Development Director

CNM; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, Inc. in Arlington, TX is seeking a Development Director to lead the next chapter of our growth by shaping a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens donor relationships, increases contributed revenue, and expands essential Fly Day programs for children and families.

You will collaborate with the CEO/Executive Director, the Board of Trustees, and volunteers to cultivate donors, secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, manage communications, and

Qualifications

• 3+ years or more experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, sales, relationship management, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, or similar technology.
• The confidence and ability to cultivate donors and make direct fundraising asks.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising and development plan.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospective supporters.
• Grow annual giving, recurring giving, major gift, and donor retention efforts.
• Identify and develop corporate sponsorships and community partnerships.
• Build relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, service organizations, and community leaders.
• Support foundation and grant fundraising efforts.
• Manage donor communications, acknowledgments, stewardship, and recognition.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect information in the organization's donor database/CRM.
• Track fundraising progress and prepare reports to support planning and decision-making.
• Work with the CEO/Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and volunteers to expand the organization's fundraising reach.
• Represent Challenge Air at Fly Days, community events, donor meetings, and networking opportunities.

Skills

Relationship-building

Fundraising planning

Donor engagement

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Tools

CRM systems

Donor databases

Job description

Are you a relationship builder who wants your fundraising work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families?

Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, Inc. is seeking a motivated and experienced Development Director to help lead the next chapter of our organization's growth.

Since 1993, Challenge Air has been building confidence and self-esteem in children and youth with special needs through the gift of flight. Through our signature Fly Day programs, children with special needs become VIP co-pilots and experience an unforgettable day designed to help them recognize their abilities, build confidence, and see new possibilities.

The Development Director will work closely with the CEO/Executive Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens donor relationships, increases contributed revenue, and supports the continued growth of Challenge Air programs.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Development Director will:

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising and development plan.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospective supporters.
• Grow annual giving, recurring giving, major gift, and donor retention efforts.
• Identify and develop corporate sponsorships and community partnerships.
• Build relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, service organizations, and community leaders.
• Support foundation and grant fundraising efforts.
• Manage donor communications, acknowledgments, stewardship, and recognition.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect information in the organization's donor database/CRM.
• Track fundraising progress and prepare reports to support planning and decision-making.
• Work with the CEO/Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and volunteers to expand the organization's fundraising reach.
• Represent Challenge Air at Fly Days, community events, donor meetings, and networking opportunities.

Our ideal candidate is a confident and genuine relationship builder who enjoys connecting people with a meaningful mission. This person is strategic, organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a small nonprofit environment where everyone plays an important role.

Qualified candidates should have:

• 3 + years or more experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, sales, relationship management, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, or similar technology.
• The confidence and ability to cultivate donors and make direct fundraising asks.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with staff, board members, and volunteers.
• A genuine commitment to the mission of Challenge Air for Kids & Friends.