Development Director

Job Title: Development Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Location: 3210 Michigan Ave, Suite 400, KCMO 64109
Position Type: Full-Time
 
Organization Details:
Front Porch Alliance is a non-profit that supports the changing needs of families and children at home and in school. For the last 25 years, we walked with families and youth through our three pillars of programming – Neighborhood Families, Youth Journeys and Community Connections. Over the course of 2024 we have served over 800 families, including 130 children in our early education home visits, 500 youth in our six-STEAM based programs, and then various families through our other programs and services. Since 2020, Front Porch Alliance has seen important growth. We are looking to expand our team with a Development Director, who can help take us to the next level and continue growing our community.
 
Position Summary:
The Development Director will be responsible for building and growing a sustainable fundraising program to support the organization’s mission. This role will focus on cultivating individual donors, planning income-generating events, and supporting – eventually leading – grants processes and compliance. The Development Director will lead fundraising efforts to increase donor engagement and revenue while working closely with the Executive Director and Board to meet organizational goals.
 
Key Responsibilities:

1. Individual Donor Development
   • Develop and implement a strategy for attracting, engaging, and retaining individual donors, including major donors, mid-level donors, and new prospects.
   • Identify, cultivate, and solicit new individual donors while strengthening relationships with existing donors to increase giving.
   • Regularly communicate with donors to inform them of the impact of their contributions, express gratitude, and foster long-term relationships.
2. Donor Events and Engagement
   • Develop and manage a calendar of revenue-generating events, including current breakfast and gala fundraisers
   • Implement new fundraising events that engage current donors and attract new prospects.
   • Maximize event fundraising potential, including securing sponsors, managing ticket sales, obtaining auction items, and overseeing event logistics.
   • Create and implement strategies for recognizing and celebrating donors, ensuring they feel appreciated and valued.
3. Grant Management
   • Support grant contractor in identifying new grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources that align with the organization’s programs and mission.
   • Collaborate with Executive Director and grants contractor to ensure compelling, comprehensive grant applications.
   • Maintain a system for tracking all current and pending grants, data needed, report deadlines, program budgets, and outcomes and outputs.
4. Fundraising Strategy & Planning
   • Utilizing the five-year strategic goals, create a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising plan that includes strategies for individual giving, fundraising events, and grants. Work closely with the Executive Director and Board to align the fundraising goals with the organization’s needs.
   • Track fundraising progress against goals, report on key metrics (donor retention, event revenue, grant success), and adjust strategies as needed.
   • Assist with developing and managing the fundraising budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
   • Create and implement strategic digital fundraising campaigns with the Executive Director and Communications Coordinator to increase donor engagement and support. This effort includes campaigns such as Giving Tuesday, year-end giving, or campaigns centered around specific projects or organizational milestones.
   • Develop compelling email marketing campaigns and social media posts that promote online giving.
5. Collaboration & Leadership
   • Work closely with the Executive Director and other leadership staff to align fundraising activities with the organization’s strategic goals. Track and manage tasks to ensure progress towards those goals.
   • Support and manage the Board’s Fundraising and Development Committee to prepare and execute fundraising plans. Aid Board members in their fundraising roles, providing them with necessary tools, information, and strategies to help them effectively engage with potential donors.
   • Support leadership in volunteer cultivation and management to emphasize the connection between volunteers and donors.
   • Build relationships with potential partner entities (e.g., churches, volunteer leagues) to support program needs such as for supplies or volunteers. 
6. Reporting and Analytics
   • Maintain a donor database (Bloomerang) to ensure accurate organization, records of donations, communications, and donor engagement.
   • Monitor donor retention, gift size, and engagement metrics and provide insights to improve fundraising strategies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including experience with individual donor development, event planning, and grant writing and management.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to craft compelling messages to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of fundraising tools, CRM software, and donor database management (e.g., Bloomerang, Salesforce, or DonorPerfect).
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, Board members, volunteers, and donors.

• Experience in a small or growing nonprofit environment with a hands-on, strategic approach to fundraising.
• Knowledge of local philanthropic trends and networks.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and evolving organizational environment.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Highly organized, thorough, and detail-oriented
• Experience writing grant proposals and grant reports
• Experience with capital campaigns
• Experience with event coordination
• Experience with individual giving and direct mail campaigns