Logo
National Down Syndrome Society

Senior Director of Development

National Down Syndrome Society, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022


Position Title:

Senior Director of DevelopmentReports to:

President & CEOLocation:

Washington, DC, New York, NY or remoteTravel:

Approximately 25%About the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS):Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. The organization’s work is achieved through three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy, and Community Engagement. For more information visit www.ndss.org.Position SummaryThe Senior Director of Development leads the implementation and success of an integrated strategy to further advance NDSS’ mission, leveraging existing resources and developing fundraising and event strategies. A creative, passionate and results-driven incumbent will evolve and execute broader organizational development strategies to advance the goals of NDSS. This position manages changing priorities and provides leadership and strategic vision for all aspects of fundraising, annual giving and events, working in collaboration with the leadership team and all programs. The role inspires, guides, integrates and enhances strategic and coordinated fundraising and communications strategies and programs across the organization in support of the NDSS mission and strategic priorities.Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesTo perform in this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.Plans and implements a comprehensive development program that drives greater giving among individual donors and corporate sponsors toward increased year over year revenue generationCollaborates to plan and execute key fundraising initiatives, such as annual impact report, Giving Tuesday, and the year-end campaignIn coordination with the President & CEO and leadership, identifies priorities for fundraising and formulates strategies for program expansionPrepares the organization’s development plan to correspond with the annual budget, outlining revenue and expenses; monitors progress against goals and produces monthly reports.

Works with President & CEO and Development team to create an organizational strategy to advance growth in both fundraising and eventsManages and cultivates relationships with leadership-level donors, ensuring personalized engagement and stewardship to strengthen long-term partnershipsConducts face-to-face meetings with donors to present proposals, secure gifts and express appreciation for their supportWorks collaboratively with the Director of Events to identify major donor prospectsCollaborates with the Operations team to develop and implement NDSS’ financial strategyStrengthens NDSS’ profile among donors, constituents, volunteers and organizational partners

Sets the overarching direction, establishes metrics and leads a team in the execution of events, fundraising activities and community engagement initiativesBuilds a culture of continuous improvement, balancing innovation and ideas with the use of data to drive decisions and make course corrections when necessaryMonitors key fundraising and marketing trends and opportunities and communicates the implications to the leadership team with suggested actionWorks with staff to build greater visibility through digital communications, social media and other cultivation toolsTravel is required to meet with donors and attend eventsThis position requires evening and weekend work

Other duties as assignedSupervisory Responsibilities:

Development & Events DepartmentExperience and QualificationsEducation and Experience Requirements:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required

10+ years minimum of professional fundraising experience in a nonprofit organizationExperience managing a development budget of $2,000,000.00+Established success in soliciting and securing major and planned giftsDemonstrated success in managing advancement services and donor management softwarePossess ability to lead and mentor the development and events team, with a focus on achieving measurable resultsStrong understanding of digital fundraising strategies, including peer to peer fundraising and online giving platformsProven success in working as a member and manager of a team and developing effective working relationships with staff, volunteers and donors

Demonstrated record of sound political judgment and bipartisanshipKnowledge, Skills and Abilities:Strong knowledge of principles, ethics and practices of successful fundraising concepts, and appropriate solicitation techniques, including planned givingAbility to lead multiple long- and short-term projects simultaneously, meeting all related deadlines.Ability to work as a self-starter, make decisions and solve problems independently, effectively and creatively.Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiencesProven ability to work effectively with Board members, colleagues, donors, volunteers and diverse groups.Goal-oriented, strategic, persistent and persuasive in the contact, follow-through and completion of acquiring giftsUnderstands the confidential nature of fundraising efforts and donor information and maintains a high level of confidentiality

NDSS BenefitsNDSS currently offers a fully competitive employee benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, LTD, STD and Group Life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a safe-harbor match, flexible time off and paid holidays.NDSS is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage individuals of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At NDSS, we’re committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences and know that a diverse team is a strength that drives our success.