Senior Director of Development

Fathers’ UpLift (FUL) is the country’s first mental health and substance abuse treatment facility for fathers and families, helping fathers become and remain emotionally stable for their children. FUL uses peer coaching, father-child therapy, training, youth programs, and support for incarcerated and recently released fathers to honor and rehabilitate the relationship between thousands of fathers and families in the Boston area. Our programs are designed to make mental health accessible to minority and low-income communities by overcoming stigma and geographic accessibility, and by recruiting staff and team members who share cultures, backgrounds, and experiences with the population they are serving. FUL and its leadership have been recognized by the Obama Foundation, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, and Ashoka. Learn more about the FUL story from CEO and Co-Founder Charles Daniels’ TED Talk.

JOB HIGHLIGHT

Leverage your entrepreneurial and relationship-building skills to drive Fathers’ UpLift’s funding strategy. Develop transformative relationships with funders and lead a growing development team to new heights.

JOB SUMMARY

As the Senior Director of Development at Fathers’ UpLift, you will spearhead the organization’s development strategy for both annual operations and multi-year growth. This is a newly established role aimed at enhancing our fundraising efforts. Your mission will be to cultivate and expand relationships with key individual and foundation funders, while integrating development best practices across the organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will work closely with the leadership team and manage a dynamic team of development professionals.

You will excel in this role through your passion for meaningful relationship-building and your ability to lead and inspire a high-performing team in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Fundraising and Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy to support
• organizational goals and growth vision.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other funding sources.
• Oversee the development and implementation of major gift strategies, annual giving campaigns,and special events.
• Monitor fundraising progress and provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Oversee all development operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining high ethical standards and accountability to donors.

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Build strong, lasting relationships with existing and prospective donors through personalized engagement and effective stewardship practices.
• Create and implement donor recognition and stewardship programs to ensure donors feel valued and appreciated.
• Ensure timely and effective creation of grant reports to funders.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board members to support their fundraising efforts and leverage their networks.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a small development team to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and development.
• Implement best practices in fundraising, donor management, and team operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Marketing and Communications

• Develop compelling fundraising materials, including appeals, proposals, and stewardship/impact reports.
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all fundraising communications and campaigns.
• Oversee FUL’s social media strategy to enhance fundraising efforts and reach new audiences.

Financial Management and Reporting

• Develop and manage the development department’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated
• efficiently and effectively.
• Provide accurate and timely financial reports on fundraising activities and performance against
• goals.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical guidelines in fundraising activities.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 8 years of fundraising and relationship management experience in nonprofit organizations with progressive responsibility.
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful long-term strategic fundraising plans, particularly with major gifts and institutional partnerships.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in using donor management systems (e.g., CRM software) and fundraising technologies.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in philanthropy, fundraising, and prospect research.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passion: Commitment to Fathers’ UpLift’s mission and values.
• Motivation: Highly motivated, goal-oriented, and results-driven.
• Creativity and Strategy: Creative and strategic thinker with a willingness to innovate and develop effective solutions.
• Ethics: Strong ethical standards and commitment to maintaining donor confidentiality and trust.
• Resilience: Adaptable and resilient, able to navigate challenges with a positive attitude

LOCATION

Father’s UpLift is headquartered in Boston, MA. This role has the option to be remote.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This role will require up to 20% of business travel to attend organizational events, donor meetings, internal planning meetings, or other functions relevant to the role (total percentage dependent on whether the applicant is physically in the Boston area).

BENEFITS

Fathers’ UpLift offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401(k); Paid Time Off; Employee assistance program; Parental leave; and Professional development assistance.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Samantha Fils at Hiring@fathersuplift.org, with the subject line “Sr. Director of Development Application - Fathers’ UpLift."