Development Director

Position Summary

The Development Director directs all aspects of the school’s fundraising efforts for operations, programs, endowments, and capital needs and to secure its longevity. The position will report directly to the Executive Director, but will work very closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications. This is a full-time, exempt salary, and benefits eligible position. Hours include standard office hours M-F with occasional weekends and holidays.

Position Responsibilities:

• Work with the Executive Director and Director of Marketing and Communications to develop and execute goals, strategies, and tactics for annual fundraising and stewardship efforts, with a heavy but not exclusive emphasis on individual giving, including annual giving, major gifts, special events, and planned gifts.
• Work with Development Manager and other key staff and/or consultants to develop foundation and corporate giving/sponsorship strategy, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and reporting of all grant activity.
• Serve on senior leadership team, contributing to high-level policy and operational discussions.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and board committees to explore the feasibility and phasing of a major capital campaign, timing to be determined.
• Ensure maintenance of individual and institutional givers and prospect lists and activity using Raiser’s Edge software.
• Engage the Executive Director, other key staff, and occasionally, Board members, in donor cultivation, stewardship and appreciation.
• Develop and execute departmental budget.
• Oversee planning and execution of all major annual events and occasional ad-hoc events, including Fall Festival and events related to the Folk School’s 100^th Anniversary, which begins October 2025.
• Serve as a responsive staff liaison with the Board’s Development Committee, and offer training, information and other support for Board members as needs arise.
• Supervise Development Manager and Events Manager, and potentially additional staff in the future.
• Prepare regular reports for the board and Executive Director.
• This position will grow and evolve as fundraising activity increases, and as the organization positions for a capital campaign. The Development Director can expect growth in responsibilities and leadership expectations over the next three years.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area of study and at least 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with a constituent relationship management program or other database preferred; Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office’s program suite.
• Demonstrated success in a nonprofit development function expanding, cultivating, and managing existing Board and donor relationships over time and forging relationships with Board members, donors and prospects.
• Experience in basics of nonprofit operations including knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices.
• Experience identifying and successfully executing new development strategies and alternative revenue streams.
• Experience with on-line/digital fundraising techniques and the ability to work with marketing teams to execute these.
• Experience supervising other development professionals.

Position Skills/Aptitudes:

• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Excellent communicator with strong oral and written skills, with the ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and nonprofits to build long-term relationships.
• Extraordinary attention to detail and excellent time-management skills
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Ability to simultaneously conduct numerous projects
• Proven commitment and ability to meet strict deadlines
• Proven ability to close major gifts

Physical Demands

This position requires limited travel and the ability to drive a car. A current driver’s license is required. The position requires that the employee be able to walk unaided up and down hills and over uneven terrain, bend, stoop, and have use of fine and gross motor skills. The work of this position frequently requires the use of hands to handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move heavy objects or boxes, up to 40 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will stand and walk occasionally, and frequently sit and work at a computer for up to eight hours per day. Must be able to occasionally work weekends and holidays, as needed. This position requires fluency in English.

Pay & Benefits  

The pay range for this position is approximately $85,000. The Folk School offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, generous paid time off and two free classes annually. 

Applications  

To be considered for this position, please submit applications below online and include the following materials: 

Review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

John C. Campbell Folk School is an EEO Employer. EEO employers are committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.