Job Description
Job Description
Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is seeking a motivated, passionate Advancement Director who believes the best fundraising happens in the community. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys getting out of the office, building new relationships, strengthening existing ones, and confidently inviting donors and sponsors to invest in work that truly matters.
Position Overview
The Advancement Director is responsible for driving GSIL's overall fundraising, donor engagement, and advancement strategy. This highly visible leadership role focuses on cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations to achieve budgeted fundraising goals and support long‑term organizational sustainability.
By providing strategic direction, ensuring cohesive messaging, and fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization, the Advancement Director will help position GSIL for long‑term growth, financial stability, and mission impact.
This role requires frequent in‑state travel-both independently and alongside GSIL team members-to meet donors, represent GSIL in the community, and actively grow support. Success in this position comes from connecting with people face‑to‑face and nurturing meaningful community relationships.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to achieve annual and long‑term budgeted contributed income goals
- Provide advancement‑related input, data, and recommendations to the Chief Operating Officer
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and long‑term relationships
- Lead and grow GSIL's grant strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, submission, reporting, and compliance
- Research, develop, and implement innovative fundraising strategies to ensure a diversified and sustainable funding stream
- Manage and analyze donor data to track progress, inform strategy, and strengthen donor partnerships
- In coordination with the COO, identify and pursue new funding sources and business development opportunities to expand programs and services
- Engage in frequent in‑state travel-independently and with GSIL team members-to attend donor meetings, cultivation visits, networking events, community presentations, and other activities that increase visibility and support fundraising goals
Physical and Mental Demands
While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to sit; use a computer, telephone, and other office equipment; move throughout the building; and attend meetings. The position may require occasional lifting or carrying of up to 10 pounds (e.g., files or presentation materials).
The role requires the ability to clearly express and exchange ideas, comprehend and present detailed information (including financial data), and regularly exercise sound judgment, creativity, and strategic thinking.
Travel Requirements
- Frequent travel throughout New Hampshire
- Independent travel and joint travel with GSIL team members to donor meetings, community events, and external engagements
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field (master's degree preferred)
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and/or advancement leadership
- Proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships
- Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences
- Proficiency in donor database management and Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail in a fast‑paced environment
Other Duties
- Perform other related duties as assigned to advance GSIL's mission and development goals
This job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
About Us
Granite State Independent Living is a statewide non-profit and New Hampshire's only Center for Independent Living, we stay close to our roots with a focus on our 5 core services of education, information, advocacy, support, and transition services for people with disabilities and underserved youth. We can speak and think with authority on behalf of the people we serve and support because we are led by a board of directors and staff of which over 51% are people with disabilities.
We carry out our mission through our Home Care Services, Community-Based Disability Supports and Employment Services. With the help of our local New Hampshire communities, we assist people with the tools for living life independently, so they can change their lives for the better. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains the same; GSIL is committed to the principle of personal choice and direction.