Director of Development- Donor Relations and Planned Giving
Cardinal Services, Inc. of Indiana, Warsaw, IN, United States
Director of Development – Donor Relations & Planned Giving
Location: Kosciusko County, Indiana
Organization: Cardinal Services, Inc. (part of the Easterseals Community Network)
Department: Development / Fundraising
Salary: Starting at $57,216.43 (based on experience)
About the Role
Cardinal Services, Inc. is seeking a passionate and results-driven Director of Development to lead donor engagement and planned giving strategy. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional to make a meaningful impact by inspiring generosity and building lasting relationships in the community.
In this role, you will serve as a key ambassador, working closely with a network-wide development team to drive philanthropic support for programs that empower individuals with disabilities and their families.
Key Responsibilities
- Development Planning & Implementation
- Lead strategy and execution of major gifts initiatives to meet fundraising goals
- Develop and implement plans aligned with organizational and philanthropic objectives
- Serve as the primary major gifts representative for Cardinal Services, Inc.
- Identify, research, and cultivate prospective donors, including individuals, families, and community members
- Expand planned giving opportunities through community engagement
- Build and manage relationships with Investing in People Society donors
- Conduct donor research and relationship-building activities
- Maintain consistent communication and stewardship
- Execute personalized cultivation plans
- Increase major gift contributions through strategic donor engagement
- Implement sustainability strategies, including annual giving campaigns and multi-channel outreach
- Meet fundraising targets and performance metrics
- Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams on campaigns and initiatives
- Maintain strong knowledge of programs to effectively communicate impact
- Serve as the organization’s planned giving representative
- Support fundraising events and initiatives
- Ensure accurate donor gift processing with Development, Grants, and Finance teams
- Partner with Marketing to create donor-facing materials (appeals, newsletters, reports, digital content)
- Perform additional duties as assigned
- Donor Tracking & Recognition
- Ensure timely, meaningful donor acknowledgment and stewardship
- Maintain systems for donor cultivation, solicitation, and recognition
- Utilize CRM systems and data analytics to track performance and inform strategy
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Development, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, marketing, or public relations
- Proven success in major gifts, planned giving, and donor relations
- Experience creating campaigns, written materials, and promotional content
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build authentic relationships
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
- Proficiency in CRM systems, database management, and Microsoft Office
- Strategic thinker with strong planning and execution skills
- Passion for mission-driven work supporting individuals with disabilities
- Professional presence and ability to represent the organization in the community
- Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and proof of insurance
- Ability to perform light to moderate lifting as needed
Work Environment
- Regular travel within Kosciusko County
- Frequent public speaking and community engagement
- Occasional evening or weekend work
- Hybrid work across office, field, and virtual settings
- Independent work with flexibility to meet organizational priorities
- Occasional travel to corporate office locations
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Company-paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability
- Voluntary Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
- Holiday Pay
- Flexible Scheduling
- Paid Training & Continuing Education
- Advancement Opportunities
- Tuition Assistance
- Employee Referral Bonus
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are proud to be an EEO/ADA-compliant organization .
Ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact?
Apply today at: