Director of Development

Abilis; Greenwich (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401k profit share

Tuition assistance program

Job summary

Abilis in Greenwich, CT seeks a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising and advancement program. This in-person executive role oversees major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, grants, and special events, partnering with the CEO and board to drive sustainable revenue and community engagement.

The successful candidate will build and manage a high-performing development team, set strategic goals, forecast revenue, ensure compliance, and expand donor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years fundraising leadership experience.
• Proven track record securing transformational gifts.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic fundraising and advancement plan.
• Set annual revenue goals and manage departmental budget and forecasting.
• Lead major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, grants, and events.
• Supervise Events Manager and Grant Writer and monitor outcomes.
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen fundraising engagement.
• Oversee grant strategy, proposal development, and funder reporting.
• Direct donor communications, stewardship programs, and advancement marketing.
• Expand corporate engagement, sponsorships, and community partnerships.
• Establish data-driven metrics and ensure donor database integrity.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulations and gift acceptance policies.
• Build, mentor, and evaluate a high-performing development team.
• Represent Abilis to donors, partners, and stakeholders to boost support.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Job Details

Job Details: Job Location: Abilis Headquarters - Greenwich, CT, Salary Range: Undisclosed, We are looking for an experienced and motivated Director of Development to join our growing team at Abilis!

About Us

Abilis' mission is to empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through comprehensive services, support, and advocacy. We are dedicated to helping people build able, independent lives while honoring dignity and individual strengths. Our work strengthens families and fosters inclusive, supportive communities.

Job Summary

The Director of Development is a strategic executive leader responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive fundraising and advancement program to support the mission of Abilis. This in-person role leads all philanthropic revenue efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, grants, and special events. The Director partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team to drive sustainable revenue growth and deepen community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic fundraising and advancement plan
• Set annual revenue goals and manage departmental budget and forecasting
• Lead all major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special events
• Provide on-going supervision to Events Manager and Grant Writer and monitor outcomes
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward six- and seven-figure gifts
• Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen board engagement and fundraising participation
• Oversee grant strategy, proposal development, and funder reporting
• Direct donor communications, stewardship programs, and advancement marketing initiatives
• Expand corporate engagement, sponsorships, and community partnerships
• Establish data-driven performance metrics and oversee donor database integrity and reporting
• Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and gift acceptance policies
• Build, mentor, and evaluate a high-performing development team
• Represent Abilis externally to donors, partners, and community stakeholders to enhance visibility and philanthropic support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience
• Proven track record of securing transformational gifts
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication abilities

Benefits

• Full time employees will receive: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, free life insurance, 401k profit share, tuition assistance program, awards and recognition including team of the season, on the spot awards, and anniversary gifts.
• As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit employer, this role qualifies for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Eligible employees may receive student loan forgiveness after meeting program requirements, including qualifying payments and employment.