Development Director

Anticipated Start Date: Early March 2025

Position: Full-time

Location: Remote in the United States

Reporting to: Executive Director

Compensation: $90,000 - $100,000 depending on location, experience, and qualifications

ABOUT US

Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) drives social change by cultivating a global network of grassroots leaders—WMI Scholars—who are sparking community transformation across 55 countries, with 86% of them based in Sub-Saharan Africa. Since 2005, we have empowered over 800 young individuals from some of the world’s most remote regions, all of whom are dedicated to driving change in their communities. By providing access to higher education, professional development, collective action opportunities, and community grants, our network of changemakers addresses critical issues like gender inequality, educational access, health disparities, and climate change.

Rooted in local knowledge and led by passionate individuals, WMI fosters sustainable, community-driven solutions that create lasting impact. We demonstrate that when education, resources, volunteer experience, and a strong professional network converge, an individual's potential to drive meaningful change is limitless.

POSITION OVERVIEW

WMI seeks a strategic, motivated, and outgoing relational leader to serve as Development Director and usher the organization into its next phase of financial growth and impact. The Development Director will join the leadership team and be chiefly responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive and scalable fundraising strategy to meet short—and long-term revenue goals.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will play a critical role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of WMI’s work by creating and executing a comprehensive and scalable fundraising strategy. This individual in partnership with the Executive Director will lead all development efforts, including grant writing, major gift cultivation, corporate partnerships, and donor relationship management. The Development Director will be responsible for growing WMI's donor base, developing relationships with new funders, and expanding funding sources to support WMI’s mission and vision.

This position requires a strategic, results-oriented leader with a strong background in fundraising, relationship-building, and team management. The ideal candidate will be a patient and persistent leader who can navigate challenges with a calm, determined approach while motivating and managing the Development & Communications Manager and a part-time administrative team member.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the development and implementation of a scalable, long-term fundraising strategy aligned with WMI’s strategic goals.
• Diversify and expand funding sources, including major donors, foundation support for multi-year grant funding, and corporate sponsors.
• Conduct and oversee the research, writing, and submission of grant proposals, ensuring timely reporting and compliance.
• Develop and manage a grant pipeline, ensuring a continuous flow of funding opportunities.
• Together with the Executive Director, cultivate and sustain relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and major donors, ensuring long-term engagement.
• Implement strategies for major gifts and donor stewardship, increasing giving levels and retention.
• Build and manage corporate partnerships, including sponsorships, cause marketing, and employee giving programs.
• Leverage existing relationships to secure corporate support and enhance brand alignment.
• Strategically utilize data analytics and CRM tools to drive fundraising decisions and track donor engagement.
• Build alliances with international development and nonprofit sector leaders to enhance WMI’s reach and impact.
• Provide regular updates and reports to the Executive Director and Board on fundraising progress and results.
• Lead, mentor, and align the development team with organizational goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across departments and with external partners to integrate fundraising efforts into the overall strategy.
• This position requires some travel to meet with donors, including international travel depending upon development opportunities and WMI programming.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 5+ years of proven success in fundraising, including building and managing diverse donor bases(high-net-worth individuals, foundations, corporations) and securing funding through grant writing.
• Must be highly organized, able to work independently, and have an ability to work under pressure, to coordinate multiple requests and meet competing deadlines.
• Maintain accountability by ensuring compliance with all regulations and laws, as well as the code of ethics for fundraising professionals.
• Familiarity with donor databases and financial development best practices.
• Willingness to maintain a flexible work schedule consistent with the demands and needs of an executive leadership, volunteers, community leaders, and related special events.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of major gift fundraising and donor stewardship.
• Expertise in grant writing and managing a comprehensive grant portfolio.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences and foster long-term relationships both in-person and remotely.
• Strong strategic thinker with the ability to execute complex fundraising initiatives.
• Experience in data-driven decision-making and using CRM tools for donor management.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and familiarity with QuickBooks or similar accounting software is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a remote, dispersed team environment and managing virtual teams.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary based on experience: $90,000-$100,000
• Health insurance reimbursement
• 403(b) retirement plan
• 15 days PTO and 13 paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule with remote work options
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• A dynamic, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment

TO APPLY

Please submit the following to careers@wellsmountaininitiative.org with the subject line “Position Name - Your Full Name”:

• Resume as a PDF
• A statement of interest in a separate PDF detailing why you are a strong fit for the Development Director role. Include examples of your experience leading small development teams, proven fundraising successes, and any work with organizations focused on education, youth empowerment, and global development. Explain how your background best aligns with WMI’s mission and fundraising needs.

As an equal-opportunity employer, our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time of hire. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization. WMI is not able to sponsor work visas at this time.

WMI is a non-profit, tax-exempt charity qualified under Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code.