Director of Development

Camp Happy Days; South Carolina; On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Camp Happy Days in South Carolina seeks a Director of Development to lead major gifts, sponsorships, and events on-site. The role partners with the Executive Director and Development Committee to set and meet fundraising goals, build a major gifts pipeline, and steward donors across our programs.

The Director supervises the Development and Events Manager, oversees Gala and 5K fundraising efforts, and collaborates with the marketing team to ensure timely donor communications and acknowledgments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five or more years of fundraising experience.
• Proven success in major gifts and special event fundraising, including sponsorships and auction solicitation.
• Experience managing or mentoring staff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Working knowledge of donor databases and fundraising platforms.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a major gift prospect pipeline.
• Make at least 5 prospective donor visits a month.
• Steward current donors through regular outreach.
• Grow and engage Major Donor Society to increase giving.
• Lead fundraising for the Annual Gala and Happy Steps 5K, including sponsorships and auctions.
• Set major gifts and events goals with leadership and track progress using Raiser's Edge reports.
• Produce analytical reports from Raiser's Edge.
• Develop printed and digital fundraising materials and coordinate with marketing.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gifts fundraising

Staff mentoring

Strong written and verbal skills

Evenings/weekends availability

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Constant Contact

Greater Giving

Job description

Camp Happy Days supports children with cancer and their families across South Carolina. Our mission is to offer encouragement and support by providing cost-free, year-round programs, special events, and access to crisis resources. Our goal is to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the entire family.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is a full-time, on-site position and leads fundraising for major gifts, sponsorships, and special events, including the annual Gala and Happy Steps. This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Development Committee to set and meet fundraising goals. The Director builds and manages a major gift pipeline, stewards current donors, and secures event sponsorships and auction items.

The Director also supervises the Development and Events Manager. The Manager handles event planning and logistics, third-party events, donor records, acknowledgments, and monthly giving initiative. The Manager has a deep knowledge of our donors and processes. The Director will partner closely with the Manager, especially during onboarding

Major Gifts and Donor Engagement

• Build and manage a major gift prospect pipeline
• Make at least 5 prospective donor visits a month
• Steward current donors through regular outreach
• Grow and engage Major Donor Society to ensure donors stay engaged and increase their giving
• Support the Executive Director with scheduling donor meetings, presentations, and solicitations

Special Events

• Lead fundraising for the Annual Gala and Happy Steps 5K, including sponsorships, live and silent auction items, and the Sponsor-a-Child goal
• Support event planning committees and committee chairs

Planning and Operations

• Set major gifts and special events goals with the Executive Director and Development Committee, and track progress using Raiser's Edge reports
• Produce analytical reports from Raiser's Edge
• Support the Development Committee, including agendas, materials, and ongoing engagement
• Maintain the development calendar
• Keep fundraising policies and procedures up to date
• Partner with the Development and Events Manager to keep donor records accurate and acknowledgments timely

Communications and Support

• Help develop printed and digital materials, including brochures, the annual report, and event collateral
• Share fundraising activities with local media and community calendars
• Work with the marketing and PR to keep volunteers informed about fundraising activities
• Assist with foundation proposals and third-party fundraising events
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and five or more years of fundraising experience
• Proven success in major gifts and special event fundraising, including sponsorships and auction solicitation
• Experience managing or mentoring staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Raiser's Edge (or a similar donor database), Constant Contact, Greater Giving, and major social platforms
• Capital campaign experience is a plus
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, and to support camp during the week of July 4th each year

Personal Qualities

• You genuinely enjoy meeting people and building relationships
• You're organized, detail-oriented, and good at juggling multiple priorities
• You work well independently and want to lead a team, not just a portfolio
• You bring a positive attitude and energy to the people around you
• You want to grow with an organization and build something lasting