Job Description
Director of Development
\n
Lawrence, MA (Merrimack Valley) | Hybrid
\n
\n
An established, highly respected mission-driven nonprofit organization serving older adults and their communities is seeking a Director of Development to lead and grow its fundraising and philanthropic efforts.
\n
\n
This is a visible, strategic opportunity for an accomplished fundraising professional who is energized by mission, collaboration, and building authentic donor relationships.
\n
\n
Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director of Development serves as the organization's senior fundraising leader and will partner closely with executive leadership, staff, and board members to strengthen a culture of philanthropy and advance organizational impact.
\n
\n
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
\n
\n
- \n
- Mission-focused organization with meaningful community impact.
- Collaborative, people-centered leadership team.
- Opportunity to steward and grow an established donor base while shaping future fundraising strategy.
- Strong organizational culture with excellent work/life balance.
- Well-resourced development function with dedicated support in place.
- High level of visibility and partnership with executive leadership and the Board of Directors.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Key Responsibilities
\n
- \n
- Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising efforts, including:
\n
\n
\n
- \n
- Individual Giving
- Major Gifts
- Grants & Foundations
- Corporate Sponsorships
- Events & Special Campaigns
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
- \n
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors while leading strategies to grow philanthropic revenue and deepen donor engagement.
- Develop and execute short- and long-term fundraising strategies in partnership with executive leadership.
- Lead, mentor, and support a small development team.
- Partner closely with Board members to strengthen fundraising participation, donor engagement, and community relationships.
- Track and evaluate fundraising performance and use data to inform decision-making and future strategy.
- Oversee donor database/CRM management, reporting, and fundraising analytics.
- Represent the organization at community events, donor meetings, and external stakeholder functions.
- Stay current on fundraising trends, best practices, and philanthropic opportunities.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Ideal Background & Qualifications
\n
\n
- \n
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 5+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience.
- Experience fundraising within a multi-million-dollar nonprofit development program or similarly complex fundraising environment strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success with major gifts, annual giving, institutional funding, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship.
- Human services, healthcare, aging services, or community-focused nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
- Experience partnering with Boards, Development Committees, and executive leadership.
- Comfortable being both strategic and hands-on.
- Collaborative leadership style with the ability to bring expertise, recommendations, and new ideas while working effectively within an established organizational structure.
- Strong relationship-builder with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of the Merrimack Valley and/or North Shore a plus.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Location, Schedule & Compensation
\n
\n
- \n
- Full-time position.
- Based in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
- Consistent on-site presence is expected during the first 3-6 months, followed by approximately 3 days per week on-site thereafter.
- Candidates should be located within a reasonable commuting distance of Lawrence and able to maintain the required on-site schedule on a long-term basis.
- Salary range: $123,000 - $133,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
- Comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, health insurance, retirement plan with employer match, and professional development support.
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n