Strategic Development & Donor Growth Leader

The Barker Adoption Foundation; Maryland; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Barker Adoption Foundation invites a strategic leader to serve as Director of Development, guiding all philanthropy efforts and donor relations.

You will build and oversee major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, and donor stewardship while collaborating with the CEO, board, and staff to sustain the organization's mission and impact.

The role requires engaging with adoptive families, donors, foundations, and corporate partners, with occasional regional travel and evening events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development/fundraising.
• Proven track record building fundraising strategy, cultivating donors, and meeting revenue goals.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with donor databases (DonorPerfect preferred), Microsoft Office, and virtual meeting tools.
• Skilled relationship-builder across donors, board, staff, and community/corporate partners.
• Sound judgment handling confidential donor and organizational information.
• Self-directed, deadline-driven, and comfortable leading projects independently.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills with attention to detail.
• Culturally competent and effective working across diverse backgrounds.
• Flexible and available for occasional evenings/weekends; reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive development strategies with the ED/CEO and board.
• Identify, research, and cultivate new funding prospects across individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Plan activities to recognize and engage donors; manage major gifts and planned giving programs.
• Design and manage campaigns, events, and grants; oversee grant proposals and reporting.
• Oversee database usage, reporting, and donor stewardship to drive revenue growth.
• Represent Barker externally and travel for donor meetings and events as needed.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor cultivation

Communication

Leadership

Project management

Relationship building

Confidentiality

Team supervision

Collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

DonorPerfect

Microsoft Office

Virtual meeting tools

Job description

The Barker Adoption Foundation invites a strategic leader to serve as Director of Development, guiding all philanthropy efforts and donor relations.

You will build and oversee major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, and donor stewardship while collaborating with the CEO, board, and staff to sustain the organization's mission and impact.

The role requires engaging with adoptive families, donors, foundations, and corporate partners, with occasional regional travel and evening events.