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual fund donor communications, including solicitation campaigns, stewardship initiatives, impact reporting, and donor recognition efforts designed to cultivate, retain, and upgrade supporters.
• Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising events, donor cultivation activities, and stewardship opportunities that enhance visibility, engagement, and philanthropic support.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor and fundraising records within Raiser's Edge, collaborating with the Data Specialist to ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and effective portfolio management.
• Track, analyze, and report fundraising activity, donor engagement, and campaign performance to inform strategy and support organizational decision-making.
• Serve as an active member of the Leadership Team and Philanthropy Department, contributing to organizational planning, cross-department collaboration, and a culture of philanthropy throughout the agency.

SKILLS

• Passionate about connecting people to the mission through authentic relationships and meaningful engagement with donors, colleagues, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to engage, inspire, and build trust with donors, stakeholders, and community partners through effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Collaborative team member who partners effectively with colleagues across the organization to connect donors with mission impact and create meaningful fundraising opportunities.
• Organized and strategic professional with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and develop creative solutions that advance fundraising goals.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to remain composed under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and navigate competing priorities with professionalism and care.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

WORK PACE: Self-directed, requiring requiring sound judgment, adaptability, and effective time management. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position operates in a professional office environment, utilizing standard office equipment.

The position requires flexibility in scheduling, including occasional evening and extended hours, to cultivate donor relationships, attend fundraising events, and support development initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sitting: 6 - 7 hours in an 8-hour work shift; may occasionally alternate to standing or walking.

Standing: 1 - 2 hours in an 8-hour work shift. Alternates to sitting on a frequent basis

Walking: 1/2 - 1 hour in an 8-hour work shift.

FREQUENCY:

• Never = 0%
• Rarely = 1 - 10%
• Occasionally = 11 - 33%
• Frequently = 34 - 66%
• Continuously = 67 + %

LIFTING:

• 1 - 10 lbs. | Frequently | Books, supplies, and files
• 11 - 20 lbs. | Occasionally | File boxes and copy supplies
• 20 - 35 lbs. | Rarely | Equipment and supplies

CARRYING:

• 1 - 10 lbs. | Frequently | Books, supplies and files
• 11 - 20 lbs. | Occasionally | File boxes and copy supplies
• 20 - 35 lbs. | Rarely | Equipment

Bending: Rarely 

Squatting: Rarely

Kneeling: Rarely

Climbing: Rarely - stairs (Frequently for multi-level facilities)

Grasping: Frequently 

Reaching: Occasionally 

Fine Manipulation: Continuously

Driving: Occasionally

Rainbows United, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.