Director of Development, Hope Ignites New Orleans

Job Summary

The Director of Development is a senior leader passionate about the mission of Hope Ignites New Orleans and skilled at building authentic, long-term relationships that lead to transformational philanthropy. This role is responsible for leading individual giving, major gifts, corporate support (beyond event sponsorship), grants strategy, and fundraising events, while serving as a key external ambassador in the New Orleans community.

Partnering closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Development Committee, the Director of Development will help drive philanthropic growth to support organizational priorities, while ensuring strong donor stewardship, brand alignment, and meaningful engagement between donors and scholars/collegians.

Key Responsibilities

Donor & Community Engagement

• Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 60–75 active individual and major donors with capacity to give $5,000+ annually.
• Conduct 15–20 face-to-face donor visits per month, focused on deepening relationships and increasing engagement and giving.
• Maintain a strong presence in the New Orleans philanthropic and civic community through meetings, events, and one-on-one outreach.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation and stewardship plans that strengthen donor relationships and long-term commitment.
• Identify and facilitate meaningful volunteer and engagement opportunities for donors and prospects.
• Collaborate with the program team to foster positive scholar and collegian interaction with donors and community partners.

Strategy & Fundraising Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Director to set and execute annual fundraising goals and strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Lead the organization’s individual giving and major gifts strategy; supplement and grow corporate giving beyond event sponsorship.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to create and execute strategies for grant revenue growth and oversee the grant process.
• Monitor progress toward goals, analyze performance, and adjust strategies to improve outcomes.
• Assume responsibility for all development reporting to the Board and attend all Board meetings.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Work closely with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to expand donor and corporate support.
• Support Board members in cultivating their networks and meeting fundraising goals.
• Engage board members, volunteers, and community leaders as referral sources for prospective donors.
• Communicate regularly with leadership regarding donor activity, proposals, stewardship reports, and fundraising progress.

Events & Fundraising

• Lead fundraising strategy and execution for three major annual fundraisers, in partnership with staff, Board, and volunteers.
• Manage all fundraising events, including prospect identification, donor cultivation, sponsorship growth, and follow-up.
• Recruit volunteer leadership, develop prospect lists, and personally solicit gifts connected to events.

Communications, Marketing & Brand

• Oversee Hope Ignites New Orleans’ brand and messaging across development-related communications.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on appeals, annual reports, and the annual communication plan.
• Support the Development Associate with website and social media efforts.
• Manage public relations and marketing details related to development.
• Develop donor collateral materials and write articles for local publications as needed.

Systems, Reporting & Operations

• Track all donor and prospect interactions accurately and timely in CRM system.
• Ensure all gift acknowledgment, recognition, and donor correspondence meet established standards and timelines.
• Prepare contact reports, proposals, stewardship updates, and other documentation critical to donor relationship management.
• Perform other related duties as needed to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Qualifications & Key Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Five (5)+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major and individual giving.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and follow through consistently.
• Experience supervising staff or leading teams in a collaborative environment.
• Familiarity with Salesforce (preferred), Office 365, and Canva.
• Willingness to be actively engaged in the New Orleans community; knowledge of the local philanthropic landscape preferred.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and written/oral communication skills.
• Professional, diplomatic, and collaborative leadership style.
• Passion for the mission and impact of Hope Ignites New Orleans.

Physical & Other Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift up to 50 pounds, and perform repetitive motions as required.
• Background clearance, fingerprint clearance, and Motor Vehicle Report required.
• Valid Louisiana driver’s license and good driving record.
• CPR and First Aid certification required as a condition of continued employment.
• Professional work habits and dress.

Note: There may be other required background checks based on affiliate licensing.