Director of Development

MAKE AN IMPACT. INSPIRE GENEROSITY. CHANGE LIVES.

Laurel House Is Hiring a Director of Development!

Annual Salary: $65,000–$75,000 | Full-Time | Leadership Opportunity

Are you a strategic fundraising leader who knows how to turn relationships into resources and generosity into meaningful impact? Do you have a passion for building partnerships, inspiring philanthropic support, and leading fundraising initiatives that change lives?

Laurel House is looking for YOU!

We are seeking a dynamic, innovative, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising, donor engagement, marketing, and community partnership efforts. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced development professional to shape fundraising strategy, expand philanthropic support, strengthen community relationships, and lead a dedicated team in advancing a mission that matters.

At Laurel House, our mission is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. The Director of Development plays a vital role in securing the philanthropic resources and community partnerships that help sustain and strengthen this work.

If you are a results-oriented leader who combines fundraising expertise with creativity, relationship-building, and a commitment to meaningful change, we invite you to apply!

POSITION AT A GLANCE

• Position: Director of Development


• Salary Range: $65,000–$75,000 annually


• Employment Status: Full-time, 40 hours per week


• Location: Laurel House Administrative Office


• Reports To: Executive Director


• Classification: Exempt


• Supervisory Responsibility: Yes

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership and management for Laurel House's comprehensive fundraising, donor relations, marketing, and community engagement efforts. Working closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Accounting Director, Board of Directors, and Funds Development Committee, this position develops and implements strategies to expand philanthropic support and advance organizational priorities.

The Director of Development supervises the Development Associate, Donor Relations Specialist, two Thrift Shop Managers, and the Administrative Assistant at the main office in connection with development-related responsibilities.

WHAT YOU'LL LEAD

1. Strategic Fund Development

• Lead the development and implementation of annual and long-term fundraising plans to increase philanthropic support for Laurel House.


• Research and implement strategies to identify, prioritize, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors and prospective donors.


• Collaborate with organizational leadership to establish annual revenue goals for each funding stream as part of the agency budget development process.


• Monitor fundraising progress throughout the fiscal year and adjust strategies as necessary to support the achievement of revenue goals.


• Partner with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Accounting Director to identify organizational funding priorities and align fundraising activities with agency needs.

2. Individual Giving, Major Gifts & Planned Giving

• Develop and oversee individual giving initiatives that strengthen donor relationships and encourage sustained philanthropic support.


• Manage a portfolio of existing major donors while identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new major gift prospects.


• Develop and implement strategies to secure gifts at all levels and strengthen annual giving results.


• Partner with the Board's Funds Development Committee to implement and expand Laurel House's Planned Giving Program.


• Lead planned giving promotional strategies, prospect research, donor stewardship, and relationship development.


• Develop and implement engagement and recognition opportunities for members of the 1980 Legacy Society.

3. Corporate Giving & Community Partnerships

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward corporate partners and prospective corporate donors.


• Build meaningful relationships with businesses, community organizations, faith communities, civic groups, and other potential supporters.


• Identify opportunities to expand philanthropic partnerships and engage new community supporters in Laurel House's mission.


• Represent Laurel House at community events, public forums, and external engagements as needed.

4. Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

• Collaborate with management staff and Board committees to strengthen communications and increase Laurel House's visibility with key external audiences.


• Develop and periodically update compelling cases for support for general agency funding and project-specific fundraising initiatives.


• Oversee the development of agency publications, including annual reports, newsletters, brochures, and other fundraising and communications materials.


• Support a consistent, mission-aligned organizational brand across communications and outreach activities.


• Provide fundraising-related website content and oversee the website's donation section to strengthen donor engagement and giving opportunities.


• Support a brand-aligned social media strategy and develop fundraising-specific social media content.


• Serve as a representative of Laurel House at public forums and before public audiences as necessary.


• Serve as a backup media spokesperson in the absence of the Executive Director or Deputy Director.

5. Special Events & Donor Engagement

• Support Laurel House's signature fundraising events to ensure donors, sponsors, and guests are meaningfully engaged, cultivated, and acknowledged.


• Coordinate with key staff to strengthen donor experiences and maximize opportunities for philanthropic engagement.


• Arrange donor cultivation and stewardship events when appropriate.


• Ensure third-party event hosts and sponsors receive appropriate acknowledgment and continued relationship-building support.

6. Donor Database Management & Reporting

• Oversee the accurate and timely maintenance of Laurel House's donor database.


• Ensure donor records include appropriate data entry, contact notes, solicitation activity, and stewardship information.


• Prepare segmented donor reports and other fundraising reports as needed.


• Monitor donor engagement and fundraising results to inform strategic decisions and identify opportunities for growth.


• Prepare reports for the Board of Directors as requested to support understanding of fundraising objectives, progress, and results.

7. Board Partnership & Fundraising Strategy

• Work closely with the Board of Directors and Funds Development Committee to achieve annual fundraising objectives.


• Support Board engagement in donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and philanthropic outreach.


• Collaborate with leadership to align fundraising strategies with the agency's financial and programmatic priorities.


• Provide information, updates, and reports to support effective decision-making and fundraising accountability.

8. Leadership, Supervision & Team Development

Provide leadership, training, support, supervision, and performance evaluations for the following employees:

• Development Associate


• Donor Relations Specialist


• Two Thrift Shop Managers


• Administrative Assistant at the main office, in connection with development-related responsibilities


• Additional fundraising staff members or volunteers as assigned

Establish clear expectations, support professional development, encourage collaboration, and promote accountability across the development team.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

We are seeking a development professional who combines strategic thinking, fundraising expertise, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for mission-driven work.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Five to seven years of experience in fund development, with knowledge of the full fundraising cycle.


• Demonstrated success meeting annual fundraising goals and securing gifts from individuals, major donors, foundations, and corporations.


• Experience developing and managing fundraising programs, donor portfolios, and philanthropic relationships.


• Demonstrated ability to identify, cultivate, solicit, recognize, and steward donors and prospective supporters.


• Experience supervising employees, volunteers, or fundraising teams.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare compelling fundraising materials and deliver effective presentations.


• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish strong, productive relationships with Board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.


• Strong planning, organizational, project management, and attention-to-detail skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and donor database systems.


• Flexibility, initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.


• A collaborative, results-oriented approach to leadership and fundraising.

Education

A bachelor's degree is preferred. However, priority will be given to relevant experience and a demonstrated record of fundraising success.

Additional Employment Requirements

• Successful completion of required background clearances, including child abuse history, criminal history, FBI clearances, and driving record checks.


• Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and required automobile insurance.


• Consistent access to a working vehicle.


• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate fundraising events, community engagements, meetings, and organizational needs.

WHY JOIN LAUREL HOUSE?

This is an opportunity to bring your professional expertise to an organization whose mission makes a meaningful difference in the community. As Director of Development, you will have the opportunity to lead fundraising strategy, strengthen philanthropic relationships, develop a team, and help secure the resources needed to support Laurel House's work.

You will bring people together around a shared purpose and help turn their generosity into meaningful support for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence.

READY TO LEAD WITH PURPOSE?

If you are an experienced fundraising professional who is ready to build relationships, inspire generosity, and make a lasting impact, we encourage you to apply.

Bring your vision. Build meaningful partnerships. Help make our mission possible.

Apply today to become Laurel House's next Director of Development! Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Laurel House is committed to its mission of supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Qualified candidates who are passionate about our work are encouraged to apply.