Job Purpose:
The Senior Director of Development (S-S-DOD) plays a central role in advancing the organization’s fundraising strategy and philanthropic growth. Reporting to and working in close partnership with the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO), the S-DOD helps design and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that support the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and long-term sustainability.
The S-DOD provides direct supervision and leadership to the Donor Services and Insights Manager and two Gift Officers, ensuring a high-performing, donor-centered culture grounded in data, accountability, and exceptional stewardship. This role serves as a strategic connector across the Development Team and the broader organization, aligning fundraising efforts with programmatic impact and organizational goals. The S-DOD is a member of the Senior Leadership Team contributing to organizational strategy, culture, and decision making.
This role balances development strategy and operations (approximately 40%), team management and performance (approximately 30%) with donor portfolio management (approximately 30%).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Partner with the CPO to develop and execute annual and multi-year fundraising strategies, goals, and revenue projections.
Translate strategic priorities into actionable development plans across donor segments and fundraising programs.
Monitor performance against goals and adjust strategies as needed to ensure success.
Contribute to campaign planning and execution, including capital or comprehensive campaigns as applicable.
Team Leadership and Management
Supervise, coach, and support the Donor Services and Insights Manager and two Giving Advisors (Gift Officers).
Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture focused on results and donor experience.
Establish clear expectations, performance metrics, and professional development plans for direct reports.
Ensure alignment and coordination between frontline fundraising and operational support functions.
Donor Strategy and Engagement
Support the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key donors and prospects, including managing a select portfolio of 30-50 major and mid-level donors, primarily individuals but may include some foundations and companies.
Partner with Giving Advisors to strengthen donor relationships and increase retention, upgrade, and lifetime value.
Ensure consistent, high-quality donor communications and experiences across all touchpoints.
Revenue Scope & Financial Accountability
The DOD collaborates with the CPO to develop and manage the Development Department revenue and expense budgets.
Along with the CPO and Development Team, the DOD is accountable for total annual contributed revenue performance, revenue diversification across donor segments and fundraising programs and appropriate stewardship of restricted funding.
Revenue diversification across individuals, corporations, foundations, planned giving, and events
Assists the CPO with multi-year revenue forecasting
Operations, Data, and Insights
Work closely with the Donor Services and Insights Manager to ensure strong data integrity, reporting, and analytics.
Leverage data to inform strategy, track performance, and identify growth opportunities.
Ensure effective systems and processes for gift processing, acknowledgment, and donor management.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Serve as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, culture, and decision-making.
Collaborate with Marketing/Communications, Programs, Finance, and Operations to align messaging, impact reporting, and donor engagement.
Represent the organization externally with donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Passion for Food Bank of Northern Nevada’s mission, vision, and goals
Exemplary relationship-building and communication skills
Results-oriented with the desire and ability to maximize fundraising activities and plan for future development needs and growth
Capacity to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, handle multiple projects, meet deadlines, demonstrate strong organizational skills, take initiative, and be self-motivated
Maintains a clean, well-groomed appearance and dress professionally appropriate for donor meetings and events
Impeccable ethical fundraising practices
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration and organizational alignment
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational priorities into fundraising execution plans
• Demonstrated success creating and executing comprehensive fundraising strategic plans including a variety of fundraising programs: annual fund, major giving, mid-level giving, monthly giving, foundation grants, government grants, and corporate giving and grants.
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
• Experience in implementing departmental work plans
• Experience overseeing donor stewardship systems, fundraising operations, and performance metrics
• Experience partnering with fundraising committees, advisory councils and/or board of directors.
• Familiarity with the northern Nevada and eastern California Sierra philanthropic environment and existing and emerging philanthropists in the region
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising leadership experience
• Proven track record securing and stewarding major gifts
Significant experience with donor portfolio moves management
• Significant Experience developing and managing departmental fundraising budgets, forecasts and revenue tracking
• Significant Experience supervising and coaching professional fundraisers and leading teams and team members to achieve goals (5-7 years)
• Strong donor relationship and portfolio management experience (3M-5M)
Preferred Skills and Experience
Advanced degree preferred
Benefits:
• Competitive Salary
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• 12 Paid Holidays per year & Generous PTO Accrual
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Life Insurance
• AD&D
• Paid Education Reimbursement
• Paycheck Advance (On-Demand Pay)
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Friendly and collaborative work environment
Why We Exist
At the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, we believe that no one should go hungry, not today, not ever. Hunger isn’t just about food; it’s about dignity, opportunity, and the power of community. Every meal we provide is a step toward hope, a step toward equity, and a step toward a future where food insecurity is no longer a reality.
We are a safety- sensitive, drug free work place. *Not all positions at the Food Bank are considered Safety Sensitive, but those that are- are 100% drug free- per federal safety sensitive guidelines.
Description (2 important notes)
1. *Position Leveling Notice: The organization intends to fill one Development leadership position at either the Director of Development or Senior Director of Development level. Placement will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, leadership experience, fundraising expertise, and overall alignment with organizational needs. Candidates are encouraged to review both job descriptions and apply for the position that best matches their background and experience.
2. This role is Hybrid eligible- meaning you are able to work from home for a portion of your week. (up to 3 days)