At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow philanthropic programmes to support healthy aging initiatives.
- Company: Goddard House, a nonprofit leader in innovative approaches to healthy aging.
- Benefits: Starting salary of $100,000+, plus a competitive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy and expand philanthropic support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the lives of older adults through creative arts engagement.
- Qualifications: 5-7+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Goddard House, a nonprofit leader in innovative approaches to healthy aging, seeks a dynamic and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and grow its philanthropic program. This newly created position is designed to expand Goddard House’s philanthropic impact and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this role offers a unique opportunity to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports both the Goddard House assisted living community and the continued expansion of Creative Aging Connections, a Goddard House initiative that advances creative arts engagement and healthy aging for under-resourced older adults living in Boston and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Director of Development will have responsibility for the organization’s fundraising strategy and results, while overseeing key advancement functions that support donor engagement and philanthropic growth. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring the ability to develop long-term fundraising strategy while actively managing donor relationships and driving near-term results.
Working closely with the President & CEO and Board of Trustees, the Director will strengthen relationships with donors and community partners and expand philanthropic investment in Goddard House’s mission to support purpose, autonomy, and choice as we age.
Leadership & Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership
- Partner with the President & CEO to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy and foster a culture of philanthropy.
- Develop and lead annual fundraising goals and strategies supporting programmatic priorities and capital and facility-related initiatives.
- Collaborate with senior leadership to articulate compelling opportunities for philanthropic support.
- Fundraising and Donor Engagement
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, building and managing a robust pipeline of prospects.
- Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects, building long-term relationships and securing significant philanthropic gifts.
- Lead major gift strategy and partner with the CEO and Board of Trustees to cultivate and solicit significant gifts.
- Expand the donor base by developing new opportunities for philanthropic engagement and making targeted asks across all giving levels.
- Represent Goddard House at donor events and community outreach activities.
- Brand, Storytelling & Visibility
- Advance Creative Aging Connections (CAC) brand and storytelling to support fundraising and donor engagement; collaborate with the marketing team to align messaging.
- Strengthen Goddard House and CAC’s visibility through events, campaigns, partnerships, and public engagement opportunities.
- Collaborate with program and leadership teams to ensure consistent messaging about mission and impact.
- Board Engagement
- Support the Board of Trustees and Development Committee in advancing fundraising goals.
- Partner with board members to identify, engage and cultivate new donor prospects.
- Provide regular reports on fundraising progress and donor engagement.
- Development Operations & Infrastructure
- Oversee donor database management, gift tracking, and development reporting.
- Ensure effective stewardship and acknowledgment practices.
- Track key metrics including donor retention, acquisition, and revenue performance.
- Use fundraising data and donor analytics to inform strategy, forecasting, and performance tracking.
- Provide leadership and oversight for staff and external partners, including grant writers and consultants.
First-Year Priorities
During the first year, the Director of Development will focus on strengthening the organization’s fundraising foundation while beginning to expand philanthropic support. Key Priorities Include:
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy in partnership with the President & CEO.
- Expanding the donor pipeline and increasing philanthropic support for Creative Aging Connections.
- Cultivating relationships with residents, current and former families, and community supporters.
- Strengthening fundraising infrastructure, systems, and reporting organization-wide.
- Supporting the Board of Trustees and Development Committee in advancing fundraising engagement.
Key Qualifications
5–7+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated success meeting revenue goals. Proven track record cultivating and securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Experience managing a personal donor portfolio and building a strong fundraising pipeline aligned to annual revenue targets. Experience implementing or contributing to a comprehensive fundraising strategy. Strong relationship-building and communication skills. Experience managing donor databases and interpreting fundraising data. Highly organized with strong planning and project management abilities. Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to grow fundraising initiatives. Passion for improving quality of life and wellbeing for older adults.
Preferred
Experience in healthcare, aging services, arts, or community-based organizations. Experience with planned or legacy giving programs.
Compensation
Starting Salary of $100,000+, commensurate with experience, plus a competitive benefits package.
Director of Development employer: Senior Living Residences
Goddard House is an exceptional employer that champions innovative approaches to healthy aging, offering a collaborative and mission-driven work culture. As the Director of Development, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful fundraising initiatives while fostering relationships with donors and community partners in the vibrant Brookline area. With a commitment to employee growth and a competitive benefits package, Goddard House provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of older adults.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the nonprofit sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential mentors or colleagues. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you’re chatting with potential employers or at networking events, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the mission of organisations like Goddard House. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to organisations you admire, like Goddard House, and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity is the best way to land the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you ace your job search. Plus, applying through our site can give you an edge, as we’re always looking for passionate individuals who align with our mission. So, get clicking!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in nonprofit fundraising. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Goddard House, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for improving the quality of life for older adults shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely cares about our cause, so share your story and why this role excites you!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key experiences and accomplishments are easy to spot. Bullet points can help us quickly see what you bring to the table!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and gives you a chance to explore more about us while you’re at it!
How to prepare for a job interview at Senior Living Residences
✨Know Your Philanthropic Impact
Before the interview, dive deep into Goddard House's mission and its initiatives like Creative Aging Connections. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to expanding their philanthropic impact.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully cultivated donor relationships in the past. Highlight specific instances where your communication skills led to securing major gifts or enhancing donor engagement, as this role heavily relies on building strong connections.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about a comprehensive fundraising strategy you’ve implemented before. Be prepared to share your approach to developing annual fundraising goals and how you would align them with Goddard House’s programmatic priorities.
✨Engage with Their Storytelling Approach
Familiarise yourself with Goddard House's branding and storytelling methods. During the interview, discuss how you can enhance their visibility through compelling narratives and community engagement, showing that you understand the importance of effective communication in fundraising.
