Director of Development

Who We Are:

Join a Team That’s Making a Difference for Thousands of Families Across New Jersey!

At the Family Resource Network (FRN), we’re committed to improving the lives of individuals living with epilepsy, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and chronic illnesses. With over 50 programs and services, we’ve impacted the health and happiness of thousands of families for nearly five decades. But our impact doesn’t stop there—our community events, like the “Walk for the ONE” 5k walk/run and the Autism Beach Bash, bring even more people together in support of our mission.

As part of FRN, you’ll be joining a statewide organization that serves approximately 30,000 individuals annually. We offer a family-focused approach through our network of non-profit organizations, providing community-based programs that meet the evolving needs of individuals and families across New Jersey.

At FRN, our values-driven culture is what sets us apart. We are deeply committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, where everyone’s voice is heard, and every contribution matters. Our focus on respect, integrity, and teamwork allows us to create meaningful change for the individuals and families we serve, while ensuring that each team member thrives in a supportive, collaborative workplace.

If you have a genuine passion for helping others and are eager to contribute to meaningful change, we invite you to bring your enthusiasm and lend your talents to advancing our mission.

About The Role:

The Director of Development serves as a key member of the leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Director of Development is responsible for creating the strategy and executing, supporting, evaluating, and expanding the Family Resource Network’s (FRN) donor cultivation program. This position builds robust prospective donor pipelines, manages communications and events to raise awareness of FRN’s mission and, most importantly, meets and exceeds FRN’s donation targets.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Develop and implement a multifaceted fundraising strategy and program in collaboration with the senior leadership team to maximize short-term and long-term donations.

Instill a culture of philanthropy among FRN’s stakeholders.

Oversee the cultivation and acquisition of major gifts, including building relationships, developing profiles, and engaging and personally soliciting donors. Optimize how FRN engages with corporate and individual contributors.

Create opportunities for the CEO & Board members to meet new, qualified potential donors.

Research, develop and submit corporate and foundation proposals.

Work with the Special Events Manager to ensure that fundraising events are meeting financial and outreach goals.

Effectively communicate FRN’s case for support to all potential donors (individuals, foundations, corporations and government officials).

Work in coordination with Special Events Manager and Marketing/Social Media Manager for all Development-related marketing, communications, graphics, and online media materials.

Utilize ethical standards and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations related to charitable giving and fundraising.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in related field

Experience:

At least 3 years of donor cultivation experience, preferably in a non-profit environment; proven track record of soliciting and securing annual giving, major gifts and executing major fundraising events.

Competencies:

Cultivator: able to identify, nurture and secure new funding sources.

Compelling Communicator: clearly and succinctly conveys FRN’s mission and core values for various audiences in a manner that captures, cultivates and compels others to support FRN’s work financially. Authentically represents FRN in an enthusiastic, engaging and professional manner.

Collaborator: highly developed team working skills. Works collaboratively to achieve goals and build cohesiveness, while valuing individual perspectives and contributions.

Execution through others: Effectively collaborating, setting goals and holding people to account in delivering their goals.

Strategic thinker: able to analyze fundraising and marketing data to develop strategic and tactical plans. Able to delineate clear and consistent actions aligned with organizational objectives.

Technical/Professional Expert: has the writing, editing, verbal, presentation, marketing and fundraising skills and experience to successfully carry out the responsibilities of this position.

Results-driven: Can provide a track record of translating strategic thinking into action plans and results.

Values oriented: Values must align with the core values of the agency.