Development Director

POSITION TITLE: Development Director

SUPERVISOR: Vice President, Institutional Giving

DATE EFFECTIVE: March 23, 2026

DATE REVISED: March 23, 2026

LOCATION: Baltimore, MD; Remote

TRAVEL: Moderate

JOB CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP Empowerment Programs), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for equal rights, seeks a Vice President, Institutional Giving, who is a strategic and results-driven fundraising professional, responsible for advancing fundraising strategies that drive philanthropic revenue across both institutional and individual giving portfolios. The Director will serve as both a frontline fundraiser and a strategic leader, managing both a personal portfolio of donors and prospects and a team of frontline fundraisers (Gift Officers) responsible for cultivating and securing philanthropic investments. This position has a dotted-line relationship to the Vice President, Individual Giving.

This role focuses on pipeline building with an emphasis on expanding the NAACP’s regional market. Working closely with the broader Development Leadership Team, the Director will help ensure the achievement of annual revenue goals tied to the organization’s approved budget. This includes driving revenue through individual giving, institutional partnerships, and key national fundraising initiatives, including the NAACP Image Awards and the National Convention.

The ideal candidate is an experienced frontline fundraiser and team leader who brings strong strategic thinking, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a demonstrated track record of securing significant philanthropic investments in support of mission-driven organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Under the direction of the Vice President, Institutional Giving, the Development Director will perform the following duties, to include, but not limited to:  

• Advance fundraising strategies that support organizational priorities and drive revenue across institutional and individual giving portfolios.

• Build, maintain, and manage a portfolio of approximately 60–120 qualified donors and prospects, including individuals, foundations, and corporations with high giving capacity.

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic investments across multiple giving levels, including major and principal gifts.

• Maintain an annual fundraising goal with clear revenue and pipeline development targets.

• Monitor portfolio performance and ensure a strong, active pipeline of philanthropic prospects through disciplined moves management.

• Conduct consistent donor visits annually, ensuring timely follow-up and strategic engagement.

• Support and contribute to major fundraising initiatives and campaigns, including the NAACP Image Awards and National Convention 

• Supervise a team of frontline fundraisers (Gift Officers) responsible for donor cultivation and revenue generation.

• Support team members in developing and executing donor engagement strategies, cultivation plans, and solicitation approaches.

• Foster a collaborative, high-performing fundraising culture centered on relationship-building, accountability, and results.

• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors, philanthropic partners, and key stakeholders.

• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-priority donors with capacity to give $100,000+.

• Partner with programmatic and organizational leadership to align donor interests with strategic priorities and funding opportunities.

• Identify opportunities for deep donor engagement through storytelling, program alignment, and demonstrated impact.

• Develop compelling proposals, concept notes, and donor-facing materials that clearly articulate programmatic impact and funding needs.

• Confidently present programs, initiatives, and funding opportunities in detailed and persuasive terms.

• Translate complex programmatic and financial information into clear, compelling donor narratives.

• Work closely with the Vice President, Institutional Giving and Development Leadership Team to advance departmental strategy and revenue goals.

• Collaborate across individual giving, institutional giving, development operations, communications, and program teams to ensure coordinated fundraising efforts.

• Serve as a strategic partner in aligning donor engagement with organizational priorities and funding opportunities.

• Establish and uphold organization-wide standards for donor engagement, pipeline management, and stewardship.

• Support revenue forecasting, pipeline tracking, and fundraising reporting processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

•  Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred; or equivalent professional experience required.

• Minimum 8-10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success securing philanthropic investments.

• Proven experience managing donor portfolios and closing major gifts.

• Experience raising funds from both individual donors and institutional partners such as foundations and corporations.

• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising frontline fundraising staff.

• Experience implementing strategic fundraising initiatives across multiple regions or markets.

• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising events and national campaigns preferred.

• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising and donor relationship management.

• Strong strategic thinking and fundraising planning capabilities.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across teams and departments.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Commitment to advancing the mission and values of the NAACP.