Development Director- Individual Giving

The Individual Giving Director is a strategic leader on the Goodwill Foundation team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive individual giving strategy that advances the mission of Goodwill Legacy Group. This role cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of individual donors while leading initiatives that strengthen donor engagement, expand philanthropic support, and enhance the Foundation's overall fundraising effectiveness. The Director provides leadership for key fundraising processes, drives cross-functional collaboration, and partners closely with executive leadership to grow sustainable philanthropic revenue. This position reports to the Senior Director of Philanthropy.

Example Duties and Activities

• Develops and manages a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, with primary responsibility for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding annual and major gift support.

• Identifies, researches, qualifies, and strategically engages new donor prospects, expanding the Foundation's pipeline as organizational growth and mergers create new philanthropic opportunities.

• Leads the Foundation's Moves Management strategy and process in partnership with the CEO, Senior Vice President of the Foundation, and Senior Director of Philanthropy, ensuring coordinated donor engagement and maximizing fundraising outcomes.

• Collaborates with the Data Team to ensure accurate donor records, timely gift processing, meaningful stewardship, and actionable fundraising reporting.

• Oversees donor relationship management within Salesforce and other fundraising systems, maintaining the integrity of donor data and portfolio activity.

• Leads strategic Foundation initiatives and special projects that strengthen donor stewardship, engagement, retention, and overall fundraising performance.

• Provides leadership in the planning and execution of donor events, cultivation experiences, recognition efforts, and philanthropic communications.

• Builds collaborative relationships across the organization to identify funding opportunities, align philanthropic priorities, and elevate the impact of fundraising initiatives.

• Serves as a knowledgeable ambassador for Goodwill Legacy Group by developing a deep understanding of its mission, programs, and community impact and effectively communicating that value to donors, volunteers, and community partners.

• Monitors fundraising performance, evaluates donor engagement strategies, and recommends process improvements to strengthen the Foundation's individual giving program and long-term philanthropic growth.

Required Competencies

• Industry Expertise - Demonstrated success in developing, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, including annual and major gifts. Experience managing a donor portfolio, achieving fundraising goals, and developing strategies that grow philanthropic support. Knowledge of donor-centered fundraising principles and best practices. 

• Building Collaborative Relationships - Skilled in developing and managing donor relationships through all stages of the donor cycle, with a proven ability to secure philanthropic support. Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships at all levels with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Is able to receive as well as provide feedback to improve performance or processes; builds and maintains customer satisfaction.

• Project & Portfolio Management - Successfully manages multiple priorities, donor portfolios, fundraising initiatives, and special projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of organization and attention to detail.

• Communication Skills - Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend others' needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.

• Liaison - Acts as the internal and external communicator who facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations. Listens to the specific needs and desires of potential donors and volunteers, and crafts partnerships that serve the donor and organization in equal portions. 

• Technical Knowledge - Has proficient knowledge of G Suite, MS Office, database mining and management, and Internet searching. Prior Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce knowledge is an additional plus.

• Integrity and Confidentiality - Demonstrates the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and stewardship. Maintains confidentiality of donor and organizational information, exercises sound judgment, and consistently models Goodwill's values in all interactions.

Other Requirements

• Ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule beyond normal business hours.

• Travel - Is willing to travel to meet donors’/prospects at locations convenient to them and to represent the Foundation at donor events.

• Background Screening - All candidates must pass a pre-employment background check. Must have a valid driver’s license, up-to-date auto insurance, and a good driving record.

Benefits: Full-time employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Continuing education and leadership development as well as tuition reimbursement

• Comprehensive health plan

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays

• Sabbatical and parental leaves

• Life, dental and vision insurance

• Short- and long-term disability plans

• Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program

• Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums

• Retirement planning options with generous company % match

• Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

Mission and Values: click here (for IN) and here (for IL)

Goodwill Legacy Group is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled employer