Director of Development

FLSA: Salary (Exempt) Revised: 10/7/2026 Reports to: Chief Development and Marketing Officer (CDMO) Reviewed: 07/10/2026 Supervises: Development Coordinator, Grants Manager, Major Gifts Officer, Event Manager, KEPPT and/or other assigned staff Function: The purpose of this position is to design, oversee and execute a comprehensive resource development plan to generate sustainable support for the Animal Foundation’s activities in pursuit of its mission.

In addition, this position oversees The Animal Foundation’s Keeping Every Person and Pet Together (KEPPT) program which serves the organization through community support and surrender intervention.

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsible for design and implementation of a strategic resource development plan covering individual and business giving, special events, major gifts, grants, planned giving, and in-kind donations. Oversee donor engagement processes including gift tracking, gift acknowledgment, donor recognition, and donor data management to maximize the effectiveness of the resource development plan.

Oversee a comprehensive grant management program to provide budget-relieving and mission-enhancing support for The Animal Foundation, including research, evaluation, proposal design, project measurement, and reporting systems. Responsible for the management and oversight of The Animal Foundation’s special event plan to maximize the return on investment and efficiency of the signature fundraising events and capitalize on third-party fundraising events.

Drive Development strategic planning to set meaningful goals and benchmarks. Track and report on progress towards goals to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team. Make recommendations and adjust strategy as necessary. Facilitate donor tracking and relationship management to foster a long-term cultivation plan for key donors and prospects including major donors, Organization contacts, and corporate partners.

Actively seeks to deepen current donor relationships and to forge new ones. Work with the CEO and other leadership to execute resource development plan, including identifying contacts, scheduling requests, and managing cultivation of key donors. Coordinate with internal staff to foster a culture of resource development, donor accountability, and accurate reporting at all levels of the organization.

Work with staff to identify budget-relieving, mission-enhancing funding opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the Organization. Track expenses and revenue against goals and prepare reports on results; identify trends and make recommendations for the future. Travel as necessary. Attend and participate in meetings as assigned; keep associated notes for the development team.

Represents The Animal Foundation publicly and vets potential partnership opportunities with entities wanting to work with The Animal Foundation. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Responsibilities include

interviewing, hiring, and training team members; planning, assigning, and directing work, appraising performance; reviewing and disciplining team members; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization’s service to its guests by offering suggestions and participating as an active member of a work team.

Provides responsive, meaningful, and compassionate service to all guests. Other duties as assigned Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in nonprofit management, public administration, marketing, or related field. Minimum 5 years experience in nonprofit administration and fund development.

Equivalent combination of formal education and appropriate related experience may be considered. License & Certification Requirements: Incumbents must hold a valid driver’s license for a minimum of three (3) years and maintain an acceptable driving history. Required Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of: Principles and practices of effective fund development strategy including individual giving, corporate engagement, donor cultivation, special events, and grants management.

Experience with planning and implementing donor communications and marketing strategies Excellent verbal and presentation skills Proficient research and writing skills Sound time-management practices High degree of professionalism with internal and external audiences Highly organized and able to manage many tasks simultaneously High energy, positive, ‘can-do’ attitude, flexibility, teamwork and attention to detail; high degree of initiative Ability to manage multiple projects and work with a variety of staff and volunteers.

Excellent interpersonal skills both in-person and by phone, with high professionalism. Ability to effectively represent the organization in a variety of public forums. Ability to accomplish projects with minimal supervision. Fantastic customer service, ethics, and high expectations for quality. Proficient using Microsoft Office and the Google suite of products Perform regular audits of processes, documentation, and electronic records to ensure compliance with rules, document completion, and accuracy.

Skill in: Gathering and compiling information; preparing accurate reports and summaries. Conveying to contributors the need, propriety and benefit of charitable investments. Maintaining a timely and complete record of activities, results, and follow-up to discussions. Working confidently with the public, as well as with a variety of administrative levels.

Dealing tactfully, persuasively and effectively with potential donors and corporate sponsors. Use of business software and associated computer hardware. Communicating effectively in oral and written forms. Working without close supervision in standard work situations. Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Physical ability and mobility to work in a typical office environment.

Strength to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 10 pounds frequently, 25 pounds occasionally. Vision to read printed materials. Stamina to sit and work with a computer for an extended period of time. Hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. Accommodation may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

Job incumbent is expected to engage in local and regional travel as required. Attendance will be expected at events that occur outside of normal business hours. Team members are continuously exposed to animals, animal waste, pet dander, peanut butter, cleaning chemicals, high noise and potentially hazardous conditions, including the risk of animal bites and occasional work outdoors for extended periods of time while exposed to cold and extremely hot temperatures.

All team members work in a culture of continuous improvement and are expected to support our mission. Team Members must be able to clearly articulate our goals, actively participate in outstanding customer service, and accept responsibility for maintaining our culture of philanthropy. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected of this position.

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive listing or description of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of incumbents in the job.