Business Development Director

 Business Development Director

Build Relationships. Grow Partnerships. Change Lives.

The Kearney Center is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven Business Development Director to help expand our impact throughout the Big Bend community. This isn’t a traditional sales role. It’s an opportunity to build meaningful partnerships, connect people to a mission that changes lives, and secure the resources needed to help individuals experiencing homelessness move toward stability and independence. As our Business Development Director, you’ll serve as an ambassador for The Kearney Center by developing relationships with businesses, donors, foundations, civic organizations, and community leaders. You’ll identify new opportunities for support, help tell the stories of lives being transformed, and work alongside our leadership team to ensure our mission continues to grow. If you enjoy connecting people, building partnerships, and making a lasting impact in your community, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Build and strengthen relationships with businesses, donors, foundations, civic organizations, and community leaders.
• Identify new sponsorships, funding opportunities, and strategic partnerships.
• Represent The Kearney Center at networking events, community meetings, and public functions.
• Help cultivate and steward donor relationships through meaningful communication and engagement.
• Coordinate fundraising initiatives, donor appreciation efforts, and community events.
• Work with leadership to tell compelling stories that demonstrate the impact of our mission.
• Support marketing and community awareness efforts through presentations, newsletters, social media, and public engagement.
• Research new funding opportunities and collaborate on long-term fundraising strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of donor, partner, and community interactions.

What We’re Looking For

• A natural relationship builder who enjoys connecting with people.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating with leadership.
• Experience in business development, fundraising, sales, nonprofit leadership, marketing, community engagement, or relationship management is preferred.
• Passion for serving others and advancing the mission of The Kearney Center.

Why Join The Kearney Center?

Every partnership you build has the potential to provide meals, shelter, healthcare, employment opportunities, and hope for someone experiencing homelessness. This role is about more than fundraising—it’s about helping transform lives through meaningful relationships and community collaboration. You’ll have the opportunity to work alongside a passionate team committed to restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and strengthening our community. If you’re looking for a career where your work truly matters, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in business development, fundraising, sales, marketing, community engagement, relationship management, or a related field.
• Valid Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for community events, networking opportunities, and fundraising activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Experience with CRM or donor management software is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and public speaking abilities.
• Comfortable networking with business leaders, donors, elected officials, and community partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently while collaborating with leadership and community stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities and develop creative solutions.
• Strong follow-through and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Passion for serving others and advancing the mission of The Kearney Center.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit fundraising or development.
• Experience cultivating corporate partnerships or sponsorships.
• Experience managing donor relationships or major gifts.
• Experience planning fundraising or community events.
• Grant writing or grant management experience.
• Marketing, communications, or public relations experience.
• Experience using donor management or CRM software.
• Existing relationships within the Tallahassee or Big Bend business community are a plus.

Core Competencies

• Relationship Building
• Strategic Thinking
• Communication & Storytelling
• Community Engagement
• Initiative & Accountability
• Professionalism
• Collaboration
• Mission-Driven Leadership

What Will Make Someone Successful in This Role?

The ideal candidate genuinely enjoys meeting new people and building long-term relationships. They are energized by connecting individuals and organizations with a meaningful cause, communicate with authenticity and professionalism, and consistently follow through on commitments. They are proactive, organized, and motivated by making a lasting impact in the community through partnerships that support individuals experiencing homelessness.