2025 Development Director

Development Director Position Description

August 2025

MDC seeks a strategic, mission-driven fundraising leader to build and scale the organization’s development function in support of continued growth, organizational effectiveness, and long-term impact. For more than 50 years, MDC has enjoyed strong support from state, regional, and national foundations. With this newly created role, MDC aims to expand and diversify its funding base through unrestricted and general operating support.

The Director of Development will lead and execute an ambitious fundraising strategy that supports MDC’s $9-$10 million annual operating budget and strengthens long-term financial sustainability. This position oversees a comprehensive development portfolio, including individual and family foundation giving, grants, and donor campaigns with a focus on growing philanthropic partnerships and leading at least one major campaign annually.

While the role does not currently supervise staff, it carries significant revenue accountability and will work closely with the President & CEO, senior leaders, and the Board of Directors to deepen donor relationships and build a strong philanthropic infrastructure.

The successful candidate:

1. Provides leadership and accountability to the philanthropy/development function for the organization.
2. Builds and improves the development department’s overall capacity, systems, and annual approach.
3. Supports and works with the President to build overall general-operating revenue, attract an investment-level donor pipeline, and create deep donor relationships.
4. Works with the Program team to understand and track organization-wide donor experiences to lead every donor to give their best gift to the mission of MDC.
5. Takes on special projects as necessary.

The Development Director reports to the President & CEO. In addition to steady interaction with senior leaders and staff, this position will interact with board members, committee members, and external partners on a local, regional, and national level.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Growth (25%)

1. Design and manage a multi-faceted development strategy aligned with MDC’s mission, priorities, and growth goals.
2. Strengthen MDC’s approach to resource stewardship and long-term sustainability.
3. Build organizational capacity by establishing tools, systems, and processes that support integrated fundraising across teams.
4. Identify, engage, and convert prospects into long-term supporters.
5. Set and meet ambitious annual and multi-year fundraising targets; track performance and adjust strategies accordingly.
6. Lead philanthropic revenue efforts across individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation and government grants, and special campaigns.
7. Serve as the primary liaison for grant writing, reporting, and compliance, in coordination with program and finance staff.
8. Oversee the planning, launch, and execution of at least one major fundraising campaign per year.

1. Drive fundraising growth to meet MDC’s $10M overall annual need and a $2M individual giving target over five years.
2. Support the President in cultivating and soliciting major donors ($5K–$1M+).
3. Manage a personal portfolio of mid-level donors ($1K–$5K+) and emerging major gift prospects.
4. Guide and support the Board in their fundraising efforts through training, tools, and strategic engagement.
5. Cultivate transformational donor relationships and make strategic asks aligned with donor interests and capacity.
6. Plan and execute donor engagement and stewardship events to strengthen affinity and long-term giving.
7. Ensure timely, high-quality communication and follow-up with donors and funders.
8. Maintain meticulous donor records and data integrity within MDC’s CRM system.
9. Collaborate with program staff to connect donors to MDC’s impact and initiatives.
    

10. Ensure cohesive, mission-aligned fundraising messaging in collaboration with the President and Communications team.
11. Shape compelling cases for support, donor proposals, and campaign narratives.
12. Lead regular analysis of fundraising performance; report on key metrics and recommend adjustments to strategy.
13. Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership and the Board on development trends and opportunities.
14. Stay current on philanthropic trends and practices, especially within the Southeast and among equity-focused funders.
15. Represent MDC at external meetings, donor briefings, and sector events to elevate visibility and build partnerships.

1. Commitment to MDC’s values of equity, inclusion, and systems change.
2. Mature understanding of diversity, power, and privilege in donor relationships.
3. Entrepreneurial spirit with a strong track record of closing gifts and securing revenue.
4. Deep experience in major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
5. Strategic mindset and sound judgment; ability to balance vision with practical implementation.
6. High-level communication skills, including strong writing, storytelling, and public speaking.
7. Exceptional relationship-building and influence across diverse audiences.
8. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven and impact-oriented.
9. Excellent project management and organizational skills; detail-oriented and proactive.
10. Familiarity with CRM tools and the ability to analyze fundraising data for strategy and reporting.
11. Proven grant writing experience and an ability to translate program goals into compelling funding proposals.

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, or related field.
2. Minimum of 7 years of progressive fundraising or donor engagement experience, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
3. Demonstrated success meeting or exceeding revenue goals across diverse funding streams.
4. Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in the Southeast U.S.
5. Experience interpreting 990s, program budgets, and financial reports for donors.
6. Ability to work independently and adapt to changing environments.
7. Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect).
8. CFRE certification or comparable professional training preferred.
9. Active AFP membership preferred.