Director of Development

Inkinen Executive Search; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Inkinen Executive Search is conducting a search for a Director of Development for a Hawaiʻi-based performing arts organization. This senior fundraiser will design and lead strategies to grow donor support, manage major gifts, foundations, and sponsorships, and work closely with the CEO, board, and community partners to advance the mission.

The role emphasizes relationship-building, strategic leadership, and hands-on fundraising in a collaborative, mission-driven environment in Hawaiʻi.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• 3+ years of fundraising, development, advancement, or related nonprofit experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and growing donor support.
• Experience collaborating with donors, sponsors, board members, and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies and revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, major donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners.
• Grow annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and sponsorship programs.
• Partner with leadership and Board on fundraising initiatives and donor engagement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, supporters, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Oversee donor database management, tracking, reporting, and development operations.
• Coordinate fundraising events, donor recognition, and stewardship activities.
• Prepare proposals, donor communications, materials, and related development initiatives.
• Support long-term fundraising growth and organizational sustainability.

Skills

Fundraising & philanthropy

Major gifts

Donor relations

Sponsorship development

Foundation relations

Board engagement

CRM management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

The Director of Development is a relationship-driven fundraising leader with major gifts experience, a strong background in nonprofit philanthropy, and a passion for community engagement and mission-driven work.

Position Overview

A respected Hawaiʻi-based performing arts organization seeks an accomplished fundraising leader to serve as its next Director of Development. Reporting to the President & CEO, this highly visible role will lead the organization's fundraising strategy, donor engagement efforts, sponsorship development, and philanthropic growth initiatives. Working closely with executive leadership, board members, donors, and community partners, the Director of Development will help expand financial support, strengthen donor relationships, diversify revenue sources, and advance the organization's mission throughout Hawaiʻi. This opportunity is ideal for a relationship-driven development professional who enjoys both strategic leadership and hands-on fundraising in a collaborative, mission-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement annual fundraising strategies and revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, major donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners.
• Grow annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and sponsorship programs.
• Partner with the President & CEO and Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives and donor engagement activities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, supporters, community leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee donor database management, tracking, reporting, and development operations.
• Coordinate fundraising events, donor recognition activities, and stewardship programs.
• Prepare proposals, donor communications, fundraising materials, and related development initiatives.
• Support long-term fundraising growth and organizational sustainability.

Skills

• Fundraising and philanthropy
• Major gifts and donor relations
• Corporate sponsorships
• Foundation relations
• Board and community engagement
• Strategic relationship building
• Development operations and CRM management

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of fundraising, development, advancement, or related nonprofit experience
• Demonstrated success securing and growing donor support
• Experience working with donors, sponsors, board members, and community stakeholders
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems
• Passion for arts, culture, education, or other mission-driven organizations preferred