Development Director

Episcopal Community Services; National City (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization dedicated to transforming communities seeks a Development Director to lead their fundraising strategy and manage donor relationships. This full-time role involves overseeing grant proposals, building a major gifts program, and enhancing community engagement. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, has extensive experience in fundraising, and possesses strong communication and leadership skills. Opportunities for professional growth are available, along with the need for flexibility in work hours to meet organizational demands.

Qualifications

• At least seven years of progressively responsible fundraising and staff management experience.
• Proven success securing gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Strong interpersonal and donor cultivation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development strategy and annual fundraising plan.
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ donors for major gifts.
• Oversee grant proposals and institutional funding opportunities.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Written and verbal communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit administration or related field

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Founded in 1927, Episcopal Community Services (ECS) is a non‑profit organization that is breaking barriers and transforming communities to cultivate a strong, vibrant San Diego through programs rooted in tradition of action and faith in God – where all have unlimited potential. ECS provides more than $45 million in health and human services in the areas of early childhood education, behavioral and mental health, and homelessness. ECS welcomes and serves all. Every client is served regardless of ethnic background, culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, or religious creed. ECS is searching for a Development Director who embraces our mission and possesses a strong commitment to supporting the life‑changing services we offer.

The Development Director is a full‑time exempt position reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Engagement and serves as a key leader in advancing ECS’ mission, philanthropic growth, and long‑term sustainability. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of ECS by leading the organization’s development strategy, strengthening community investment, and expanding ECS’ capacity for impact. Working closely with the CEO, Vice President of Strategic Engagement, Board of Directors, Program Leaders, and Community Stakeholders, the Development Director will deepen relationships, expand revenue opportunities, and foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead ECS’ development strategy, annual fundraising plan, and development calendar in support of the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and long‑term sustainability.
• Set annual and multi‑year goals to grow and diversify revenue across major gifts, individual giving, capital campaigns, planned giving, institutional funding, special events, parish engagement, and in‑kind gifts.
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects to secure major gifts and grow philanthropic support.
• Lead fundraising efforts across ECS’ development programs and activities.
• Lead capital campaign planning and execution to advance program expansion priorities.
• Build and manage a major gifts program and pipeline by identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding current and prospective donors.
• Oversee donor stewardship, including acknowledgment, recognition, and engagement strategies that strengthen retention and long‑term support.
• Lead the planning and execution of special events that deepen donor engagement, expand community support, and generate revenue.

Grants & Institutional Funding

• Oversee grant proposals, reports, and supporting materials for foundation, corporate, government, and other institutional funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with program leadership to develop compelling grant narratives and strengthen institutional funding in alignment with ECS’ priorities and program goals.

Board & Community Engagement

• Support CEO in developing specific donor cultivation plans for board members to ensure meaningful philanthropic investment.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors’ Resource Development Committee and support its fundraising priorities.
• Cultivate relationships with Episcopal parishes, faith communities, volunteers, and community partners in support of ECS as a faith‑based organization.
• Represent ECS in donor, parish, community, and fundraising settings, as appropriate.

Leadership & Operations

• Lead the Development team by overseeing annual goal setting, strategies across giving programs, performance management, and ongoing staff evaluation.
• In partnership with Finance Department, develop and manage the annual development budget, revenue projections, performance targets, and monitor progress toward fundraising goals.
• Oversee development operations, including donor database management, gift tracking, acknowledgment processes, and reporting.
• Maintain systems, workflows, fundraising metrics, and operational practices that support an organized, data‑informed development function.

Additional Duties

• Maintain high professional and ethical standards, confidentiality, and compliance with organizational policies and applicable regulations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Vice President of Strategic Engagement and/or CEO.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit administration, business administration, communications, public administration, or a related field, and at least seven years of progressively responsible fundraising and staff management experience, or equivalent related experience.
• Proven success securing gifts of $25,000 or more and leading and executing strategies for planned giving, capital campaigns, and grant funding.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive donor materials, cases for support, and grant proposals and reports in collaboration with program leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and donor cultivation skills.
• Proficient in Raiser’s Edge, prospect research tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, discretion, and knowledge of budget development and administration.

Special/Other

• This is a full‑time role requiring flexibility to work regular evenings and weekends outside of standard operating hours to meet donor engagement and organizational needs.
• Must pass a criminal background check through Live Scan fingerprinting, the FBI, and the Department of Justice.
• ECS requires pre‑hire medical clearance, including drug/alcohol and TB screening.