Global Development Director, Fundraising & Strategy

AIDS Foundation; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Elton John AIDS Foundation is seeking a bold, systems-minded Director of Development to build the relationships, infrastructure, and strategy behind its life-saving fundraising worldwide. This is a hybrid role combining donor-relations leadership with operational fundraising oversight.

Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, you will manage mid-level donor portfolios, drive online and direct appeals, and lead a small team to expand the donor pipeline while coordinating with philanthropy,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or a related field.
• Track record of closing gifts at the 5-figure level; 6-figure gift experience is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor relationships and fundraising portfolios, particularly mid-level or individual donors.
• Experience supporting or coordinating multiple fundraising strategies, including individual giving, campaigns, or institutional funding.
• Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs and development operations, including prospect tracking, reporting, and donor data management.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and use data to inform fundraising strategies.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Authentic interest in the work and mission of EJAF and the life-changing impact the organization has.

Responsibilities

• Manage and steward a portfolio of mid-level individual donors, building strong relationships and supporting their progression toward deeper engagement and major giving opportunities.
• Lead the planning and execution of online and direct donor appeals and contribute to campaign planning to strengthen annual giving and donor engagement.
• Drive proactive prospect development by identifying potential donors, building prospect lists, maintaining a strong pipeline of new fundraising opportunities, and leveraging the senior team to meet with key prospects.
• Oversee development operations, including CRM management, development reporting, donor tracking, and coordination of gift processing with Finance.
• Identify and implement technology/AI applications and systems improvements that can strengthen and streamline EJAF’s development operations.
• Supervise, mentor, and manage a small team of development professionals.
• Work with the Senior Philanthropy Officer and Director of Partnerships and Innovation to develop and execute donor cultivation and stewardship strategies, including events, across individual and institutional giving.
• Partner closely with Communications to successfully align external communications with fundraising activities.

Skills

Donor relationships

CRM systems

Fundraising strategy

Data analysis

Communication

Cross-team collaboration

Donor appeals

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Elton John AIDS Foundation is seeking a bold, systems-minded Director of Development to build the relationships, infrastructure, and strategy behind its life-saving fundraising worldwide. This is a hybrid role combining donor-relations leadership with operational fundraising oversight.

Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, you will manage mid-level donor portfolios, drive online and direct appeals, and lead a small team to expand the donor pipeline while coordinating with philanthropy,