Director of Development

Sbhonline; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sbhonline is seeking an experienced Director of Development to lead fundraising and development for a Brooklyn community school. The role emphasizes strategy, donor cultivation, campaigns, and high-impact events, with flexibility for remote work.

The ideal candidate will build donor relationships, drive major gifts, and align development activities with school priorities, delivering measurable results and sustained support.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in fundraising for schools or nonprofits.
• Experience designing and executing development plans with measurable outcomes.
• Strong donor cultivation and major gifts expertise.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy with goals and KPIs.
• Manage donor cultivation, stewardship, and major gifts initiatives.
• Lead fundraising campaigns across digital, direct mail, and events.
• Plan and execute high-impact fundraising events and donor engagement activities.
• Build partnerships and represent the school in the community to broaden support.
• Monitor performance and report outcomes to school leadership.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor relations

Major gifts

Campaign management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Location: Brooklyn, NY
Employment Type: Full-Time (Remote Option Available)
Schedule: Monday through Friday – Standard Business Hours
Salary: Based on Experience

Director of Development

Position Overview

A community school in Brooklyn, NY is seeking an experienced, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and expand its fundraising and development efforts.

The Director of Development will oversee the school's overall fundraising strategy, donor cultivation and stewardship, campaigns, and high-impact events. This individual will play a key leadership role in strengthening relationships with current supporters, identifying new donors, and developing creative initiatives that increase philanthropic support for the school.

The ideal candidate is a strong fundraiser and relationship builder who can combine high-level strategy with hands‑on execution. This role offers the flexibility to work remotely while maintaining an active presence for donor meetings, fundraising events, and other in‑person initiatives as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual and long-term fundraising strategy.
• Establish fundraising goals, priorities, timelines, and measurable performance targets.
• Identify opportunities to expand and diversify the school's donor base.
• Develop strategies to increase annual giving and strengthen long-term donor relationships.
• Work closely with school leadership to align development initiatives with organizational priorities.
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular updates to leadership.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
• Develop personalized donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Conduct donor meetings and maintain consistent follow-up with supporters.
• Identify opportunities to upgrade existing donors and increase overall giving.
• Create meaningful stewardship initiatives that keep donors connected to the school's mission and impact.
• Maintain accurate donor records, communications, and follow-up activity.

Campaigns & Development Initiatives

• Lead fundraising campaigns across digital, direct outreach, and in-person channels.
• Develop compelling fundraising messaging and donor communications.
• Coordinate campaign strategy, timelines, solicitation efforts, and follow-up.
• Oversee fundraising journals, sponsorship opportunities, donor recognition, and related initiatives.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications resources to strengthen fundraising campaigns.
• Track campaign results and identify opportunities to improve donor participation and revenue.

Fundraising Events

• Plan and execute high-impact fundraising and donor engagement events.
• Lead parlor meetings, fundraising events, donor gatherings, journal campaigns, and other development initiatives.
• Develop sponsorship packages and identify potential event sponsors.
• Coordinate invitations, donor outreach, event logistics, and post-event follow-up.
• Work with vendors, volunteers, school leadership, and community stakeholders to ensure successful events.
• Use events strategically to cultivate prospective donors and deepen existing relationships.

Community & Relationship Development

• Serve as a professional representative of the school within the community.
• Develop relationships with community leaders, families, supporters, foundations, and prospective donors.
• Identify new partnerships and fundraising opportunities.
• Engage key stakeholders in advancing the school's fundraising goals.
• Build a strong culture of philanthropy and community involvement around the school.