Development Director

Development Director

Best Beginnings is a public-private partnership that mobilizes people and resources to ensure all Alaska children begin school ready to succeed. Through partnerships, early literacy programs, family engagement, and public awareness efforts, Best Beginnings connects children and families with the resources they need to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Best Beginnings is seeking a relationship-focused Development Director to lead the organization's fundraising efforts. Working closely with the Executive Director, this position is responsible for building meaningful relationships with donors, securing philanthropic support, and implementing fundraising strategies that sustain and grow the organization's impact across Alaska. This is a hands-on fundraising position. The successful candidate will spend the majority of their time cultivating donors, managing fundraising campaigns, securing corporate sponsorships, and strengthening a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director. The position provides leadership to fundraising volunteers and serves as staff liaison to the Board Fund Development Committee.

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), exempt position. Work location: hybrid (approximately 25-35% in person) Some evening and weekend work is required for donor meetings, community events, and fundraising activities. Occasional travel within Alaska may be required.

TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual Giving & Major Gifts (40%)

● Build, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors and major gift prospects.

● Manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors through all stages of the donor cycle.

● Conduct donor visits and prepare proposals, gift agreements, and stewardship materials.

● Develop personalized cultivation and recognition strategies that encourage long-term giving.

● Coordinate donor meetings involving the Executive Director and Board members.

● Conduct prospect research and maintain an active pipeline of future donors.

Fundraising Campaigns & Partnerships (30%)

● Implement Best Beginnings' annual fundraising plan in partnership with the Executive Director.

● Lead annual giving campaigns, including year-end giving, Giving Tuesday, Pick.Click.Give., monthly giving, direct mail, and other fundraising initiatives.

● Cultivate and steward corporate sponsors and community partners.

● Develop sponsorship opportunities and recognition plans.

● Collaborate with staff and contractors to create fundraising appeals, donor stories, digital campaigns, and marketing materials.

● Evaluate campaign performance and recommend improvements. Donor Database Management (10%)

● Ensure timely donor acknowledgment and stewardship activities.

● Oversee the integrity of donor records, gift tracking, and reporting in the organization's donor database.

● Work with administrative staff responsible for gift entry and routine database maintenance.

● Prepare fundraising reports and donor analyses.

● Monitor fundraising progress toward annual goals.

Special Events & Volunteer Engagement (10%)

● Provide staff leadership for fundraising events and volunteer event committees.

● Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment and donor engagement associated with fundraising events.

● Work collaboratively with staff to recruit, support, and recognize volunteers assisting with fundraising activities.

● Collaborate with community partners to expand fundraising opportunities. Development Planning & Board Support (10%)

● Staff the Board Fund Development Committee.

● Prepare committee agendas, reports, and supporting materials.

● Support Board members in donor cultivation and fundraising efforts.

● Stay current on fundraising trends and recommend strategies that strengthen Best Beginnings' long-term sustainability.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Work Experience

● Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing, public administration, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

● Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, advancement, sales, business development, or relationship management preferred.

● Demonstrated success cultivating relationships and achieving fundraising or revenue goals.

Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes

● Passion for improving outcomes for Alaska's young children and families.

● Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

● Strong written and verbal communication skills.

● Comfortable making direct fundraising asks and building long-term donor relationships.

● Highly organized with excellent project management skills.

● Experience working with boards, volunteers, and community partners

● Experience using donor management software or CRM systems; Bloomerang experience is a plus.

● Knowledge of Alaska communities and appreciation for the state's geographic and cultural diversity. ● Valid Alaska driver's license and access to reliable transportation for local meetings.