Director of Development

Director of Development - Dharma Gates

At a time when our planet faces unprecedented challenges and young peoples’ mental health is in precipitous decline, access to wisdom traditions has never been more vital. Dharma Gates is a grassroots nonprofit breaking down barriers that prevent young adults from engaging with living lineages of Buddhist practice.

We focus on liberation itself as a reality and a possibility for young practitioners and work to seed possibilities for deep mutual benefit wherever we can. By empowering young practitioners through connections to deeply practiced teachers and communities, we're fostering a new generation of resilient, compassionate leaders equipped to meet the unique challenges of our times. By fostering a culture of contemplative training in the United States for generations to come, we promote a local and global culture of skillfulness, wisdom, and compassion rippling outward.

Thanks to a recent influx of support, we are now in a position to hire a Director of Development to build a sustainable and powerful base of support for Dharma Gates for years to come. This role is perfect for someone who believes in the transformative power of Buddhist practice and wants to support its flourishing in the United States.

About Dharma Gates:

Dharma Gates operates at the intersection of formal Buddhist practice and social impact. Our grassroots approach focuses on eliminating conceptual, logistical, and financial barriers that often prevent young adults from accessing formal meditation practice. We create pathways for deeper engagement with Buddhist teachings and foster connections that support practitioners in cultivating compassion, resilience, and clarity.

As our Director of Development, you'll help build the relationships and secure the resources that make this work possible. You'll be joining a team deeply committed to both personal practice and to applying wisdom of fostering collective benefit.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development will lead all fundraising and development efforts, working closely with leadership to secure and steward resources that sustain and expand our impact. This role requires someone who deeply resonates with our mission and can effectively communicate our vision to diverse stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies, including individual giving, foundation grants, and corporate partnerships
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and other key supporters
• Lead grant writing efforts and manage reporting requirements
• Develop compelling fundraising materials and impact reports
• Oversee donor database management and gift processing
• Collaborate with leadership team on organizational strategy and growth
• Plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns
• Participating in Dharma Gates Retreats (once per year)
• Participating in Dharma Gates in-person Co-working Summits (3x per year)

Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit development or related field
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and relationship building
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management and organizational abilities
• Experience with donor management systems and fundraising tools
• Alignment with Dharma Gates' mission and values
• Knowledge of or interest in contemplative practices and wisdom traditions
• Bachelor's degree required, relevant advanced degree preferred