Summary
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director oversees all fundraising and stewardship efforts, including major gifts, and leads the creation, execution, and evaluation of strategic fundraising initiatives to advance the agency’s mission by cultivating donor relationships, securing diverse revenue streams, and driving sustainable growth. This position has two direct reports.
Take a look at our 2025 Impact Report!
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Proven track record of at least 5 years in fundraising, donor relations, or development leadership roles, preferably in a statewide or mission-driven nonprofit
Strong leadership and ability to inspire and collaborate
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to cultivate
A passion for our mission and the ability to communicate that passion to others
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant field or certification in fundraising (e.g., CFRE)
Familiarity with New Jersey’s demographics and philanthropic landscape
Strong experience in writing and securing large-scale grants
Responsibilities A. Fundraising & Revenue Generation Donor Prospecting, Cultivation, and Stewardship
Conducts research to identify new donor prospects and segments based on capacity and affinity
Maintains a dynamic prospect pipeline and uses data to prioritize outreach
Regularly engages in qualification meetings and donor discovery
Prepares tailored cultivation and stewardship plans
Leads donor meetings and builds lasting relationships through thoughtful engagement and follow-up
Customizes stewardship to align with donor motivations
Major Gifts Strategy
Crafts individualized strategies for major gift donors
Conducts major gift solicitations and consistently closes major gifts
Prepares materials and donor briefings with attention to alignment and impact
Foundation Strategy & Execution
Researches and identifies foundation grant opportunities
Develops and manages a grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and follow-ups
Writes compelling proposals, compiles program and financial data, and completes all reporting requirements accurately
Fundraising Strategy and Execution
Creates, implements, and evaluates a year-round fundraising plan
Oversees fundraising campaigns using segmentation, personalization, and KPIs
Continuously refines strategies based on data and donor feedback
B. Communications & Outreach Storytelling & Case for Support
Collaborates effectively with the Communications Department to develop and communicate a compelling case for support tailored to diverse audiences
Integrates storytelling, data, and impact metrics in donor communications
External Relations
Represents the organization at community events and builds partnerships to elevate visibility and fundraising opportunities
Leverages networks and community relationships to drive philanthropic engagement
C. Organizational Leadership Strategic Planning
Participates in organizational strategic planning and sets measurable fundraising goals.
Develops multi-year revenue projections and adjusts strategies proactively based on results
Team Leadership & Management
Delegates tasks with clarity and provides coaching
Leads productive meetings and fosters a collaborative, mission-driven team culture
D. Systems, Data & Operations Data & CRM Management
Maintains accurate donor records and uses CRM tools for segmentation, donor journey mapping, and reporting
Analyzes giving trends and uses a data-based method to inform strategy
Compliance, Budgets & Reporting
Collaborate with the Operations Director to craft and monitor the department budget, and ensure donor intent is honored
Process & Workflow Optimization
Documents and refines internal fundraising processes for consistency and efficiency
Uses technology and systems to manage deadlines, enhance productivity, and anticipate operational needs
Universal Responsibilities
Maintain knowledge of and compliance with the agency’s Personnel Manual
Maintain all relevant professional standards, including ethics and confidentiality and all applicable certifications and licenses
Engage in professional development activities
Provide outstanding customer service
Collaborate with other departments on various projects to support the agency’s mission
Represent Autism New Jersey in the community where appropriate
Participate in agency events and other activities as directed
Notes This is a 40-hour-per-week position that is exempt from rules. The work week is typically Monday – Friday 8am-5pm and subject to approval by the Executive Director. The schedule may occasionally include weekends and evenings and may vary depending on the agency’s needs.
Benefits Include:
Hybrid work opportunity
Medical/dental insurance
Generous paid time off and holidays
SIMPLE IRA with up to a 3% match
An inspiring and passionate team that values compassion, collaboration, and impact
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Take a look at our 2025 Impact Report!
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Proven track record of at least 5 years in fundraising, donor relations, or development leadership roles, preferably in a statewide or mission-driven nonprofit
Strong leadership and ability to inspire and collaborate
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to cultivate
A passion for our mission and the ability to communicate that passion to others
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in a relevant field or certification in fundraising (e.g., CFRE)
Familiarity with New Jersey’s demographics and philanthropic landscape
Strong experience in writing and securing large-scale grants
Responsibilities A. Fundraising & Revenue Generation Donor Prospecting, Cultivation, and Stewardship
Conducts research to identify new donor prospects and segments based on capacity and affinity
Maintains a dynamic prospect pipeline and uses data to prioritize outreach
Regularly engages in qualification meetings and donor discovery
Prepares tailored cultivation and stewardship plans
Leads donor meetings and builds lasting relationships through thoughtful engagement and follow-up
Customizes stewardship to align with donor motivations
Major Gifts Strategy
Crafts individualized strategies for major gift donors
Conducts major gift solicitations and consistently closes major gifts
Prepares materials and donor briefings with attention to alignment and impact
Foundation Strategy & Execution
Researches and identifies foundation grant opportunities
Develops and manages a grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and follow-ups
Writes compelling proposals, compiles program and financial data, and completes all reporting requirements accurately
Fundraising Strategy and Execution
Creates, implements, and evaluates a year-round fundraising plan
Oversees fundraising campaigns using segmentation, personalization, and KPIs
Continuously refines strategies based on data and donor feedback
B. Communications & Outreach Storytelling & Case for Support
Collaborates effectively with the Communications Department to develop and communicate a compelling case for support tailored to diverse audiences
Integrates storytelling, data, and impact metrics in donor communications
External Relations
Represents the organization at community events and builds partnerships to elevate visibility and fundraising opportunities
Leverages networks and community relationships to drive philanthropic engagement
C. Organizational Leadership Strategic Planning
Participates in organizational strategic planning and sets measurable fundraising goals.
Develops multi-year revenue projections and adjusts strategies proactively based on results
Team Leadership & Management
Delegates tasks with clarity and provides coaching
Leads productive meetings and fosters a collaborative, mission-driven team culture
D. Systems, Data & Operations Data & CRM Management
Maintains accurate donor records and uses CRM tools for segmentation, donor journey mapping, and reporting
Analyzes giving trends and uses a data-based method to inform strategy
Compliance, Budgets & Reporting
Collaborate with the Operations Director to craft and monitor the department budget, and ensure donor intent is honored
Process & Workflow Optimization
Documents and refines internal fundraising processes for consistency and efficiency
Uses technology and systems to manage deadlines, enhance productivity, and anticipate operational needs
Universal Responsibilities
Maintain knowledge of and compliance with the agency’s Personnel Manual
Maintain all relevant professional standards, including ethics and confidentiality and all applicable certifications and licenses
Engage in professional development activities
Provide outstanding customer service
Collaborate with other departments on various projects to support the agency’s mission
Represent Autism New Jersey in the community where appropriate
Participate in agency events and other activities as directed
Notes This is a 40-hour-per-week position that is exempt from rules. The work week is typically Monday – Friday 8am-5pm and subject to approval by the Executive Director. The schedule may occasionally include weekends and evenings and may vary depending on the agency’s needs.
Benefits Include:
Hybrid work opportunity
Medical/dental insurance
Generous paid time off and holidays
SIMPLE IRA with up to a 3% match
An inspiring and passionate team that values compassion, collaboration, and impact
#J-18808-Ljbffr