Horizons Atlanta (HA) is an affiliate of Horizons National and provides an academic enrichment program for students facing inequities in education by instilling the joy of learning, skills for success, and the inspiration to realize their dreams. HA is a community-centered summer learning program that has been proven to close the opportunity gap. Every child in Atlanta, regardless of background, should have the same chance at positively impacting their community.
Director of Development Job Description
The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven professional with exceptional communication and collaboration skills, and proven experience in major gift fundraising. This position works with a Development team of consultants in grant writing, PR, and fund strategy and manages a part-time Donor Relations Coordinator.
Job Responsibilities:
- Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive major gifts program to advance the mission and vision of Horizons Atlanta
- This position focuses on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-value donors to secure transformational gifts
- This position collaborates closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors on a moves management fundraising strategy
- Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, and senior leadership to align philanthropic efforts with organizational goals, building and nurturing a culture of philanthropy across the organization
- Work with the senior leadership team as an active participant in strategic planning and decision-making for the organization as a whole
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the Executive Director on philanthropy-related matters
Major Gift Program Leadership Responsibilities:
- Develop a strategic annual fundraising plan to grow the organization's significant contributions portfolio, including through planned giving and events
- Lead efforts to secure significant gifts (five-, six-, and seven-figure donations), managing a portfolio of primarily individual donors and some corporations and foundations
- Establish measurable goals and track progress toward major gift fundraising objectives
Donor Relations & Fundraising Responsibilities:
- Build and nurture relationships with high-net-worth individuals
- Represent the organization at donor meetings, events, and networking opportunities to cultivate meaningful connections
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to engage them in the fundraising effort to deepen and expand donor relationships, leveraging their networks as appropriate
- Research and identify prospective donors
- Provide training and tools to empower Board members as ambassadors and fundraisers
Impact Reporting Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement tailored proposals, presentations, and stewardship strategies that demonstrate donor impact and build long-term loyalty
- Engage program staff as needed to gather compelling stories and data
- Contribute to the newsletter as needed
- Prepare regular reports and updates for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, donors, and other stakeholders
- Analyze fundraising data to evaluate the effectiveness of strategies and identify areas for improvement
- Work closely with the Development team to execute a seamless moves management fundraising system, ensuring consistency in donor messaging and materials
- Communicate and collaborate effectively across all departments to support the organization’s fundraising and overall goals
Qualifications:
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, with a focus on major gifts
- Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and securing five- to seven-figure gifts and developing sustainable donor relationships
- Experience working with senior leaders, Board members, and high-net-worth individuals
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including proposal development
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively with a results-driven approach
- Familiarity with donor management software (Bloomerang CRM), data analytics, and electronic communication technology (MailChimp), Work Management Platform (Asana)
- High level of integrity, discretion, professionalism, and entrepreneurial mindset
Position Details: This position is based in Atlanta, GA, and the Director should reside in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, or have the ability to travel in and around Atlanta 3-4 days of the week. There may be extended periods of working at a computer and/or standing at events. This position requires you to be out in the community as a representative of Horizons Atlanta. This position must be available for meetings, trainings, events, and operational emergencies outside of normal working hours.
Application Process: The application period will be open until August 4, 2025, as finding the best fit for this position is a priority. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume (one document) to apply@horizonsatlanta.org with subject line: "Horizons Atlanta Director of Development Application Materials"
Compensation and Benefits: Salary for this position is $105,000 - $115,000 based on experience
Package includes health care insurance coverage (partially self-funded plan)
- Employer-covered dental and short-term disability insurance coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan is offered after six months
- 15 days of PTO accrued throughout the year and 11 paid holidays
- Parking onsite at Georgia Tech
- Hybrid work environment
