Development Director

Rainbows United, Inc.; Wichita (KS); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Rainbows United, Inc. in Wichita, KS seeks a Development Director to lead annual fund and mid-level donor programs, cultivate relationships, and increase philanthropic support aligned with the organization's mission.

Reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy, you will develop fundraising strategies, manage donor communications, events, and campaigns, and track performance to strengthen revenue and retention.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education and fundraising success will be considered.
• 3–5 years of fundraising, donor engagement, annual giving, nonprofit development, or related experience.
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors for annual fund and mid-level gifts.
• Experience using Raiser's Edge or similar donor CRM systems to manage donor information and fundraising activity.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design tools for donor communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies with the Vice President of Philanthropy to maximize donor engagement and revenue.
• Manage a portfolio of annual fund and mid-level donors, cultivating relationships and increasing retention.
• Identify new donor partnerships to expand philanthropic support and fundraising objectives.
• Plan and execute annual fundraising initiatives and donor engagement activities with metrics.
• Prepare grant proposals, sponsorship requests, donor communications, and fundraising materials.
• Track, analyze, and report fundraising activity and campaign performance to inform strategy.

Skills

Donor engagement

Relationship building

Fundraising strategy

Data analysis

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Development Director is responsible for securing and growing annual fund contributions and mid-level donor gifts to support the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. This position cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual donors through meaningful engagement and relationship-building activities. The Development Director develops and executes fundraising strategies to increase donor retention, acquisition, and philanthropic support. Working closely with the Vice President of Philanthropy, this role assists with fundraising initiatives, campaigns, donor events, and other development activities that advance revenue goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (RESPONSIBILITIES)

• Partner with the Vice President of Philanthropy to develop and implement fundraising strategies that maximize philanthropic support, strengthen donor engagement, and achieve annual revenue goals.
• Manage a portfolio of annual fund and mid-level donors and prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding meaningful relationships that increase donor retention, engagement, and giving.
• Identify, cultivate, and pursue new individual, corporate, and community partnership opportunities to expand the organization’s philanthropic support and advance fundraising objectives.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising initiatives and donor engagement activities, monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes to ensure achievement of established goals.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Philanthropy in developing comprehensive fundraising plans, budgets, timelines, and performance metrics for revenue-generating initiatives.
• Develop and maintain effective communication with individual donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to strengthen relationships and encourage ongoing involvement.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals, sponsorship requests, donor communications, and other fundraising materials that effectively communicate organizational impact and funding needs.
• Lead the planning and execution of annual fund donor communications, including solicitation campaigns, stewardship initiatives, impact reporting, and donor recognition efforts designed to cultivate, retain, and upgrade supporters.
• Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising events, donor cultivation activities, and stewardship opportunities that enhance visibility, engagement, and philanthropic support.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor and fundraising records within Raiser's Edge, collaborating with the Data Specialist to ensure data integrity, reporting accuracy, and effective portfolio management.
• Track, analyze, and report fundraising activity, donor engagement, and campaign performance to inform strategy and support organizational decision-making.
• Serve as an active member of the Leadership Team and Philanthropy Department, contributing to organizational planning, cross-department collaboration, and a culture of philanthropy throughout the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, or a related field will be considered.
• Three to five years of experience in fundraising, donor engagement, annual giving, nonprofit development, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, with experience securing annual fund and mid-level gifts preferred.
• Experience using Raiser’s Edge or similar donor database/CRM systems to manage donor information, track fundraising activity, and support relationship-based fundraising efforts preferred.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar design and content creation tools preferred, with the ability to develop compelling donor communications and fundraising materials.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, with the ability to effectively manage projects, analyze data, and communicate with stakeholders.

SKILLS

• Passionate about connecting people to the mission through authentic relationships and meaningful engagement with donors, colleagues, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Skilled communicator with the ability to engage, inspire, and build trust with donors, stakeholders, and community partners through effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Collaborative team member who partners effectively with colleagues across the organization to connect donors with mission impact and create meaningful fundraising opportunities.
• Organized and strategic professional with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and develop creative solutions that advance fundraising goals.
• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to remain composed under pressure, exercise sound judgment, and navigate competing priorities with professionalism and care.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

WORK PACE: Self-directed, requiring requiring sound judgment, adaptability, and effective time management.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: This position operates in a professional office environment, utilizing standard office equipment.

The position requires flexibility in scheduling, including occasional evening and extended hours, to cultivate donor relationships, attend fundraising events, and support development initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Sitting: 6 - 7 hours in an 8-hour work shift; may occasionally alternate to standing or walking.

Standing: 1 - 2 hours in an 8-hour work shift. Alternates to sitting on a frequent basis

Walking: 1/2 - 1 hour in an 8-hour work shift.

FREQUENCY

FREQUENCY: Never = 0% Rarely = 1 - 10% Occasionally = 11 - 33% Frequently = 34 - 66% Continuously = 67 + %

LIFTING:

WEIGHT FREQUENCY OBJECTS

1 - 10 lbs. Frequently Books, supplies, and files

11 - 20 lbs. Occasionally File boxes and copy supplies

20 - 35 lbs. Rarely Equipment and supplies

CARRYING:

WEIGHT FREQUENCY OBJECTS

1 - 10 lbs. Frequently Books, supplies and files

11 - 20 lbs. Occasionally File boxes and copy supplies

20 - 35 lbs. Rarely Equipment

Bending: Rarely

Squatting: Rarely

Kneeling: Rarely

Climbing: Rarely - stairs (Frequently for multi-level facilities)

Grasping: Frequently

Reaching: Occasionally

Fine Manipulation: Continuously

Driving: Occasionally