Strategic Advancement Director - Fundraising & Brand Growth

Child-Development-Resources; Williamsburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

Child Development Resources (CDR) is seeking a dynamic Director of Advancement in Williamsburg, VA to lead fundraising, donor relations, branding, marketing, and communications. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will shape CDR's philanthropic future, build meaningful relationships, and elevate the organization's visibility to support long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate blends fundraising expertise with marketing and communications, with a track record of inspiring others,

Qualifications

• At least five years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including donor cultivation, stewardship, solicitation, and fundraising campaigns.
• Experience in marketing and communications, grant or proposal writing, special events, and staff or project leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, fundraising records, multiple priorities, and competing deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, relationship-building, and persuasive communication skills.
• Strong strategic planning, analytical, organizational, and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive annual and long-term fundraising strategies that support CDR's mission, priorities, and financial sustainability.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual appeals, planned giving, capital campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and special events.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, civic, and faith-based donors.
• Build meaningful donor relationships through personalized engagement, compelling communications, and thoughtful stewardship.
• Oversee grant prospecting, proposal development, submissions, and coordination with program leaders on funding opportunities and reporting.
• Establish measurable fundraising goals, monitor performance, and identify opportunities to strengthen philanthropic results.
• Lead CDR's brand strategy, strengthening organizational identity, visibility, and recognition throughout the community.
• Develop and oversee integrated marketing and communications strategies that communicate CDR's mission, programs, accomplishments, and community impact.
• Ensure consistent, engaging, and professional messaging across all communication channels and materials.
• Oversee public relations, media outreach, website content, social media, newsletters, fundraising appeals, promotional materials, and organizational reports.
• Create compelling stories and communications that inspire donor engagement, community partnerships, and philanthropic investment.
• Identify innovative approaches to expand CDR's reach, strengthen its reputation, and connect with new audiences.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors, business leaders, foundations, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Represent CDR at community meetings, presentations, donor visits, fundraising events, and other external activities.
• Support the Executive Director and Board members in cultivating philanthropic relationships and advancing fundraising priorities.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and increased community engagement.
• Serve as a visible and engaging ambassador for CDR, communicating its mission and impact with authenticity and enthusiasm.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor cultivation

Marketing & communications

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree desirable

Tools

Donor management databases

Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, SharePoint)

Job description

Child Development Resources (CDR) is seeking a dynamic Director of Advancement in Williamsburg, VA to lead fundraising, donor relations, branding, marketing, and communications. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will shape CDR's philanthropic future, build meaningful relationships, and elevate the organization's visibility to support long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate blends fundraising expertise with marketing and communications, with a track record of inspiring others,