Director of Development
Mind and Life Institute, Charlottesville, VA, United States
Title: Director of Development
Reports to: President
Location: Remote
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Status: Full Time – Exempt (40-hour work week with full-time benefits)
Compensation: Starting range $126k–$180k
Benefits: Hybrid in-person and remote; insurance includes 100% employer-paid employee health, dental, short-term and long-term disability, and 50% employer-paid dependent health and dental coverage; 403(b) plan, profit-sharing plan (employer contribution up to 5% annually); PTO starting at 200 hours per year, increasing each year thereafter; tuition reimbursement; and retreat/volunteer time off and reimbursement; tuition reimbursement
To Apply: Submit your cover letter and résumé to jobs@mindandlife.org using subject line “Director of Development”
Position Summary The Mind & Life Institute seeks a strategic, values-driven
Director of Development
to lead and grow a comprehensive fundraising program that supports our mission to bridge science and contemplative wisdom to foster insight and inspire action toward flourishing.
This role oversees all aspects of development including major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, donor relations, donor stewardship events, campaign design, planned giving, and donor communications. For context, in 2026 this role will oversee and strengthen a philanthropy ecosystem generating $1 million annually, with a particular focus on growing unrestricted funding. Mind & Life recently completed a successful $20,000,000 endowment campaign. The Director will cultivate partnerships that support funding our mission. The Director will also supervise two staff on the development team. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and relationship builder who is committed to the inner transformation that drives human and planetary flourishing.
Essential Responsibilities Fundraising Strategy and Leadership
Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy, including plans for securing financial support from individuals and foundations that align with Mind & Life’s strategic goals and supports operational and programmatic priorities
Lead all individual giving programs, including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, and donor stewardship
Partner with leadership and the Board to identify prospects and co-create meaningful engagement strategies
Donor Engagement and Stewardship
Visit, call, and write donors and potential donors
Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects, deepening relationships that reflect the values of compassion, curiosity, and integrity
Ensure thoughtful, consistent donor communication through personalized updates and impact stories
Plan and execute donor events and engagement opportunities, including those around flagship convenings such as the Summer Research Institute and Mind & Life Dialogues
Institutional and Foundation Giving
Collaborate with foundation giving staff to align proposals with strategic priorities
Lead relationship development with foundations.
Communications
Collaborate with communications staff to align communications and advancement in support of Mind & Life strategic priorities.
Provide leadership and oversight of donor communications.
Collaboration and Culture
Works collaboratively as part of a self-starting team
Operates cross-functionally with communications, programs, and operations to ensure fundraising is integrated and aligned across the organization
Foster a culture of philanthropy and shared responsibility within the organization, including supporting Board engagement in fundraising
Operations and Systems
Maintain accurate donor data and tracking through CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
Track and report progress toward revenue goals and KPIs to senior leadership and the Board
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical stands in the nonprofit sector regarding fundraising and financial management
Qualifications
Energetic and charismatic leader with strong interpersonal skills and ability to represent the organization’s interests to a wide spectrum of constituent groups
Deep alignment with Mind & Life’s mission and values, including a commitment to inner work, compassion, and systems thinking
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to handle confidential materials with discretion
Experience in philanthropy, i.e., major donor outreach, an engagement circle model, grant development and planned giving campaign. Must possess familiarity with database management (ideally Salesforce)
Communications experience, including familiarity and proficiency with social and emerging media platforms, social media marketing platforms, as well as traditional media & marketing and public relations
Must have command of cultural sensitivity and value and embrace cultural, political, and social differences
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Mind & Life Institute
Self-directed, collaborative, and highly organized, with an eye for both strategy and detail
Level of Education and Professional Licenses/Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree is required
Professional fundraising certificate(s) preferred
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a strong track record in major gifts and donor strategy
Has supervised team(s) of at least 2-3 people for at least 5 years
Working Conditions
Fast-paced office environment
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times
To work from home, a strong internet connection and cell service is required
Additional Information
Based in the Charlottesville, Virginia / Washington, DC areas
Mind & Life operates in a hybrid in-person and remote work environment
Position includes occasional domestic and international travel, up to 20%
All offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check
Candidates must have an automobile and a valid driver’s license
Mind & Life is an equal opportunity employer
We encourage you to apply if you meet 70% of the qualifications. If you feel drawn to apply, we encourage you to do so!
Please submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@mindandlife.org using the subject line “Director of Development”.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
To Apply: Submit your cover letter and résumé to jobs@mindandlife.org using subject line “Director of Development”
Position Summary The Mind & Life Institute seeks a strategic, values-driven
Director of Development
to lead and grow a comprehensive fundraising program that supports our mission to bridge science and contemplative wisdom to foster insight and inspire action toward flourishing.
This role oversees all aspects of development including major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving, donor relations, donor stewardship events, campaign design, planned giving, and donor communications. For context, in 2026 this role will oversee and strengthen a philanthropy ecosystem generating $1 million annually, with a particular focus on growing unrestricted funding. Mind & Life recently completed a successful $20,000,000 endowment campaign. The Director will cultivate partnerships that support funding our mission. The Director will also supervise two staff on the development team. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, skilled communicator, and relationship builder who is committed to the inner transformation that drives human and planetary flourishing.
Essential Responsibilities Fundraising Strategy and Leadership
Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy, including plans for securing financial support from individuals and foundations that align with Mind & Life’s strategic goals and supports operational and programmatic priorities
Lead all individual giving programs, including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, and donor stewardship
Partner with leadership and the Board to identify prospects and co-create meaningful engagement strategies
Donor Engagement and Stewardship
Visit, call, and write donors and potential donors
Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects, deepening relationships that reflect the values of compassion, curiosity, and integrity
Ensure thoughtful, consistent donor communication through personalized updates and impact stories
Plan and execute donor events and engagement opportunities, including those around flagship convenings such as the Summer Research Institute and Mind & Life Dialogues
Institutional and Foundation Giving
Collaborate with foundation giving staff to align proposals with strategic priorities
Lead relationship development with foundations.
Communications
Collaborate with communications staff to align communications and advancement in support of Mind & Life strategic priorities.
Provide leadership and oversight of donor communications.
Collaboration and Culture
Works collaboratively as part of a self-starting team
Operates cross-functionally with communications, programs, and operations to ensure fundraising is integrated and aligned across the organization
Foster a culture of philanthropy and shared responsibility within the organization, including supporting Board engagement in fundraising
Operations and Systems
Maintain accurate donor data and tracking through CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
Track and report progress toward revenue goals and KPIs to senior leadership and the Board
Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical stands in the nonprofit sector regarding fundraising and financial management
Qualifications
Energetic and charismatic leader with strong interpersonal skills and ability to represent the organization’s interests to a wide spectrum of constituent groups
Deep alignment with Mind & Life’s mission and values, including a commitment to inner work, compassion, and systems thinking
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to handle confidential materials with discretion
Experience in philanthropy, i.e., major donor outreach, an engagement circle model, grant development and planned giving campaign. Must possess familiarity with database management (ideally Salesforce)
Communications experience, including familiarity and proficiency with social and emerging media platforms, social media marketing platforms, as well as traditional media & marketing and public relations
Must have command of cultural sensitivity and value and embrace cultural, political, and social differences
Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of Mind & Life Institute
Self-directed, collaborative, and highly organized, with an eye for both strategy and detail
Level of Education and Professional Licenses/Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree is required
Professional fundraising certificate(s) preferred
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a strong track record in major gifts and donor strategy
Has supervised team(s) of at least 2-3 people for at least 5 years
Working Conditions
Fast-paced office environment
Prolonged periods of sitting or standing at a desk and working on a computer
Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times
To work from home, a strong internet connection and cell service is required
Additional Information
Based in the Charlottesville, Virginia / Washington, DC areas
Mind & Life operates in a hybrid in-person and remote work environment
Position includes occasional domestic and international travel, up to 20%
All offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check
Candidates must have an automobile and a valid driver’s license
Mind & Life is an equal opportunity employer
We encourage you to apply if you meet 70% of the qualifications. If you feel drawn to apply, we encourage you to do so!
Please submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@mindandlife.org using the subject line “Director of Development”.
#J-18808-Ljbffr