Development Director (Part-Time Contract)

Organization Overview

The Elba Hope Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing sustainable agriculture, conservation, food security, youth education, and advocacy. Our mission is to drive positive change by fostering innovation, empowering communities, and building strategic partnerships that contribute to the future of these sectors today and for generations to come.

Position Overview

The Development Director will be a key member and leader of the Elba Hope Foundation team in building and implementing our fundraising strategy. This role will lead all aspects of development, from major donor relationships to grant writing, ensuring the organization meets its annual and long-term funding goals. The position is ideal for an entrepreneurial, creative, ambitious, collaborative, and versatile fundraising professional seeking a flexible, part-time opportunity to make a significant impact in a startup, nonprofit environment.

Why This is a Great Opportunity

The role offers a unique chance to have a significant impact on the growth of the organization at a critical stage of its development and growth. In this role, you will have the opportunity to:

• Build and lead all aspects of development, from prospecting new sources of support across revenue streams (individual, corporate, and foundation) to securing major donors and writing successful grants.
• Leverage the foundation's leadership and influential networks to open doors to new funding sources and strategic partnerships
• Shape the organization’s fundraising strategies while establishing a strong donor base, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
• Work closely and in partnership with the Executive Director and Board to design and execute a fundraising plan that aligns with the Foundation’s overall mission and development-specific objectives.

The hybrid nature of the position is ideal for a candidate who is entrepreneurial and eager to make a tangible impact in a nonprofit at an exciting stage of its development. You will be part of a team that is passionate about building strategic partnerships, driving positive change, and addressing pressing issues in agriculture, conservation, food security, and youth education.

Key Responsibilities

Development Strategy & Planning:

• Collaborate with leadership to develop and implement a comprehensive, scalable development strategy to support our growth and sustainability goals.
• Leverage tools, databases, and wealth screening methods to identify prospective donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations), assess their financial capacity, and compile comprehensive profiles summarizing giving history, philanthropic interests, and connections to the organization’s mission.
• Identify and cultivate new funding sources, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, corporate partners, and philanthropic foundations.
• Create and refine our case for support, tailoring messaging for various audiences and gift sizes (six-figure + and multi-year gifts).
• Manage all aspects of the moves management process, from identification to solicitation and stewardship.

Grant Writing & Donor Communication:

• Lead the proposal development process, including drafting grant applications, letters of inquiry, and concept notes for institutional funders.
• Create and manage donor-facing collateral such as impact reports, newsletters, and presentations.
• Coordinate with program teams to gather data and impact stories for use in donor communications and reports.
• Draft and manage donor outreach emails and meeting preparation materials for the Executive Director and frontline fundraisers.

Fundraising Events & Gala Coordination:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute key fundraising events, ensuring they are successful across engagement and revenue generation.
• Work closely with event committees, volunteers, and vendors to organize logistics, secure sponsorships, and manage guest relations.
• Develop event messaging and fundraising materials such as program brochures, speeches, and presentations.
• Identify opportunities to leverage events for donor cultivation and stewardship, ensuring attendees are meaningfully engaged with our mission.
• Oversee project timelines, resource allocation, and deliverables for development initiatives, ensuring strategic goals are met on time and within budget.

Major Donor & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Manage and further develop a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, building long-term relationships with donors to secure large gifts and ensure donor satisfaction.
• Plan and execute donor cultivation and stewardship events, including virtual and in-person opportunities.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and senior leadership to enhance Board participation in fundraising activities.

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Provide leadership in developing fundraising initiatives across the organization, working closely with program, communications, and finance teams.
• Support the Executive Director and other key staff with fundraising efforts by creating talking points, outreach materials, and event preparations.
• Oversee and manage the development budget, tracking expenses and ensuring resource allocation aligns with organizational goals.

Data & CRM Management:

• Maintain our CRM system (Salesforce) to track donor interactions, moves management, and fundraising progress.
• Utilize donor data to forecast revenue, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to enhance fundraising outcomes.

Qualifications

• Strategic, high-energy, entrepreneurial, results-driven, highly organized and motivated.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including successful major gifts and grant writing experience.
• Proven track record in securing six-figure + gifts and managing a diverse donor portfolio.
• Takes initiative in establishing new relationships and external opportunities; strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills in one-on-one and large group settings
• Proven ability to execute to results producing high quality work, prioritizing appropriately, and accepting accountability. Ability to delegate responsibilities and hold others accountable
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives for diverse audiences and prospective funders.
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to deliver impactful presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a remote, start-up environment.
• Experience/familiarity with Salesforce is preferred.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to integrate these values into all aspects of the fundraising process.
• CFRE certification is a plus, but not required.