Director of Development & Partnerships

Plazakc; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Plaza District Council seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising focused on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation support, partnering with the CEO to grow revenue and donor engagement.

This role requires a confident relationship-builder with strong writing and presentation skills, experienced in building donor portfolios, managing moves, and coordinating events in a growing nonprofit.

Qualifications

• 5+ years fundraising experience with success securing major gifts or corporate/foundation support.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable making asks.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and closing gifts of $10,000+.
• Excellent writer and presenter.
• Organized, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-growing nonprofit.
• Knowledge of Kansas City’s philanthropic community.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan to significantly grow contributed revenue.
• Build a diversified portfolio of major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Track goals, progress, and donor engagement activities.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit high-capacity donors and stakeholders.
• Prepare the CEO and board members for major donor meetings and asks.
• Build corporate partnerships that align with PDC’s mission and priorities.
• Secure sponsorships for events, programs, and public realm initiatives.
• Research and prepare foundation grant proposals and reports.
• Partner with the team to manage a high-level advisory group of business leaders and donors.
• Coordinate quarterly meetings, communications, and engagement activities.
• Support donor gatherings, district tours, and special events that showcase PDC’s work.
• Maintain accurate donor records, reports, and moves management tracking.
• Prepare fundraising materials, impact updates, and donor communications.

Skills

Major gifts

Corporate partnerships

Foundation support

Donor relations

Communication

Project management

Donor engagement

Tools

Bloomerang

QGiv

Job description

The Plaza District Council seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising focused on major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation support, partnering with the CEO to grow revenue and donor engagement.

This role requires a confident relationship-builder with strong writing and presentation skills, experienced in building donor portfolios, managing moves, and coordinating events in a growing nonprofit.