Development Director

At Marian Hope, we believe every child is special and every child has unique needs. We breathe life into children and support parents to strengthen family systems. Our staff is committed to fostering a compassionate, accepting and loving culture for our clients, families and each other. Marian Hope serves nearly 400 children through our therapy center, K-12 academy and community-based programs.

Position Summary: 

Marian Hope is seeking an energetic and mission-driven Development Director to lead the fundraising and community engagement efforts. This key leadership role works closely with the CEO and is responsible for executing a comprehensive development strategy that supports Marian Hope’s mission. The Development Director will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including individual giving, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, special events, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate will bring strong relationship-building skills, effective written and verbal communication, and a passion to improve the lives of children in our community.  

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, and corporate partners.

• Oversee donor databases, ensure accurate records, and manage acknowledgment processes.

• Identify new funding opportunities and innovative approaches to donor engagement.

Special Events

• Plan, coordinate, and execute annual fundraising events.

• Recruit and manage volunteers, vendors, and sponsors for events.

• Ensure events align with brand messaging and fundraising goals.

Grant Writing & Management

• Research, write, and submit compelling grant proposals to private and corporate foundations.

• Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and ensure compliance with all funder guidelines.

• Maintain a calendar of grant submissions and funding cycles.

Marketing & Communications

• Lead the development of a cohesive marketing and communications strategy to increase brand awareness and community engagement.

• Oversee content creation for social media, newsletters, the website, and promotional materials.

• Collaborate with staff to promote programs, impact stories, and organizational achievements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree 

• At least 3 years of professional experience in fundraising, development, or related nonprofit work.

• Demonstrated experience in individual giving, grant writing, and donor stewardship.

• Proficiency with fundraising databases/CRMs 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.

• Experience planning and executing fundraising events.

• Strong organizational and project management skills with an ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• High level of professional integrity.

• Passion for and alignment with the organization’s mission and values.