Development Director: Major Gifts & Growth Strategy

Zach Johnson Foundation

Cedar Rapids (IA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 150,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Zach Johnson Foundation in Cedar Rapids seeks a Development Director to provide strategic leadership for fundraising and resource development, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, and partnerships. The role focuses on revenue growth, donor engagement, and long‑term financial sustainability for Kids on Course programming.

The position serves on the Leadership Team and collaborates across departments to align fundraising with program outcomes and community impact.

Qualifications

Proven track record of success in fundraising, preferably with a strong background in personal solicitation and major gift development.
Demonstrated experience leading significant fundraising initiatives at the six‑figure level and above.
Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies that produce sustainable revenue growth.
Strong understanding of donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, planned giving, and philanthropic trends.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, establish timelines, and evaluate progress.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop persuasive proposals and communicate organizational impact.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across diverse groups of staff, students, families, donors, and community stakeholders.
Demonstrated leadership abilities, strategic thinking, sound judgment, and creative problem‑solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a leadership team while taking ownership and accountability for assigned responsibilities.
Competence with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint), donor databases, and other technology and software necessary to fulfill position responsibilities.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the mission and values of the Zach Johnson Foundation.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive fundraising and resource development strategy aligned with the Foundation's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Establish annual fundraising goals, revenue projections, and development budgets in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
Lead efforts to diversify and grow revenue through individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, planned giving, and other philanthropic opportunities.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospective donors, including gifts ranging from six to seven figures.
Develop and maintain relationships with a portfolio of key donor prospects and ensure meaningful, consistent engagement.
Identify new funding opportunities and build relationships that strengthen the Foundation's philanthropic reach.
Evaluate fundraising performance, track progress toward goals, and adjust strategies to maximize results.
Partner with the Executive Director in advancing the Foundation’s vision of serving more students by implementing fundraising strategies, cultivating and soliciting prospects, and driving progress toward expansion.
Engage board members, volunteers, and community partners
Maintain a strong understanding of Kids on Course programming, outcomes, and community impact to effectively communicate the Foundation's case for support.