Development Director
WROL Salem Radio Group, Trenton, NJ, United States
Role Summary
The Director of Development provides strategic and operational leadership for all fundraising activities. This role is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy with a strong emphasis on major gifts and planned giving, while also strengthening annual giving, donor engagement, and events.
The Director leads a small development team (two full-time and one part-time staff), sets a compelling vision for results‑driven fundraising, and ensures daily operations align with long‑term goals. The role also oversees modernization of development systems, data integrity, analytics, and cross‑departmental collaboration to support organizational growth.
Reporting directly to the COO, this position works closely with Program, Operations, Finance, and Development teams.
The role is primarily in‑person with flexibility for remote work and required travel. Evening and weekend participation in special events is expected.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned relational fundraiser, strategic thinker, and faithful steward aligned with Ocean Grove’s Christian mission and values.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Develop and implement a multi‑year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
Lead and expand major gifts and planned giving programs, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Manage a portfolio of major donors and personally solicit significant gifts
Partner with the COO, President, and Board to support fundraising and donor engagement
Establish measurable fundraising goals and regularly track and report progress
Team Leadership & Culture
Lead, mentor, and support a development team of three
Establish clear roles, expectations, and performance metrics
Foster a collaborative, mission‑centered, results‑driven culture
Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and encouragement
Systems, Data & Operations
Oversee donor database/CRM systems to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable data
Strengthen cross‑departmental collaboration to support effective fundraising
Lead modernization of fundraising systems, processes, and reporting
Use data and analytics to inform strategy, segmentation, and decision‑making
Ensure compliant gift processing, acknowledgment, and stewardship practices
Maintain adherence to ethical fundraising standards and regulations
Donor Engagement & Communication
Ensure consistent, meaningful donor communication and stewardship
Lead development of the annual report and refine appeals and digital giving strategies
Collaborate with marketing/communications to align messaging and campaigns
Strengthen donor journeys from first gift through long‑term partnership and legacy giving
Board & Organizational Collaboration
Support and leverage the Board of Trustees and Development Committee in fundraising
Partner with the Development Committee Chair to develop and execute fundraising strategies and campaignsPrepare regular reports and updates for the Board and committees
Work across departments to ensure donor feedback informs programs and organizational priorities
Core Competencies
Major gift strategy and relationship management
Planned giving knowledge and donor conversations
Team leadership and staff development
Vision‑setting and results‑driven management
Systems thinking and operational excellence
Clear communication and collaboration
Faith‑integrated leadership and stewardship mindset
Required Qualifications
Wholehearted support of the organization’s Christian mission and values
7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated major gifts success
Experience with planned giving programs
Proven ability to lead and manage staff
Strategic thinker with strong execution and follow‑through
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
High integrity, professionalism, and spiritual maturity
Experience with donor databases/CRMs and data‑driven fundraising
Ability to monitor and leverage social media trends and digital tools in fundraising
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience as a Director of Development or senior development leader
Demonstrated success working with Boards and senior leadership
Experience leading system upgrades or process improvements
Familiarity with Christian or faith‑based nonprofit environments
CFRE or similar certification
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The Director leads a small development team (two full-time and one part-time staff), sets a compelling vision for results‑driven fundraising, and ensures daily operations align with long‑term goals. The role also oversees modernization of development systems, data integrity, analytics, and cross‑departmental collaboration to support organizational growth.
Reporting directly to the COO, this position works closely with Program, Operations, Finance, and Development teams.
The role is primarily in‑person with flexibility for remote work and required travel. Evening and weekend participation in special events is expected.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned relational fundraiser, strategic thinker, and faithful steward aligned with Ocean Grove’s Christian mission and values.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Develop and implement a multi‑year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
Lead and expand major gifts and planned giving programs, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Manage a portfolio of major donors and personally solicit significant gifts
Partner with the COO, President, and Board to support fundraising and donor engagement
Establish measurable fundraising goals and regularly track and report progress
Team Leadership & Culture
Lead, mentor, and support a development team of three
Establish clear roles, expectations, and performance metrics
Foster a collaborative, mission‑centered, results‑driven culture
Provide ongoing coaching, professional development, and encouragement
Systems, Data & Operations
Oversee donor database/CRM systems to ensure accurate, timely, and actionable data
Strengthen cross‑departmental collaboration to support effective fundraising
Lead modernization of fundraising systems, processes, and reporting
Use data and analytics to inform strategy, segmentation, and decision‑making
Ensure compliant gift processing, acknowledgment, and stewardship practices
Maintain adherence to ethical fundraising standards and regulations
Donor Engagement & Communication
Ensure consistent, meaningful donor communication and stewardship
Lead development of the annual report and refine appeals and digital giving strategies
Collaborate with marketing/communications to align messaging and campaigns
Strengthen donor journeys from first gift through long‑term partnership and legacy giving
Board & Organizational Collaboration
Support and leverage the Board of Trustees and Development Committee in fundraising
Partner with the Development Committee Chair to develop and execute fundraising strategies and campaignsPrepare regular reports and updates for the Board and committees
Work across departments to ensure donor feedback informs programs and organizational priorities
Core Competencies
Major gift strategy and relationship management
Planned giving knowledge and donor conversations
Team leadership and staff development
Vision‑setting and results‑driven management
Systems thinking and operational excellence
Clear communication and collaboration
Faith‑integrated leadership and stewardship mindset
Required Qualifications
Wholehearted support of the organization’s Christian mission and values
7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated major gifts success
Experience with planned giving programs
Proven ability to lead and manage staff
Strategic thinker with strong execution and follow‑through
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
High integrity, professionalism, and spiritual maturity
Experience with donor databases/CRMs and data‑driven fundraising
Ability to monitor and leverage social media trends and digital tools in fundraising
Preferred Qualifications
Prior experience as a Director of Development or senior development leader
Demonstrated success working with Boards and senior leadership
Experience leading system upgrades or process improvements
Familiarity with Christian or faith‑based nonprofit environments
CFRE or similar certification
#J-18808-Ljbffr