Working as a Director of Development for a Nonprofit Organization

Nonprofit organizations are known for their uniquely altruistic objectives. Managers within these organizations hold positions similar to those of their for-profit counterparts with one notable exception, the director of development. A nonprofit director of development’s primary responsibility is fundraising. These individuals work closely with the organization’s executive director and board of directors in pursuit of this goal.

The Role of Director of Development

A director of development secures donor relationships and responds to donor concerns, thereby allowing the organization’s executive director to focus on the institution itself.

Nonprofit development department employees directly impact the likelihood that the organization will achieve its fundraising goals. The department’s director is involved in the hiring, training and mentoring of his or her staff. A nonprofit organization’s size and structure dictates the extent to which a director is involved in day-to-day fundraising efforts. Development directors for larger nonprofits play a more advisory role, whereas those working in smaller organizations must also focus on operational responsibilities.

From a macro-perspective directors develop, evaluate and implement fundraising plans. On a micro- level, these individuals research potential donors, write grant proposals and promote the organization’s purpose. Through public appearances, the oversight of fundraising events and the management of capital campaigns, development directors increase organizational awareness while cultivating donor partnerships.

A director determines the efficacy of his or her department by monitoring fundraising programs and reviewing expenses. After preparing accountability reports, the director presents his or her findings to the nonprofit’s executive director and to its board members.

Necessary Skills, Experience and Knowledge

Affable, genuine individuals who passionately support the nonprofit’s purpose are best suited for this highly interactive role. Directors spend a significant amount of time contacting and recruiting potential donor partners. Strong communication skills and a trustworthy demeanor foster productive conversations. Equally important are a director’s strong organizational and analytical skills. These skills facilitate the careful monitoring of fundraising campaigns and allow for well-reasoned strategic adjustments.

When hiring an individual for this role, an executive director considers the applicant’s relevant work experience and his or her record for successfully planning and executing fundraising programs. Nonprofit development directors are essentially “selling” the organization’s mission to potential donors. This task is best completed by a tenacious individual who is persuasive, but not overbearing. Previous interaction with executive managers and board members is also desirable.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics {www.bls.gov} expects the role of fundraiser to grow nine percent between 2014 and 2024. This exceeds the expected average growth rate for all occupations.

Professional Development

While all directors of development must have relevant work experience before fulfilling this role, some of the job’s requisite skills can be acquired in a classroom environment. For instance, advanced degree programs such as a masters of public administration (MPA) help students develop a working knowledge of fundraising management techniques and how to best capitalize on volunteer resources. MPA programs can also teach students how to interpret the legislative measures that affect charitable organizations.

The best development directors are not fame seekers. Rather, their primary motivation is to further the nonprofit’s objectives in a professional and efficient manner.