Description

Director of Development | Job Description 2025

Summit Community Center (SCC) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Director of Development to build and lead our development program. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a fast-growing nonprofit that empowers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through education, wellness, recreation, and community engagement.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will design and manage all aspects of SCC’s fundraising program, including our signature spring auction and gala, year-end giving initiatives, donor stewardship, partnerships, and emerging philanthropic opportunities. This is a highly collaborative role that works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and families. The Director of Development will supervise the part time Development Coordinator and part time Grants Manager.  

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive annual development plan to achieve SCC’s $1.2M+ annual philanthropic revenue goals.
• Lead the planning, execution, and growth of SCC’s annual spring Inspiration Dinner & Auction, our largest fundraising event.
• Design and manage SCC’s year-end giving campaign, including Giving Tuesday, segmented appeals, and donor stewardship communications.
• Identify and cultivate new revenue streams, including major gifts, monthly giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and community sponsorships.
• Build a sustainable pipeline of donors and supporters, ensuring balanced and diversified fundraising efforts over time.

Donor Cultivation, Stewardship & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with donors, member families, volunteers, corporate partners, and community members.
• Manage stewardship processes, including donor acknowledgment, impact reporting, and ongoing engagement touchpoints.
• Develop and oversee strategies for cultivating major donor prospects in partnership with the Executive Director and Board.
• Serve as a compelling ambassador for Summit’s mission within the broader community.

Events & Volunteer Engagement

• Plan and execute donor, community, and stewardship events throughout the year (e.g., open houses, family gatherings, small donor receptions, partner appreciation events).
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers involved in fundraising, event planning, and donor outreach.
• Collaborate with program staff to highlight member achievements and create meaningful donor experiences.
• Partner with the Board Development Committee to support donor engagement, prospecting, and board stewardship initiatives.
• Prepare materials, updates, and presentations for Development Committee meetings.

Communications & Storytelling

• Develop fundraising communication materials—including appeals, impact reports, case statements, newsletters, social media content, and website giving pages.
• Partner with the Executive Director and program team to share stories that demonstrate the impact of Summit’s mission.
• Produce the Annual Impact Report in collaboration with the Executive Director, finance, and program teams.
  

Data, Systems & Administration

• Oversee SCC’s donor database in partnership with the Development Coordinator, tracking donor activity, segmentation, reporting, and analytics to drive strategy.
• Provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Board on progress toward fundraising goals, trends, and opportunities.
• Ensure all fundraising practices comply with ethical standards, IRS regulations, and SCC policies.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, preferably in events, individual giving, major gifts, or campaign management.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing fundraising strategies and growing philanthropic revenue.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to build authentic relationships with donors, families, partners, and community members.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and comfort with donor-facing storytelling.
• Experience managing donor databases and using data to inform strategy.