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Director of Development

Job Details

Epworth - Webster - St. Louis, MO
Full Time
4 Year Degree
None
Day
Professional Services

Summary

Reporting to the President/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Development provides strategic leadership and oversight of all fundraising, marketing, and communications activities to advance the mission of Epworth Children & Family Services. This position is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive development plan that secures the financial resources necessary to sustain and grow Epworth’s programs for children, youth, and families.

The Director of Development manages all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, foundation and corporate relations, special events, and donor stewardship. The successful candidate will also expand and diversify Epworth’s donor base/pipeline, work closely with other team members to secure funding for new initiatives, and support board members as they take on a more active fundraising role.

 

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop, implement, and monitor a comprehensive annual development and communications plan aligned with Epworth’s strategic goals.
• Work collaboratively with the CEO, Board of Directors, and leadership team to strengthen philanthropic support and community awareness.
• Establish fundraising goals, metrics, and performance indicators to measure success and guide strategic decisions.

 

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors to achieve annual fundraising goals.
• Lead the identification, research, and development of grant proposals in coordination with program staff.
• Manage relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring timely communication and meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Oversee all special events and campaigns to maximize fundraising and friend-raising impact.

 

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor the development team, including staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by engaging staff and board members in fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the Board Development Committee to support board fundraising activities and provide training and resources as needed.

 

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the agency’s communications strategy, including digital, print, and media relations, to strengthen brand visibility and donor engagement.
• Ensure consistent messaging that aligns with Epworth’s mission, vision, and values across all platforms.
• Collaborate with program leaders to highlight success stories and demonstrate impact to stakeholders.

 

Administrative & Financial Management

• Prepare and manage the department’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records using the organization’s CRM system.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and reporting requirements related to fundraising activities.

 

Supervisor Responsibilities: None

 

Salary Range:  $90,000.00 - $100,000.00

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in development or fundraising, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in major gifts, grant writing, and strategic donor cultivation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of fundraising software, donor databases, and digital fundraising strategies.
• Passion for advancing the mission and values of Epworth Children & Family Services.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Planning
• Relationship Management
• Leadership and Team Development
• Communication and Public Relations
• Ethical and Transparent Stewardship
• Results Orientation

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