Finance Director

Position Overview

The Development Director is responsible for leading all fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, and external communications efforts for BBJ/HBCU. This role builds and manages a diversified revenue portfolio, strengthens organizational partnerships, and ensures that development activities align with the financial policies and mission commitments of Black Birth Justice.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fund Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan aligned with organizational goals.


• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and institutional funders.


• Build and manage a diversified revenue portfolio including grants, major gifts, events, corporate partnerships, and online campaigns.


• Establish measurable fundraising targets and track progress toward revenue goals.

Grant Writing & Institutional Funding

• Research and identify public and private funding opportunities.


• Lead grant proposal development, submission, and reporting processes.


• Collaborate with program leadership to ensure accurate program narratives and budget alignment.


• Maintain grant calendars, compliance deadlines, and reporting schedules.

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Develop systems for donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and retention.


• Maintain accurate donor records and reporting in CRM or tracking systems.


• Coordinate donor communications, impact reports, and appreciation events.


• Support board members and leadership in donor engagement efforts.

Events, Campaigns & Financial Compliance

• Lead planning and execution of fundraising events including galas, giving days, and community campaigns.


• Develop sponsorship packages and secure event sponsors.


• Oversee campaign strategy including digital, social media, and email appeals.


• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Operations to ensure fundraising activities align with financial policies and procurement standards.


• Monitor development-related expenses in accordance with internal controls.


• Ensure appropriate documentation for in-kind contributions and donor reporting.


• Support audit preparation and required external financial reporting.

Community, Corporate Partnerships & Communications

• Build and sustain corporate partnerships and sponsorship relationships.


• Represent HBCU at networking events, conferences, and donor meetings locally, nationally, and potentially internationally.


• Work with leadership to align messaging, storytelling, and branding across campaigns.


• Oversee development-related communications including appeals, newsletters, and donor updates.


• Ensure messaging reflects organizational mission, equity commitments, and cultural integrity.


• Adhere to organizational conflict of interest standards and financial transparency requirements.


• Provide regular development reports to the Executive Director and Board.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, or a related field; Master's preferred


• Minimum 3–5 years of demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or grant writing


• Proven track record of meeting fundraising goals and managing donor relationships


• Experience with grant proposal writing and compliance with federal and foundation funders


• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills


• Proficiency with CRM systems, donor databases, and digital marketing tools


• Demonstrated commitment to organizational mission, equity, and cultural integrity


• Ability and willingness to travel locally, nationally, and potentially internationally


• Independent, reliable personal transportation required