Director of Development

Acara Solutions, Inc.; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Acara Solutions seeks a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy, overseeing major gifts, grants, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship. The role requires strategic thinking and strong relationship-building to foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Responsibilities include developing an annual plan, setting campaign goals, and managing a diversified funding portfolio, while collaborating with leadership to drive fundraising

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; CFRE certification valued.
• 5+ years progressive fundraising experience in nonprofit sector.
• 5+ years experience working with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual development plan aligned with Foundation goals and budget.
• Build and manage a diversified funding portfolio inclindividual donors, foundations, corporations, and events.
• Oversee donor recognition, stewardship, and reporting; manage donor database.
• Lead Grants & Institutional Giving: identify opportunities, draft proposals, and reports.
• Plan fundraising events (virtual and in-person) and represent the organization at conferences.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor relations

Grant writing

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

CFRE certification

Job description

Compensation

Up to $150K/yr. Based on experience

Schedule

40 Hours/Week M-F 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

About the Opportunity

• The Director of Development is responsible for leading and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the mission and growth of The client. This role oversees all aspects of development, including major gifts, grants, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, special events, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and dynamic relationship-builder who can inspire giving and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Supportive, team-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
• Opportunity to grow your career with a global workforce solutions leader serving multiple industries.
• People-first environment that encourages employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Strong focus on partnership, innovation, and delivering meaningful results for clients and candidates.

Why This Opportunity is Exciting

This role offers the chance to join a company that prioritises both people and performance-where your contributions directly impact client success while giving you room to grow and develop professionally.

About Acara Solutions

Acara is a premier recruiting and workforce solutions provider-we help companies compete for talent. With a legacy of experience in various industries worldwide, we partner with clients, listen to their needs, and customize visionary talent solutions that drive desired business outcomes. We leverage decades of experience to deliver contingent staffing, direct placement, executive search, and workforce services worldwide.

What You'll Do

• Develop and execute an annual development plan aligned with the Foundation's goals and budget.
• Set measurable fundraising campaign goals that support the company-wide goals, and track progress.
• Build and manage a diversified funding portfolio including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and events.
• Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects in the civil justice space.
  • Oversee donor recognition and engagement strategies to strengthen relationships and increase retention.
  • Manage donor database and ensure accurate record-keeping and reporting.
• Grants & Institutional Giving
  • Research and identify eligible grant opportunities
  • Forge relationships and find contacts with key people at granting organizations or similar institutions
  • Oversee the creation of grant proposals, applications, and reports and edit as needed.
  • Outsource the grant writing work as you see fit and manage any contractors.
  • Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Events & Campaigns
  • Plan and execute fundraising events, both virtual and in-person.
  • Assist with travel and planning for conferences
  • Attend conferences and events, acting as a brand ambassador and advocate for our work
• Oversee, develop, and lead the Fundraising & Development Manager.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other stakeholders to drive fundraising success.
• Provide development training and support to board and staff as appropriate.

Job Requirements

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5+ years of progressive fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector.
• 5+ years of experience working with diverse communities.

What Sets You Apart

• Master's Degree
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification
• Proven success in securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Cultural competency.

Additional Information

• Upon offer of employment, the individual will be subject to a background check.

Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct) are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race/Color/Gender/Religion/National Origin/Disability/Veteran.

Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.