Director of Development

Director of Development

Location: Conway, NH (Hybrid possible)
Reports To: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, Exempt

The Director of Development drives ACTS’ mission by building meaningful relationships and inspiring generosity. This hands-on role blends strategy and creativity—developing campaigns, cultivating donors, and designing events that connect the community to our work. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, innovative environment, enjoys building community, and sees their efforts directly support the placement of our dogs with those who need them most. Hybrid work is possible, but regular in-office presence is required, especially during the first year.

Key Responsibilities

Individual & Major Donor Giving

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors at all levels, including major gifts.
• Develop personalized engagement strategies and share compelling stories of impact.
• Partner with the Executive Director to identify and prioritize major gift prospects.
• Engage volunteers, board members, and staff in donor cultivation.
• Bring expertise in capital campaigns, planned giving, and donor-advised funds (DAFs).

Grants Management

• Identify and research new foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities that align with ACTS’ mission and strategic priorities.
• Write and submit compelling proposals that tell the story of our dogs, the people they serve, and the transformative impact of our programs.
• Maintain a grants calendar for timely submissions and reporting.
• Cultivate funder relationships and leverage feedback to strengthen proposals.

Corporate & Business Engagement

• Identify and develop relationships with corporate sponsors and community partners.
• Serve as a public ambassador, attending events and networking opportunities.
• Design sponsorship opportunities that demonstrate impact and provide visibility.

Development

• Conceptualize and execute fundraising events, managing logistics, budgets, marketing, and volunteers.
• Build strong relationships with sponsors, vendors, and partners.
• Track outcomes and refine strategies to increase engagement and fundraising results.

Digital Fundraising & Communications

• Lead online campaigns, manage email, social media, and website content.
• Develop media relationships to amplify awareness and engagement.
• Track campaign performance and adjust strategies to maximize results.

Data Strategy & Analytics

• Manage CRM (Salesforce) and other digital tools for donor tracking and communications.
• Analyze data to guide strategy, forecast income, and plan annual development goals.
• Translate insights into actionable strategies that strengthen relationships and expand impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, or related field; professional certifications (CNP, CFRE, CGW) a plus.
• 3–5 years of fundraising, donor relations, or business development experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and CRM/database skills; ability to turn data into actionable insights.
• Skilled storyteller and communicator for donors, grants, and campaigns.
• Strategic, detail-oriented, and able to balance planning with execution.
• Energetic, mission-driven, creative, and adaptable.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 40 lbs. and work with dogs of varying sizes and energy levels.

Compensation & Schedule

• Full-time, exempt; occasional evenings/weekends; up to 25% travel.
• Competitive compensation and benefits, including health, dental, life, long/short-term disability insurance, 3% retirement match, mileage reimbursement, and generous PTO.

Workplace Policies

• ACTS provides a safe, healthy environment; our campus and all activities are smoke-free and drug-free.
• ACTS is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs, without regard to protected characteristics.