Director of Development

The Rome Group; Missouri; On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Four weeks of paid time off

Employer-paid health, dental, and vis​

401(k) retirement plan

Federal holidays

Seven paid sick days

Life and disability coverage

Job summary

Wings of Hope is seeking a Director of Development in a full-time, in-office role in Missouri. You will lead fundraising efforts to generate support for Medical Relief & Air Transport, Global Programs, and Education & Outreach, while guiding a team and collaborating with the President and board.

The ideal candidate has a proven ability to create and drive campaigns, cultivate major gifts, and build lasting donor relationships.

Qualifications

• Experience creating and implementing fundraising campaigns, events, and stewardship plans.
• Track record of identifying and cultivating donor types, including recurring donors, corporate gifts, and major gifts.

Responsibilities

• Lead donor engagement and grow the giving program.
• Partner with the President and the board to guide fundraising strategy.
• Manage a team including Development Manager, Database Coordinator, graphic designer, and communications partner.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relationship building

Campaigns & events leadership

Job description

Director of Development

Wings of Hope is looking for a Director of Development to lead the fundraising that keeps its mission flying. Founded in 1963 and headquartered at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Wings of Hope has used the power of aviation to save and change lives for more than 60 years. This role offers the chance to build lasting donor relationships, grow a thriving giving program, and help shape the organization’s next chapter.

For more information, please review this position profile.

EMD Consulting Group is leading this search on behalf of Wings of Hope.

About Wings of Hope

Wings of Hope saves and changes lives through the power of aviation. Three programs carry that mission forward. The Medical Relief & Air Transport (MAT) program provides free medical flights for patients who would otherwise struggle to reach specialized care. Global Programs builds aviation partnerships that bring aid and medical care to remote communities around the world. Education & Outreach, through the SOAR into STEM program, introduces high school students to the world of aviation.

The organization is powered by 15 dedicated staff and approximately 260 volunteers, including retired and military pilots, mechanics, avionics specialists, and medical professionals. This is a remarkable community, and its next Director of Development will help build the donor relationships and giving program that keep the mission flying.

The Opportunity

Wings of Hope recently welcomed its next President, Lori Thaman. The Director of Development reports to the President and will partner closely with her and the board to lead the organization’s fundraising into a strong future. The Director leads a program generating $2.7 million in annual revenue, spanning individual giving, fundraising campaigns, events, grants, and planned giving, and leads a team that includes a Development Manager (currently vacant), Database Coordinator, graphic designer, and communications partner.

This is a moment of momentum for an energetic leader to join a passionate volunteer corps and a team of committed professionals, and to maximize and expand donor engagement.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a natural relationship builder who inspires loyal donors and volunteers to deepen their support of this mission. The ideal candidate brings experience creating and implementing fundraising campaigns, events, and stewardship plans, along with a track record of identifying and cultivating a range of donor types, including recurring donors, corporate gifts, and major gifts.

This leader works collaboratively, bringing staff, board, and volunteers together, and balances a wide range of priorities as a strong multitasker. The Director serves as a proactive partner to the President and the board. Planned giving, grant writing, and capital campaign experience are a plus.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $95,000 to $115,000. Wings of Hope offers a competitive benefits package: four weeks of paid time off plus federal holidays, seven paid sick days, employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage for employees at the base plan, life and disability coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan. This is a full-time position based in the office, where being present helps build strong relationships with donors, staff, and volunteers.