Director of Development

Job Description

Job Description

Organization Overview

Cape Abilities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities on Cape Cod. Through innovative programs, social enterprises, and community partnerships, we empower individuals to live meaningful and engaged lives. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we support and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

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Position Summary

The Director of Development leads a dynamic team and plays a key role in executing Cape Abilities’ fundraising strategies in partnership with the Vice President of Development. This position oversees all aspects of development operations, including donor engagement and stewardship, events, campaign execution and analysis, direct mail and digital integration, and marketing related to development. The Director ensures strategic alignment across initiatives, particularly with the organization’s social enterprises, and contributes to advancing Cape Abilities’ mission through comprehensive development efforts.

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Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Strategy Execution

· Supervise and support a development team that includes Grant personnel, a Development Associate, and a Marketing & Communications Manager.

· Provide leadership, mentorship, and regular performance evaluations.

· Collaborate with the VP of Development on the implementation of the comprehensive development plan and annual goals.

· Contribute to strategic planning and departmental goal-setting in alignment with organizational priorities and Cape Abilities’ long-term financial sustainability.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

· Manage stewardship of Annual Fund donors and monthly givers, ensuring meaningful engagement and donor retention.

· Support cultivation and stewardship of major gift and planned giving prospects, in partnership with the VP of Development.

· Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising and donor appreciation events, including event budgeting, logistics, and vendor coordination.

· Evaluate event effectiveness and align event goals with overall fundraising objectives.

· Support the moves management process by researching individual donors and preparing research briefs for the VP of Development.

· Implement donor segmentation strategies to drive retention and acquisition efforts, with targeted growth goals for the Annual Fund and monthly giving program.

Campaign Management & Data Analysis

· Oversee the planning and implementation of capital campaigns and other special initiatives.

· Design and manage multi-channel fundraising campaigns, integrating direct mail with digital strategies.

· Utilize and analyze donor and campaign data to optimize performance, identify trends, inform fundraising priorities, and guide decision-making for increased donor engagement.

Marketing & Communications for Development

· Lead marketing efforts related to development and ensure storytelling and messaging alignment with the organization’s brand and mission and resonate with diverse donor audiences.

· Work closely with the Communications Manager to produce donor-centric communications and marketing collateral.

· Collaborate with social enterprise teams to integrate development messaging and amplify cross-departmental impact.

Systems, Vendors & Platforms Oversight

· Oversee contracts and relationships with vendors supporting fundraising, marketing, and events.

· Manage and optimize development platforms, including donor databases (Raiser’s Edge) and fundraising tools (e.g., Classy).

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Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certification in nonprofit management, fundraising, or marketing is a plus.

· 3–5 years of progressive experience in development or nonprofit fundraising.

· Hands-on experience with Raiser’s Edge or a similar donor CRM is required.

· Familiarity with digital fundraising platforms such as Classy is a plus.

· Demonstrated ability to manage donor programs, supervise staff, and lead initiatives.

· Strong skills in data analysis, donor segmentation, and reporting.

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

· Marketing and communications experience in a nonprofit context is strongly preferred.

· Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities.

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Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Hyannis. Some evenings and weekends are required for events and donor engagement.