Director of Development

The Director of Development (DoD) is a mission-driven leader responsible for building and leading a high-performing major gifts team at the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director supervises four frontline Development Officers and manages a personal portfolio of donors giving $10,000+ annually.

This role is both strategic and donor-facing, focused on driving revenue growth, deepening donor relationships, and fostering a results-oriented culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and impact. The Director plays a critical role in shaping and executing the Food Bank’s fundraising strategy as we aim to be a national leader within the Feeding America network.

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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Team Leadership & Management (40%)

• Lead, coach, and support a team of four Development Officers focused on major gift fundraising ($5,000+).

• Set and track ambitious revenue and engagement goals for each team member and for the overall major gifts program.

• Facilitate portfolio reviews, prospect strategy discussions, and regular performance check-ins.

• Foster a culture of high expectations, continuous improvement, and donor-centered practices.

• Guide and support Development Officers in their work with Regional Councils, including volunteer engagement, meeting coordination, and leveraging council members to expand community connections and philanthropic support.

• Assist the Vice President of Development with budget projections, revenue forecasting, and tracking progress toward financial goals.

Major Gift Fundraising (40%)

• Manage a personal portfolio of 75–100 individual donors and prospects with capacity to give $10,000+.

• Develop and implement tailored strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors.

• Conduct high-quality donor visits and engagements, collaborating with board members and senior leaders where appropriate.

• Prepare compelling proposals and donor communications aligned with organizational priorities.

Strategic Planning & Collaboration (20%)

• Contribute to the development and execution of the annual fundraising plan, campaign strategy, and revenue projections.

• Work closely with the VP of Development, Corporate and Foundation Giving, and Philanthropy Operations teams to strengthen pipeline development, data tracking, and reporting.

• Collaborate across departments to connect donors with volunteerism, events, storytelling, and mission impact.

• Represent the Food Bank with professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to excellence.

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KEY SUCCESS METRICS

• Team and individual fundraising goals met or exceeded

• Growth in number and size of major gifts ($10,000+)

• Donor retention and upgrade rates across portfolios

• Number of meaningful engagements and solicitations

• Evidence of leadership and collaboration across the organization

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QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience required

• Minimum 10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including 3+ years in major gifts and 2+ years of team management

• Proven track record of closing five- and six-figure gifts and managing high-value portfolios

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills—written, verbal, and presentation

• Experience using CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred)

• Excellent time management, attention to detail, and strategic thinking

• Passion for the mission of the Food Bank and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

• Experience leading in a performance-based, metrics-driven culture preferred

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CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES OF SUCCESS

• High integrity and a deep belief in the Food Bank’s mission

• Strategic and analytical mindset with a hands-on, collaborative leadership style

• Entrepreneurial, self-directed, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment

• Team player who values transparency, curiosity, and continuous improvement

• Enthusiastic about setting a national standard for excellence in food bank fundraising

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PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regularly required to talk, hear, and operate standard office equipment

• Frequently sits; occasionally stands, walks, reaches, and lifts/moves up to 10 pounds

• Must have reliable transportation for donor visits and external meetings

• Work is performed in a hybrid office and community setting, including warehouse environments

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone can thrive.