Director of Development

Director of Development

Reports to: Executive Vice President (EVP) of Involvement

Job Summary

Thread’s Director of Development is responsible for the successful management and implementation of short and long-term fundraising strategies. The Director will maintain and grow the development team’s portfolios, with emphasis on generating new support locally and nationally from individuals, government sources, foundations, and corporate giving. The Director will frequently interact and collaborate with community leaders, local and national foundations, corporate and individual donors, government officials, Board Members, Thread leadership, and Involvement team members. This individual should have a passion for ending social isolation and building a more equitable Baltimore where everyone can thrive. 

Key Goals & Responsibilities

Development

• Collaborate with the CEO, EVP of Involvement, and senior leadership to develop and execute Thread’s annual and long-term (5+ year) fundraising strategy. 
• Set and achieve ambitious financial goals that support the continued growth of Thread’s nationally acclaimed model.
• Help identify public and private funding opportunities from new and diverse sources beyond Thread’s traditional donor base.
• Manage a personal portfolio that includes timely and strategic solicitation, closure, and stewardship of new donors through in-person meetings, site visits, and one-on-one engagements to deepen connection to Thread’s mission and impact.
• Supervise other development team members responsible for grant writing, prospect research, briefing preparation, proposal and report writing, direct mail, and database management.
• Identify, recruit, and develop an expanded circle of staff, Board, and volunteer leadership to provide support and achieve campaign success. 
• Represent Thread at appropriate civic and cultural events and attend conferences as approved.
• Establish a high level of cooperation and partnership with fellow Thread staff to develop initiatives that grow the organization’s portfolio.
• Leverage Thread staff, programming, and success metrics to inspire donor enthusiasm and support.

Leadership & Management 

• Authentically engage in relationships with colleagues, especially across lines of difference, modeling and coaching the Thread Core Competencies: (a) Show all the way up; (b) Fail forward; (c) Treat relationships as wealth; and (d) Learn from all voices.
• Act as an advisor on strategic team priorities and initiatives, making regular recommendations to the Involvement lane lead and leadership team. 
• Demonstrate willingness and resilience to engage in an agile and flexible way that allows for collaboration with other team members.
• Coach, develop and retain high-performing team members by fostering trusting relationships that encourage open, direct feedback and create meaningful opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Instill a sense of accountability among team members towards collective and individual outcomes.
• Engender and promote a culture of mutual respect and regular communication.
• Acknowledge in words and behavior the unique vantage point of each individual and role. Support team members in leveraging those to gain greater visibility, shared understanding, and collective problem-solving. 
• Ensure data derived from the implementation of lane-specific programs and initiatives are reported to the staff at large and utilized to guide decision-making.

Qualifications and Skills

• A Bachelor’s Degree or 5 years of equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of successful, hands-on experience leading comprehensive fundraising programs, including the solicitation and securing of major gifts, individual giving, grants, and corporate partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, recruit, engage, motivate, and support volunteer solicitors to successfully cultivate and close major individual and corporate/foundation gift solicitations.
• A passion for raising funds that will transform the lives of Baltimore City residents.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a keen ability to share Thread's story and impact in a deeply compelling way.
• Ability to translate organizational strategy into clear, achievable fundraising goals and plans.
• Success in building or significantly expanding one or more large-scale annual fund, major gift, capital, or planned gift campaigns.
• Experience directing all aspects of a donor relationship program – cultivation, stewardship, events, and gift management.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient with technology and a willingness to adapt to new technologies, with a preference for Google Suite, Asana, and Salesforce.
• Ability to organize, manage, and complete complex tasks while effectively prioritizing multiple assignments and delivering results on time.
• Ability to be discreet when handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends.

Thread Employment Benefits (Full-time) 

• 12 weeks of Paid parental leave 
• Competitive salaries, meaningful equity; 403(b) plan 
• 100% employee coverage of Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 10 Paid holidays 
• 4 weeks of PTO in year 1, increase to 5 weeks in year 2 
• 5 days of sick and safe leave 
• 3 floater holidays 
• Annual Health and Wellness reimbursement 
• Access to counseling/therapy at no cost 
• Paid Sabbatical after 6 years of employment