Job Title: Director of Development
Location: Remote
Department: Development
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
**Director of Development**
**About Us**
Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is a nationally recognized, award-winning
non-profit
based in Grand Rapids, MI. We are dedicated to supporting and empowering
anyone
affected by a burn injury, as survivors and their loved ones often face a
lifelong journey of
physical, emotional, and social recovery. Phoenix Society fills a gap in care
with programs
and resources for social and emotional healing. With our international
advocacy efforts, we
also amplify the Survivor Voice to prevent burn injuries, improve care, and
increase
acceptance of people with scars.
**Role Description**
Phoenix Society is seeking a relationship-driven Director of Development — a
natural
connector who thrives on building genuine partnerships with donors, corporate
partners,
and community leaders. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary and scale our
impact, this
role will lead a development program currently raising approximately $3
million annually,
with a goal of growing revenue to $4.5 million within two years, and will lead
a team of two
direct reports. You will set the strategic direction for individual giving,
major gifts, and
corporate and foundation partnerships, with a particular focus on building a
robust corporate
giving pipeline. Regular travel for donor visits and corporate meetings is a
core part of this
role. The ideal candidate is curious, open-minded, and energized by growth — a
strategic,
hands-on leader who builds team capacity, invests in culture, and is excited
to help scale
Phoenix Society for what comes next.
• Build and grow a robust corporate giving pipeline from prospecting through
stewardship, securing new corporate partners and sponsors to support the 50th
Anniversary and beyond.
• Travel regularly to meet face-to-face with donors, corporate partners, and
community
stakeholders at conferences, site visits, and in-person meetings nationwide.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual
giving,
major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants, including
recurring and
monthly giving.
• Lead and develop a Development team of two direct reports with a strategic,
handson
approach, building the systems and processes needed to scale operations as
Phoenix Society grows.
• Build the annual fundraising plan in partnership with the COO and CEO,
present
strategy and progress to the Board and Development Committee, and align
priorities
with organizational strategy, including the 50th Anniversary.
• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives, special
events, and the
Gold Seal Sponsorship program.
• Monitor fundraising performance against revenue goals, prepare forecasts,
and
report progress to organizational leadership and the Board.
• Partner with the Systems Manager to ensure development data, gift
processing, and
reporting needs are met across Salesforce and other platforms.
• Collaborate with Communications and Program teams to ensure donor messaging
reflects organizational impact and brand standards.
• Identify and cultivate new funding opportunities, including grants and
planned giving,
while ensuring accurate gift tracking and donor acknowledgment.
**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and a natural connector who builds
rapport
and trust quickly with donors, corporate partners, and Board members, with
demonstrated success building corporate partnership pipelines from prospecting
through long-term stewardship.
• Willingness and enthusiasm for regular travel to cultivate relationships and
represent
Phoenix Society in person.
• Strategic, hands-on leadership style with experience managing, developing,
and
motivating a team.
• Curious, open-minded, and comfortable operating in a growth environment,
with the
adaptability and resourcefulness to help scale an organization.
• Strong cultural fit with a mission-driven, collaborative team.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, including grant
writing
and donor correspondence.
• Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce) and fundraising
platforms is a plus.
**Qualifications**
• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or a
related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional
experience.
• A minimum of 7+ years of progressive development experience, with
demonstrated
success building corporate giving pipelines and leading a team, ideally within
a
nonprofit organization.
• Ability to travel regularly (estimated 25-40%, with flexibility to scale as
the corporate
pipeline grows).
Salary range dependent on experience and location: $120,000-$150,000 annually
If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to [hiring@phoenix-
society.org](mailto:[email protected])
Phoenix Society is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all
members of our
community. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, national
origin, religion, sex,
gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, mental or
physical disability, genetic
information, family status, or military/veteran status. We work together to
educate each other,
challenge our biases, and build a safer, more accepting community.