Development Director

Humane Society of Elkhart County; Bristol (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Humane Society of Elkhart County is seeking a Development Director to lead strategies that grow philanthropic support. This role manages major donors and cultivates new supporters, working closely with leadership to enhance community engagement and long-term financial sustainability.

As a front-line fundraiser, you will maintain a professional, welcoming presence reflecting the mission. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred, with strong skills in donor databases and CRM

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising, sales, business development, or relationship management experience.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts or comparable high-value donors.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and lead strategies that grow philanthropic support for the organization.
• Manage and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospects.
• Cultivate new individual, corporate, and foundation supporters.
• Participate in building meaningful relationships with high-capacity donors and partners.
• Collaborate across the organization to strengthen community engagement and financial sustainability.

Skills

Fundraising

Major Gifts

Donor Relations

Relationship Management

Public Speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Fundraising software

Job description

Company Description

The Humane Society of Elkhart County (HSEC) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting respect and responsibility for all animals and preventing suffering and neglect through education, public service, and adoption. Serving a community of over 200,000 people, HSEC plays a key role in helping residents find the ideal companion animal while supporting responsible pet ownership. The organization relies heavily on donations to operate, with city and county funding covering only animal control services and representing about half of the annual budget. HSEC has been serving the community since 1939 and currently takes in over 700 animals each month, demonstrating a significant and ongoing impact on animal welfare in the region.

Role Description

The Development Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading strategies that grow philanthropic support for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. This position manages and stewards a portfolio of major donors and prospects while cultivating new individual, corporate, and foundation supporters.

The Executive Director will continue to manage relationships with the organization's highest-capacity donors. The Development Director will focus on building meaningful relationships with individuals who demonstrate the capacity and inclination to make leadership and major gifts, while actively identifying and cultivating new philanthropic partners.

This position serves as a member of the leadership team and works collaboratively across the organization to strengthen community engagement, donor relationships, and long-term financial sustainability.

Because this is a front-line leadership position working closely with donors, volunteers, board members, staff, and the community, the Development Director must maintain a professional, welcoming presence that reflects the mission and values of the Humane Society of Elkhart County.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising, sales, business development, or relationship management experience.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts or comparable high-value sales/business relationships.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong presentation and public speaking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience using donor databases or CRM software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and fundraising software.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, marketing, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.