JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Advancement (DoA) is a senior executive leader responsible for the strategic direction, management, and execution of all fundraising and philanthropic activities for Urban Peak. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the DoA leads a comprehensive development program that supports an approximately $12 million annual operating budget and advances Urban Peak’s mission to end youth homelessness.
This role balances hands-on fundraising leadership with departmental management and organizational strategy. The Director of Development builds and leads a high-performing development function; partners closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leaders; and ensures that fundraising efforts are aligned with programmatic priorities, organizational values, and long-term sustainability.
This is a mission-critical role for a fast-paced, highly recognized organization and is ideal for a seasoned development professional who thrives in dynamic environments, values accountability, and is energized by working closely with a capable and visionary CEO.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in business, communications, or nonprofit management or other related field or commensurate years of leading development efforts.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive, successful nonprofit fundraising experience
- Demonstrated experience leading development teams and managing complex fundraising programs.
- Proven success in major gifts, institutional fundraising, communications and donor relationship management.
- Strong strategic thinking, organizational, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building abilities.
- Commitment to equity, trauma-informed care, and positive youth development.
- Lived experience reflective of the youth we serve encouraged but not required
- Must be computer proficient and possess experience of Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Understanding of the provision of and commitment to trauma-informed care and positive youth development
- Ability to travel locally and represent the organization at external meetings and events.
- Must be insurable as a driver on Urban Peak’s auto liability policy in order to conduct business on behalf of the agency or transport youth using an Urban Peak vehicle and/or an approved personal vehicle
- Must pass both federal and state background checks
- Must pass pre-employment physical
- Must pass pre-employment tuberculosis (TB) screening
WORK SCHEDULE
This is a full-time position. The typical work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position may require some weekend and/or evening work to support the needs of the agency.
JOB DUTIES
The duties of this position are performed personally, in cooperation with your supervisor, and/or in coordination with other staff. Additional work functions and duties may be assigned.
- Organizational & Development Leadership
- Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on organizational growth, sustainability, and external engagement.
- Lead, manage, and develop the Development team, including hiring, supervision, performance management, and professional development.
- Oversee and coordinate external consultants and contractors related to fundraising, events, and communications.
- Establish and manage systems, policies, procedures, and infrastructure to support efficient and scalable fundraising and communications operations.
- Create and manage the Development department's annual budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
- Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Generation
- Design, implement, and oversee a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy that includes:
- Major gifts and individual giving
- Corporate partnerships and sponsorships
- Foundation and government grants (local, state, and federal)
- Special events and campaigns (including capital campaigns, as applicable)
- Donor communications, appeals, and stewardship
- Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects.
- Lead relationship-based fundraising and moves management strategies across the development team.
- Analyze fundraising performance data and donor trends; adjust strategies to meet or exceed revenue goals.
- Board & Development Committee Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to build a strong culture of philanthropy.
- Staff and lead the board’s Development Committee, including agenda setting, materials preparation, and follow-up.
- Recruit, train, and support board members in fundraising roles, including donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Ensure board members are meaningfully engaged and accountable for agreed-upon fundraising/donation expectations.
- Donor Relations & Communications
- Ensure best-in-class donor stewardship practices that build long-term relationships and donor loyalty.
- Oversee donor communications, PR for the agency, and fundraising-related messaging in collaboration with internal staff and external partners.
- Ensure accurate donor tracking, reporting, and analytics through Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM systems.
- Represent Urban Peak externally with donors, funders, community leaders, and partners.
- Cross Department Collaboration & Compliance
- Collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate revenue forecasting, gift processing, and financial reporting.
- Partner with Programs and Evaluation to align funding strategies with outcomes, impact data, and reporting requirements.
- Ensure compliance with all ethical, legal, and regulatory standards related to fundraising and donor relations.