Description

Director of Development | Position Description

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is seeking Director of Development candidates.

Position Summary

The Director of Development plays a central role in advancing the mission and long-term growth of the CFFC. This position is responsible for cultivating and deepening relationships with individual donors and professional advisors with the goal of increasing charitable assets—particularly unrestricted and endowed funds—and supporting CFFC’s donor stewardship and engagement activities.

The Director of Development will work closely with the Foundation’s staff and board to drive fund development efforts, cultivate donors, engage professional advisors, oversee major and planned giving strategies, and ensure a best-in-class donor experience.

This is a highly relational role requiring strong interpersonal skills, comfort with fundraising, and a deep commitment to the mission and values of CFFC.

Key Responsibilities

Fund Development & Donor Cultivation

• Lead the development and implementation of strategies to grow CFFC’s assets, with a focus on major and planned giving.
• Build, manage and maintain a pipeline of donor prospects and professional advisors across Fayette County.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new donor prospects, including individuals, families, giving circles, businesses, and legacy donors.
• Serve as the relationship manager for a portfolio of current and prospective donors, ensuring personalized engagement and stewardship.
• Engage new donors in the CFFC’s “Building a Stronger Fayette Fund” created to support projects designed to address community needs.

Donor Services & Stewardship

• Support ongoing donor communications, including philanthropic review meetings, fund updates, event invitations, and impact reporting.
• Collaborate with staff to design and deliver meaningful donor experiences, such as grantee site visits and appreciation events.
• Ensure all donor information and activities are tracked accurately in CFFC’s donor database (e.g., Foundant or equivalent).

Professional Advisor Engagement

• Cultivate relationships with attorneys, accountants, financial planners, insurance agents, and other professionals to generate donor referrals and planned giving opportunities.
• Coordinate or support advisor-focused events such as seminars, appreciation luncheons, and continuing education programming.

Marketing & Outreach

• Work with the CEO and marketing staff to promote charitable giving opportunities and highlight donor impact stories.
• Collaborate with staff to create and distribute educational materials for advisors and their clients about charitable giving through CFFC.
• Contribute to the development of campaigns and collateral that support asset development, including planned giving materials and the “Building a Stronger Fayette” fund.
• Attend meetings and networking events to engage prospective donors and professional advisors.
  

Organizational Support

• Participate actively in strategic planning and goal setting related to development and donor engagement.
• Prepare reports and updates for the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and development committee.
• Identify grant opportunities for CFFC, develop and submit applications.
• Assist with engaging donors in the annual Gala of Giving, other future fundraising events, event planning and implementation as needed.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $60,000 to $75,000 per year plus benefits.
• Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off and professional development opportunities.

 How to Apply

 Interested candidates should submit the following:

•  A cover letter detailing their experience in driving fund development efforts, cultivating donors, and engaging professional advisors in giving strategies.
• A current resume detailing relevant qualifications and achievements.
• Three professional references (name, title, relationship and contact information).

 Application Deadline: November 21, 2025

 Submit Applications to: info@cffayettepa.org

•  CFFC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in public relations, development, fundraising, planned giving, or donor services, ideally in a nonprofit or philanthropic setting.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Comfort with donor database systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of community foundations, donor-advised funds, and planned giving vehicles.
• Experience working with professional advisors and high-net-worth individuals.
• Familiarity with Fayette County or similar rural/regional communities.
• Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP), CFRE, or other relevant certifications a plus.

Reporting Structure:

• The Director of Development reports directly to the CFFC’s Chief Executive Officer.