Director of Development

Position Summary

The Director of Development reports to the President and CEO and plays a pivotal leadership role in advancing the mission and strategic goals of the Niagara Health Foundation by planning, implementing, and managing comprehensive fundraising initiatives. This individual is responsible for cultivating meaningful donor relationships, securing major and planned gifts, overseeing fundraising campaigns, and managing a team dedicated to philanthropic growth in support of hospital equipment, research, and other priorities of Niagara Health.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• In conjunction with Foundation Leadership, develop, implement, and evaluate the Foundation's annual and long-term development strategies in alignment with hospital priorities and philanthropic goals.

• Partner with Foundation and hospital leadership to identify funding priorities and create compelling cases for support.

• Provide leadership and mentorship to development staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence. Ensure the team has a clear set of goals and achieves these goals on a fiscal basis.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Manage a portfolio of major and leadership gift level prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts of $25,000 and above.

• Oversee special campaigns, and planned giving initiatives to diversify and grow philanthropic revenue.

• Develop and implement donor stewardship plans to ensure sustained engagement and recognition.

• Collaborate with physicians, hospital staff, and volunteers to identify new donor prospects and enhance the donor experience.

• Ability to organize and analyze data to inform decision making and to identify trends or opportunities

Campaign & Event Management

• Lead the design and execution of capital and comprehensive campaigns.

• Work closely with marketing and communications to produce compelling fundraising materials, donor communications, and impact reports.

Operations & Reporting

• Prepare and manage the development team budget, ensuring sound fiscal management and adherence to best practices.

• Utilize donor management software (Raiser's Edge) to track engagement and report on progress.

• Present regular updates and performance metrics to Foundation leadership and the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, preferably within healthcare, or nonprofit sectors.

• Proven track record in securing major gifts and leading successful fundraising campaigns.

• Experience managing multiple staff and working with Boards, volunteers, and executive leadership.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong coaching and mentoring skills, with demonstrated ability to manage teams and motivate staff to meet goals.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to inspire donors and stakeholders.

• Strategic thinker with a data-informed approach to fundraising.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams, manage multiple projects/timelines and shifting priorities.

• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and discretion.

• Proficiency with donor management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Working Conditions

• Hybrid or on-site work environment at multiple Foundation offices.

• Occasional evening and weekend work for donor events or hospital functions.

• Must be able to travel locally to meet donors and attend community events.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.