Position Summary
The Development Director is a dynamic, mission-driven leader who champions p:ear’s story and
inspires others to invest in our work with youth experiencing homelessness. This person is a
natural connector—someone who thrives on building relationships, sparking conversations, and
turning passion into tangible support. They are equally comfortable in a room full of strangers, a
one-on-one donor meeting, or a community event where p:ear’s values shine.
This role blends strategy and heart. The Director is a strategic storyteller, community builder,
and driver of revenue growth across individual, corporate, and foundation giving to meet an
annual goal of $2.5M. They understand that development is rooted in connection, trust, and
shared purpose—and they bring energy, curiosity, and follow-through to every opportunity.
In 2027, p:ear will celebrate its 25th anniversary—an important milestone honoring the creativity,
connection, and care that have defined our work for a quarter century. This anniversary also
provides a powerful opportunity to inspire deeper investment and supercharge the next 25 years
of impact.
In partnership with the Executive Director, Board, and staff across departments, the Director will
lead the development of a comprehensive 25th Anniversary plan to secure multi-year funding
commitments beyond the annual goal that sustain and expand p:ear’s work well into the future.
About p:ear
p:ear builds positive relationships with youth experiencing homelessness through education, art,
recreation, and job training to affirm personal worth and create more meaningful and healthier
lives.
At p:ear, our work starts with the realities of today and ends when young people find and
embrace tomorrow. Our beauty—our core essence—is in everything in between: in the kids,
their daily experiences, their struggles and triumphs, and in their journey. We believe every
young person has a vibrant future.
p:ear respects and celebrates the diversity, creativity, and strength of our community. Equity and
inclusion are priorities across all parts of our organization. We commit our time and resources to
identifying and eliminating disparities based on identity and to promoting equitable access to our
programs so we can all live in the world we want for our young people.
Required Values & Competencies
Deep commitment to social justice, racial equity, and youth-centered practice•
Effective leader and collaborator across diverse communities, including BIPOC,
immigrant, LGBTQ+
, disabled, low-income, and homeless populations
Skilled at cultivating and stewarding donor, partner, and stakeholder relationships
aligned with p:ear's mission
Strategic thinker who navigates ambiguity with confidence and sound judgment, and
collaborates with humility
Clear, compelling communicator and community-centered storyteller, able to distill
complex information for diverse audiences
Self-directed and achievement-oriented, with the initiative to anticipate needs, set
priorities, and move work forward
Patient and persistent in relationship-based fundraising
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan across individual, corporate,
foundation, and event income streams; establish a planned giving program
Lead the development of a multi-year funding strategy for p:ear’s 25th anniversary and
long-term sustainability
Lead and mentor development staff, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and
responsible storytelling
Partner with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen philanthropic engagement
and expand p:ear’s network of supporters
Build and manage systems for donor stewardship, prospecting, and pipeline
development
Utilize donor databases and related platforms effectively, creating a culture of rigorous,
consistent record-keeping to ensure continuity and strengthen long-term donor and
partner relationships
Major Gifts & Individual Giving
Lead and manage the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and
transformational gifts ($5,000+)
Build and maintain a robust portfolio of donors, ensuring thoughtful and strategic
engagement through personal visits, calls, digital outreach, events, and tailored appeals
Provide executive-level support to the Executive Director and staff in managing donor
portfolios and preparing for donor interactions
Develop and implement solicitation goals, cultivation strategies, and stewardship plans
that inspire increased support
Oversee the first-time donor journey and ensure meaningful, timely stewardship
Develop strategies for monthly giving, annual appeals, and donor retention
Corporate Partnerships, Events & Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate partners, including a robust
prospect pipeline for sponsorships, workplace giving and corporate engagement
Provide strategic leadership for p:ear’s annual gala, p:ear Blossoms, and other
fundraising events
Design and oversee events that provide experiential learning and program engagement
opportunities for donors
Represent p:ear at community events, speaking engagements, and partner gatherings•
Cultivate relationships with community businesses and partners to support events and
campaigns
Communications & Storytelling
Partner with the Executive Director to develop an annual communications plan and
supervise a Development Manager who oversees the organization’s multi-channel social
media strategy
Create and manage all fundraising related campaigns, from marketing and messaging to
appeals, supporting a culture of responsible storytelling among staff and leadership
Manage relationships with partners and vendors, including graphic design, printing,
website, and database management vendors
Manage the production and editing of high-quality copy for marketing and engagement
collateral, such as mailings, fundraisers, social media, donor requests, and gratitude
letters
Represent p:ear in the community by participating in press engagements, including TV,
radio, and public speaking opportunities
Ensure all messaging reflects p:ear’s values of love, trust, belonging, and responsible
storytelling
Safe Space Support
Build healthy, mentoring relationships with youth
Participate in occasional daily activities to stay connected to p:ear’s community and story
Support a team approach to maintaining a safe, welcoming space for youth
Qualifications
Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit
development, with demonstrated success in major gifts and relationship-based
fundraising
Proven ability to build and steward donor relationships that lead to increased investment
Strong writing skills, including donor communications, proposals, and storytelling
Experience managing staff or leading teams
Demonstrated ability to work across lines of difference with humility and cultural
responsiveness
Strong project management, coordination, and budget management skills
Ability to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays
Experience with Salesforce and WordPress preferred but not required
TO APPLY
Please send your resume and responses to the three questions below (in lieu of a cover letter)
as PDFs to jobs@pearmentor.org with “Development Director” in the subject line. Applications
will be accepted on a rolling basis with first review on 5/15/2026. Email only; no phone calls,
please.
- How will you incorporate equity into your work as Development Director at p:ear?
- How do you build community and grow relationships?
- Tell us about the most impactful gift you've ever secured?