Senior Director of Development

Position Title: Senior Director of Development

Reports to: President & CEO

Location: Washington, DC, New York, NY or remote

Travel: Approximately 25%

About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS):

Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. The organization’s work is achieved through three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. For more information visit www.ndss.org.

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Development leads the implementation and success of an integrated strategy to further advance NDSS’ mission, leveraging existing resources and developing fundraising and event strategies. A creative, passionate and results-driven incumbent will evolve and execute broader organizational development strategies to advance the goals of NDSS. This position manages changing priorities and provides leadership and strategic vision for all aspects of fundraising, annual giving and events, working in collaboration with the leadership team and all programs. The role inspires, guides, integrates and enhances strategic and coordinated fundraising and communications strategies and programs across the organization in support of the NDSS mission and strategic priorities.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

To perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

• • Plans and implements a comprehensive development program that drives greater giving among individual donors and corporate sponsors toward increased year over year revenue generation
  • Collaborates to plan and execute key fundraising initiatives, such as annual impact report, Giving Tuesday, and the year-end campaign
  • In coordination with the President & CEO and leadership, identifies priorities for fundraising and formulates strategies for program expansion
  • Prepares the organization’s development plan to correspond with the annual budget, outlining revenue and expenses; monitors progress against goals and produces monthly reports.
• Works with President & CEO and Development team to create an organizational strategy to advance growth in both fundraising and events
• Manages and cultivates relationships with leadership-level donors, ensuring personalized engagement and stewardship to strengthen long-term partnerships
• Conducts face-to-face meetings with donors to present proposals, secure gifts and express appreciation for their support
• Works collaboratively with the Director of Events to identify major donor prospects
• Collaborates with the Operations team to develop and implement NDSS’ financial strategy
• Strengthens NDSS’ profile among donors, constituents, volunteers and organizational partners
  • Sets the overarching direction, establishes metrics and leads a team in the execution of events, fundraising activities and community engagement initiatives
  • Builds a culture of continuous improvement, balancing innovation and ideas with the use of data to drive decisions and make course corrections when necessary
  • Monitors key fundraising and marketing trends and opportunities and communicates the implications to the leadership team with suggested action
  • Works with staff to build greater visibility through digital communications, social media and other cultivation tools
  • Travel is required to meet with donors and attend events
  • This position requires evening and weekend work
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: Development & Events Department

Experience and Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required
  • 10+ years minimum of professional fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization
  • Experience managing a development budget of $2,000,000.00+
  • Established success in soliciting and securing major and planned gifts
  • Demonstrated success in managing advancement services and donor management software
  • Possess ability to lead and mentor the development and events team, with a focus on achieving measurable results
  • Strong understanding of digital fundraising strategies, including peer to peer fundraising and online giving platforms
  • Proven success in working as a member and manager of a team and developing effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and donors
• Demonstrated record of sound political judgment and bipartisanship

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• • Strong knowledge of principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising concepts, and appropriate solicitation techniques, including planned giving
  • Ability to lead multiple long- and short-term projects simultaneously, meeting all related deadlines.
  • Ability to work as a self-starter, make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively and creatively.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences
  • Proven ability to work effectively with Board members, colleagues, donors, volunteers and diverse groups.
  • Goal-oriented, strategic, persistent and persuasive in the contact, follow-through and completion of acquiring gifts
  • Understands the confidential nature of fundraising efforts and donor information and maintains a high level of confidentiality

NDSS Benefits

NDSS currently offers a fully competitive employee benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, LTD, STD and Group Life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a safe-harbor match, flexible time off and paid holidays.

NDSS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At NDSS, we’re committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences and know that a diverse team is a strength that drives our success.