General Overview The Development Director is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading strategies that grow philanthropic support for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. This position manages and stewards a portfolio of major donors and prospects while cultivating new individual, corporate, and foundation supporters. The Executive Director will continue to manage relationships with the organization's highest-capacity donors. The Development Director will focus on building meaningful relationships with individuals who demonstrate the capacity and inclination to make leadership and major gifts, while actively identifying and cultivating new philanthropic partners. This position serves as a member of the leadership team and works collaboratively across the organization to strengthen community engagement, donor relationships, and long-term financial sustainability. Because this is a front-line leadership position working closely with donors, volunteers, board members, staff, and the community, the Development Director must maintain a professional, welcoming presence that reflects the mission and values of the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Major Responsibilities Develop and implement a comprehensive major gifts strategy focused on increasing philanthropic support. Proactively identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new major gift prospects while building and stewarding a portfolio of donors with significant giving potential. Work closely with the Executive Director to ensure coordinated donor strategies and smooth transitions between donor portfolios. Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned donors. Conduct regular face-to-face donor visits and relationship-building meetings. Prepare gift proposals, sponsorship opportunities, and personalized donor presentations. Work with board members and volunteers to strengthen donor engagement and fundraising efforts. Assist in developing annual fundraising goals and monitor progress toward revenue objectives. Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and pipeline activity within the donor database. Ensure timely gift acknowledgements and meaningful stewardship activities. Partner with marketing staff to develop donor communications and impact reports. Support annual giving, planned giving, capital campaigns, and major fundraising initiatives. Assist in identifying and cultivating corporate sponsors and foundation prospects. Represent HSEC at community events, donor functions, and civic organizations. Support fundraising events through donor cultivation before, during, and after each event. Provide regular fundraising reports and pipeline updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Participate as a member of the leadership team, contributing to organizational planning and strategic initiatives. Maintain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates volunteers, donors, and community partners. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization's mission. Qualifications Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising, sales, business development, or relationship management experience. Demonstrated success in securing major gifts or comparable high-value sales/business relationships. Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills. Strong presentation and public speaking abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience using donor databases or CRM software. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and fundraising software. Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion. Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, marketing, or related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities. The employee is regularly required to communicate effectively with donors, staff, volunteers, and the public. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required for fundraising events. Reliable transportation is required as regular travel throughout the community is expected for donor meetings, presentations, and events. Evening and weekend work will occasionally be required. Essential Functions and Skills Exceptional relationship-building abilities High emotional intelligence Strategic thinking Excellent organizational and project management skills Strong communication and listening skills Professional presentation skills Ability to inspire philanthropic investment Self-motivated and goal-oriented Strong problem-solving skills Computer proficiency and CRM competency Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and board members Ability to manage multiple priorities Commitment to the mission of the

Humane Society of Elkhart County Pay:

$80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Bristol, IN 46507