Director of Development

Norwalk ACTS; Norwalk (CT); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Norwalk ACTS in Norwalk, CT is seeking a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy that sustains and grows the organization's impact. This role involves cultivating donors, corporate partners, and foundations, managing annual giving, and overseeing planned giving initiatives.

You will prepare and monitor development budgets, coordinate events, and develop compelling cases for support.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated fundraising and donor stewardship with revenue goals.
• Knowledge of annual and planned giving strategies, donor segmentation, and legacy giving.
• Budgets: development-related budgeting, monitoring, and reporting.
• Experience designing development plans including events, campaigns, and relationship-building activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication to craft compelling narratives connecting donors to mission.
• Ability to build inclusive, trust-based stakeholder relationships including donors, board, partners, and community.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; manage multiple deadlines.
• Commitment to racial equity, social justice, and systemic change; willingness to ongoing learning.
• Proficiency with donor management/CRM systems and data-informed strategy.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in nonprofit management, business, or communications.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and steward individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Manage annual giving campaigns and oversee planned giving initiatives.
• Prepare and monitor development budgets and coordinate fundraising events.
• Develop compelling cases for support and communicate impact to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with executive team and program staff to align fundraising with organizational goals.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor stewardship

Annual giving

Planned giving

Budgeting

Campaign design

Relationship building

Project management

Data-driven strategy

DEI commitment

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Company Description

Norwalk ACTS is a collective impact organization dedicated to transforming local systems so that every child and young person in Norwalk, CT can thrive. The organization focuses on aligning resources, policies, practices, and power structures to actively dismantle racism and drive equitable outcomes. Working across sectors, Norwalk ACTS brings together schools, community organizations, families, and civic leaders to advance educational and developmental equity. Team members contribute to an environment that values collaboration, data-informed decision making, and community voice. The organization is ideal for individuals committed to social justice, equity, and systemic change.

Role Description

The Director of Development is a full-time, hybrid role based in Norwalk, CT, with flexibility for some work from home. This role leads the creation and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports Norwalk ACTS’ mission and long-term sustainability. Day-to-day responsibilities include cultivating and stewarding individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations; managing annual giving campaigns; and overseeing planned giving initiatives as appropriate. The Director of Development will prepare and monitor development budgets, coordinate fundraising events, and ensure accurate tracking of gifts and donor data. This position collaborates closely with the executive team and program staff to align fundraising priorities with organizational goals and to develop compelling cases for support. The role also includes preparing reports for leadership and the board, and communicating impact to stakeholders through proposals, presentations, and donor outreach.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, philanthropy, and donor stewardship, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
• Knowledge of annual giving and planned giving strategies, including donor segmentation, campaigns, and legacy giving approaches.
• Strong budgeting and financial management skills, including the ability to develop, monitor, and report on development-related budgets.
• Experience designing and implementing comprehensive development plans, including events, campaigns, and relationship-building activities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that connect donors to mission and impact.
• Ability to build and maintain inclusive, trust-based relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, board members, partners, and community members.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Commitment to racial equity, social justice, and systemic change, and willingness to engage in ongoing learning and reflection.
• Proficiency with donor management/CRM systems and standard office software; experience using data to inform fundraising strategy is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field; prior experience in a development leadership role is highly beneficial.