Director of Development

Director of Development

Mission and Vision

Camp Happy Days supports children with cancer and their families across South Carolina. Our mission is to offer encouragement and support by providing cost-free, year-round programs, special events, and access to crisis resources. Our goal is to improve the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the entire family.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is a full-time, on-site position and leads fundraising for major gifts, sponsorships, and special events, including the annual Gala and Happy Steps. This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Development Committee to set and meet fundraising goals. The Director builds and manages a major gift pipeline, stewards current donors, and secures event sponsorships and auction items.

The Director also supervises the Development and Events Manager. The Manager handles event planning and logistics, third-party events, donor records, acknowledgments, and monthly giving initiatives. The Manager has a deep knowledge of our donors and processes. The Director will partner closely with the Manager, especially during onboarding

Principal Duties

Major Gifts and Donor Engagement

Build and manage a major gift prospect pipeline

Make at least 5 prospective donor visits a month

Steward current donors through regular outreach

Grow and engage Major Donor Society to ensure donors stay engaged and increase their giving

Support the Executive Director with scheduling donor meetings, presentations, and solicitations

Special Events

Lead fundraising for the Annual Gala and Happy Steps 5K, including sponsorships, live and silent auction items, and the Sponsor-a-Child goal

Support event planning committees and committee chairs

Planning and Operations

Set major gifts and special events goals with the Executive Director and Development Committee, and track progress using Raiser's Edge reports

Produce analytical reports from Raiser's Edge

Support the Development Committee, including agendas, materials, and ongoing engagement

Maintain the development calendar

Keep fundraising policies and procedures up to date

Partner with the Development and Events Manager to keep donor records accurate and acknowledgments timely

Communications and Support

Help develop printed and digital materials, including brochures, the annual report, and event collateral

Share fundraising activities with local media and community calendars

Work with the marketing and PR to keep volunteers informed about fundraising activities

Assist with foundation proposals and third-party fundraising events

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and five or more years of fundraising experience

Proven success in major gifts and special event fundraising, including sponsorships and auction solicitation

Experience managing or mentoring staff

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to handle confidential information with integrity

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Raiser's Edge (or a similar donor database), Constant Contact, Greater Giving, and major social platforms

Capital campaign experience is a plus

Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed, and to support camp during the week of July 4th each year

Personal Qualities

You genuinely enjoy meeting people and building relationships

You're organized, detail-oriented, and good at juggling multiple priorities

You work well independently and want to lead a team, not just a portfolio

You bring a positive attitude and energy to the people around you

You want to grow with an organization and build something lasting