Director of Development

Blessman International; Urbandale (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

403(b) matching

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Blessman International in Urbandale, IA seeks a Development Director to lead fundraising, donor engagement, and partnership efforts in support of vulnerable children.

You will build donor relationships, design strategies, manage CRM records, travel domestically, and collaborate with the Executive Director to grow sustainable revenue.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, sales, or ministry advancement.
• Proven ability to build and maintain donor and partner relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willing to travel domestically; some travel to South Africa may be required.
• Experience with CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors and prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, steward, and retain donor relationships.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that increase revenue.
• Communicate donor impact through stewardship and engagement.
• Travel to donor meetings and events.
• Build relationships with churches, foundations, corporations, and community organizations.
• Develop sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities.
• Represent the organization at events, conferences, and community gatherings.
• Collaborate with staff to share stories and measurable impact.
• Support fundraising communications, donor appeals, presentations, reports, and digital engagement.
• Ensure messaging reflects Blessman International's mission and brand.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising plans and goals.

Skills

Donor relationship building

Fundraising strategy development

Communication and presentation

CRM familiarity

Travel willingness

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Blessman International is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven Development Director to lead fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic partnership efforts. This key leadership role will work closely with the Executive Director and President/Founder to secure resources that advance Blessman International's mission of serving vulnerable children and families throughout Southern Africa.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional relationship builder who can connect donors, churches, foundations, corporations, and community partners to the life-changing impact of Blessman International's work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and grow a portfolio of individual donors and prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, steward, and retain donor relationships.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies that increase sustainable revenue.
• Communicate donor impact through meaningful stewardship and engagement.
• Travel to donor meetings and events.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build relationships with churches, foundations, corporations, and community organizations.
• Develop sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities.
• Represent the organization by presenting at events, conferences, churches, and community gatherings.

Communications & Storytelling

• Collaborate with staff to share compelling stories and measurable impact.
• Support fundraising communications, donor appeals, presentations, reports, and digital engagement.
• Ensure messaging reflects the organization's mission, values, and brand.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising plans and goals.
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide reports to leadership.
• Maintain accurate donor records and utilize CRM systems effectively.
• Assist in the development and management of the annual development budget.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for and alignment with Blessman International's mission and values.
• Experienced in fundraising, nonprofit development, sales, business development, ministry advancement, or another relationship-centered field.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong donor and partner relationships.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experienced with CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Willing to travel domestically and periodically to South Africa.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience working with foundations, corporate sponsors, or faith-based organizations.

KEY PROGRESS INDICATORS

Growth in contributed revenue

Donor retention and acquisition

Increased major-gift support

Grant funding secured

New partnerships

Strong donor engagement and stewardship

Growth of the donor pipeline

ABOUT BLESSMAN INTERNATIONAL

Blessman International provides sustainable solutions for vulnerable children and families in South Africa through programs focused on hunger relief, clean water, sanitation, education, agriculture, youth development, spiritual growth, and community transformation.

Travel: Domestic travel and occasional travel to South Africa

Reports To: Executive Director

Salary: $80,000-$100,000 depending on qualifications and experience

Available Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 403(b) matching
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays