Development Director

Socket.dev; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking a Development Director to guide fundraising strategy and lead execution across campaigns, grants, and major gifts. You will build relationships with donors, foundations, and community partners while representing the organization in public forums and events.

The role requires 5–10 years in development, a Bachelor’s degree, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to manage budgets and lead a team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or equivalent education and experience.
• Five to ten years work experience in development or related field.
• In depth knowledge of fundraising for non-profits including annual giving, planned giving, grants, events, major gifts and prospect research.
• Creative, self-motivated with strong written and verbal abilities and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in program planning, development, and management with ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• General knowledge of basic accounting practices.
• Ability to demonstrate successful goal attainment.
• High level of professional and ethical behavior.
• Ability to work with multiple constituencies.
• Valid NYS driver’s license and access to an automobile.
• Capable of lifting a minimum of 35 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization’s fundraising strategy in alignment with its mission, vision, and goals.
• Set fundraising goals, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to meet targets.
• Plan and implement a comprehensive development program including annual and planned giving, grants and events.
• Represent the organization in the community through events and presentations; engage in professional and civic organizations.
• Oversee all fundraising efforts, including campaigns, events, and grants.
• Conduct prospect research and maintain donor files for individuals, corporations, foundations, and groups.
• Oversee grant development activities with local, state, and national foundations.
• Establish and enforce policies for donor acknowledgment and audit trails.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Team leadership

Data analytics

Marketing & communications

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

The Development Director is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and execution of fundraising and development initiatives within an organization. This role works closely with the leadership team to build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and other key stakeholders to ensure sustainable funding and long-term organizational success.

Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• Develop and execute the organization’s overall fundraising strategy in alignment with its mission, vision, and goals.
• Set fundraising goals, monitor progress, and adjust strategies to meet or exceed targets
• Plan and implement a comprehensive development program including the following: annual and planned giving programs, grants and special events.Plan and implement a comprehensive development program including the following: annual and planned giving programs, grants and special events.
• Serve as a representative of the organization in the community; participate in community events, make presentations, seek involvement in professional and civic organizations, and identify opportunities to strengthen the presence of the organization in the community.

Fundraising & Revenue Generation:

• Oversee all fundraising efforts, including annual campaigns, events, and grants.
• Conduct prospect research and maintain prospect files for individuals, corporations, foundations, and groups who have the ability or inclination to support the organization.
• Oversee plans and coordination of grant development activities including local, state, and national foundations.
• Establish and enforce policies and accounting procedures for the proper receipt, acknowledgment, and maintain accurate donor files and complete audit trail for each gift.

Donor Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors, partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop personalized strategies for donor cultivation, ensuring donors are informed and engaged with the organization’s work and impact.
• Lead donor recognition programs, ensuring donors feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.
• Establish and administer donor recognition policies and develop a list of proper naming and gift recognition opportunities for various interest areas and levels of giving, maintains accurate gift profiles for each donor.
• Oversee plans and facilitation of lunches, receptions, meetings, and other cultivation activities for potential donors to the organization.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Manage and lead the development team, providing mentorship, training, and guidance to ensure team success.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization by educating and involving staff, board members, Community Ambassador Council and volunteers in fundraising efforts.
• Develop and manage the department’s budget and resources effectively.

Data and Analytics:

• Oversee the collection and analysis of donor data to monitor trends, forecast future fundraising potential, and track the effectiveness of fundraising programs.
• Use data to create reports, ensuring transparency and accountability in all fundraising activities.

Marketing & Communications:

• Collaborate with the communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all fundraising channels.
• Oversee the development of fundraising materials, including appeals, newsletters, and campaign materials.

Other Duties:

• Assist with all mission work as needed and requested with some or no prior notice including, but not limited to, serving as a truck spotter, helping with Farm Market/Community Garden/Freight Farms/on and off-site food distributions, preparation of meals and serving home-delivered meals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or equivalent education and experience.
• Five to ten years work experience in development or related field.
• In depth knowledge of specialized aspects of fundraising for non-profits including annual giving, planned giving, grants, special events, major gifts and prospect research.
• Candidate must be a creative, self-motivated individual with strong written and verbal abilities and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience in program planning, development, and management with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Must possess general knowledge and comprehension of basic accounting practices.
• An ability to demonstrate successful goal attainment.
• Must demonstrate a high level of professional and ethical behavior
• Ability to work well with multiple constituencies.
• Valid and current NYS driver’s license and access to an automobile.
• Capable of lifting a minimum of 35 lbs.