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Director of Development (Preferred in Chicago or St. Louis-possible in ANY US Ci

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, 63146

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Director of Development National role, ideally located in Chicago or St. Louis (national office location) but will be considered anywhere in the US for the right candidate.

About AAIR Everyday 10+ Americans unnecessarily die from an asthma exacerbation. Countless more die from anaphylaxis each year. As a national 501(c)(3), we are changing that. We are also saving healthcare expenses for governments, payors, and individuals alike, as we do so.

Our Mission is to make sure every child is Rescued at school, Healthy at home, and Connected to care.

Our intention is to change systems. Forever.

About The Position We’re seeking a positive-thinking, solution- and team-oriented Development Director who shares our passion for children’s health and equitable access to care as well as systems change through sound economic program value. This person will work across the country to drive impact and revenue. Six years ago, our annual revenue was $565,000. In 2026, we have a goal of over $5MM. By 2031, we strive for annual revenue of over $20MM and more importantly the related impact.

The Development Director supports all aspects of this vision through fundraising and donor engagement. Reporting to the CEO, this role is responsible for implementing development strategies, cultivating relationships with donors and partners (both individual and corporate), managing the grants pipeline, coordinating events, and ensuring exceptional stewardship of supporters. The Development Director works closely with leadership and the board to strengthen AAIR’s financial sustainability and community presence.

If you are seeking the typical nonprofit role, this is not it. If you are seeking to be part of a fast-growing, dynamic team, looking to grow impact ten-fold in the next three years, you have found your opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Development across all revenue streams

Implement the organization’s annual fundraising plan with measurable goals and timelines

Cultivate and steward individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations

Manage the donor database (currently Bloomerang) to ensure timely acknowledgment, tracking, and reporting

Support strategies for major gifts, planned giving, and recurring donations

Cultivate and build corporate support both locally and nationally, including current supporters and new prospects

Build a national, third-party funding platform to include in-store activation and high-profile public presence

Build national development systems and a team at the appropriate pace

Grants & Foundations

Oversee and maximize both regional and national grant proposals that align with AAIR’s mission

Track and evaluate outcomes to demonstrate program impact and strengthen relationships with foundations

Meet or exceed grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and funder communications expectations

Events & Campaigns

Plan and coordinate key fundraising events such as 50/50 campaigns, Trivia Night, Night at the Ballpark, the NYC 5 Boros Bike Ride, and other activities

Collaborate with staff, volunteers, and committees to meet event goals and enhance donor engagement

Contribute to campaign messaging, appeals, and storytelling in partnership with the team and Board

Work with the CEO and Admin staff to prepare development reports and materials for board meetings

Assist in engaging board members in fundraising activities and donor outreach

Provide administrative and strategic support for leadership-led fundraising initiatives

Communications & Stewardship

Manage donor recognition and stewardship processes

Draft donor communications, impact stories, and annual appeal letters

Share AAIR’s mission and success stories in ways that inspire giving and strengthen community trust

Key Personal Attributes Please apply if exhibiting these traits excites you:

Fearless in tackling challenges and pursuing bold goals

Collaborative—values teamwork, consensus-building, and shared success

Creative & Curious—seeks continuous improvement and innovative solutions

Driven—results-oriented, self-motivated, and passionate about our mission

Methodical—organized, detail-focused, and able to move ideas into action

Reliable—able to deliver high-quality work consistently and on time

Trusted—respected by diverse stakeholders and community partners

Positive—brings optimism and energy to the team

Lifelong learner—open to new ideas and professional growth

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, or related field

Ideally five (5) or more years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with proven skills in individual, corporate, government and foundation fund development

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Experience managing events, campaigns, and donor databases

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Collaborative team player with initiative, creativity, and a passion for AAIR’s mission

The deepest desire to win as a team

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 90K-115K, plus a potential performance bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Flexible, supportive work environment (hybrid/remote options available)

And Purpose

Please email resume and well thought out cover letter of no more than one page to jcaward@weareaair.org.

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