Director of Development Strategy & Partnerships

This isn’t a traditional Director of Development position; we’re not looking for someone who wants to inherit a department and simply maintain it. We’re seeking a Director of Development who […]

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This isn’t a traditional Director of Development position; we’re not looking for someone who wants to inherit a department and simply maintain it.

We’re seeking a Director of Development who can think strategically, build authentic relationships, lead people effectively, and make things happen.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this person will serve as a trusted strategic partner and lead the planning, coordination, execution, and performance of Child Focus’ fundraising and development efforts. They will help shape a sustainable, diversified fundraising strategy while ensuring the people, projects, and systems needed to execute it are working together.

As an external representative of Child Focus, this person builds relationships with individuals, businesses, foundations, civic organizations, and community partners who share our commitment to children, and is the face of the organization to major donors, corporate partners, and community supporters.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable sitting across from a prospective major donor, collaborating with a longtime staff member, facilitating a planning meeting, and reviewing a fundraising pipeline to determine what needs attention.

This role combines the strategy of a development executive, the relationship-building ability of a fundraiser, and discipline of an exceptional team leader.

What Makes Someone Successful Here

We recognize a strong candidate isn’t defined solely by job titles or organizations listed on a resume. We’re looking for a combination of professional experience, leadership ability, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to relationship-driven fundraising.

• Relationship. Develops trust and meaningful connections with donors, community partners,colleagues, and other stakeholders.
• Strategic and results-oriented. Connects big-picture goals with practical plans, clear priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• Collaborative leader. Brings people together, recognizes strengths, sets expectations, and fosters a culture of respect and accountability
• Adaptable and resourceful. Embraces growth and change, identifies opportunities for improvement, and makes thoughtful use of available resources
• Strong communicator. Listens well, navigates sensitive situations with professionalism, and engages effectively with diverse audiences.
• Mission-driven and accountable. Balances compelling storytelling with data, financial stewardship, measurable progress, and follow-through.
• Seeking a meaningful, long-term opportunity. Most of our leadership team and supervisory staff have been with the organization far beyond the average tenure, including many at 12, 15, and 20 years. We are seeking a candidate looking to dedicate long-term commitment to the mission and organization.

Qualifications

• Significant progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, development leadership, philanthropy, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through individual giving, donor cultivation, major gifts, corporate partnerships, or sponsorships.
• Experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and coordinating work across multiple functions.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to develop fundraising strategies, manage pipelines, interpret performance data, and translate goals into action.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership, Board members, and community stakeholders.
• Sound financial judgment, organizational discipline, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Comfort using donor management systems, fundraising technology, and project management tools.
• Personal or professional experience in child welfare, adoption, foster care, human services, or another mission-driven field is valuable, but not required.

Candidates whose experience may not follow a traditional nonprofit career path but who demonstrate relevant leadership, fundraising, relationship-building, and execution skills are welcome.

Our Culture: The Five R’s of Child Focus

Our culture is grounded in five values that shape how we work, lead, and serve: Resourceful, Respectful, Resilient, Responsive, and Relationships.

• Resourceful. We think creatively, find solutions, and make the most of the resources entrusted to us.
• Respectful. We value different perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We recognize the expertise of our colleagues and partners, and we believe strong leadership combines high expectations with genuine respect.
• Resilient. Child welfare work is complex, and the nonprofit funding environment can be unpredictable. We adapt, persevere, and remain focused on what children need, even when circumstances are challenging.
• Responsive. We listen actively, communicate clearly, follow through on commitments, and recognize that timely action matters. We believe accountability is demonstrated through what we do, not simply what we intend.
• Relationships. We build trust and meaningful partnerships through collaboration, honesty, and shared purpose.

We work hard, support one another, welcome new ideas, and make room for humor and humanity along the way.

We’re not looking for someone who needs everything to be perfectly established before they can succeed. We’re looking for someone who embodies these values, embraces the opportunity to help an evolving organization continue to grow, and who brings people together around a mission that matters.

Position Details

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What Makes Someone Successful Here

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Qualifications

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• Significant progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, development leadership, philanthropy, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated success securing philanthropic support through individual giving, donor cultivation, major gifts, corporate partnerships, or sponsorships.
• Experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and coordinating work across multiple functions.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, communication, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to develop fundraising strategies, manage pipelines, interpret performance data, and translate goals into action.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership, Board members, and community stakeholders.
• Sound financial judgment, organizational discipline, and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Comfort using donor management systems, fundraising technology, and project management tools.