Director of Development — Strategic Fundraising Leader

Abilis; Greenwich (CT); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Free life insurance

401k profit share

Tuition assistance program

Awards and recognition including team

On the spot awards

Anniversary gifts

Job summary

Abilis is seeking an experienced Director of Development to design and lead a comprehensive fundraising program. You will collaborate with the CEO, board, and leadership to drive major gifts, annual giving, grants, and events.

This in-person role requires 10+ years fundraising leadership, a strong portfolio of donor relations, strategic planning, and financial oversight. You will build and mentor a high-performing team, ensure compliance, and expand partnerships to grow sustainable revenue.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of progressive fundraising leadership experience.
• Proven track record of securing transformational gifts.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic fundraising and advancement plan.
• Set annual revenue goals and manage departmental budget and forecasting.
• Lead all major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special events.
• Provide on-going supervision to Events Manager and Grant Writer and monitor outcomes.
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen board engagement and fundraising participation.
• Oversee grant strategy, proposal development, and funder reporting.
• Direct donor communications, stewardship programs, and advancement marketing initiatives.
• Expand corporate engagement, sponsorships, and community partnerships.
• Establish data-driven performance metrics and oversee donor database integrity and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with all fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and gift acceptance policies.
• Build, mentor, and evaluate a high-performing development team.
• Represent Abilis externally to donors, partners, and community stakeholders to enhance visibility and philanthropic support.

Skills

Donor relationship management

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Abilis is seeking an experienced Director of Development to design and lead a comprehensive fundraising program. You will collaborate with the CEO, board, and leadership to drive major gifts, annual giving, grants, and events.

This in-person role requires 10+ years fundraising leadership, a strong portfolio of donor relations, strategic planning, and financial oversight. You will build and mentor a high-performing team, ensure compliance, and expand partnerships to grow sustainable revenue.