Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Job Summary

The Light House is seeking an innovative and strategic Director of Development to lead our fundraising into its next chapter. While continuing to strengthen the successful fundraising practices already in place, we are also ready to embrace fresh ideas, modernize our approach, and make strategic shifts that position us for long-term sustainability, including launching endowment and planned giving programs. This role will also support and provide internal oversight for a major capital campaign, ensuring alignment across donor engagement, communications, and organizational priorities.

This is a unique opportunity for a creative fundraising leader who loves experimenting with fresh approaches, cultivating meaningful donor relationships, and shaping a development strategy that supports both traditional fundraising and forward-thinking initiatives. You’ll oversee our full development program while partnering closely with the Executive Director, Board, and an accomplished internal team.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Lead & Innovate for the Future

• Design and execute multi-year fundraising strategies that grow and diversify revenue.
• Introduce modern fundraising methods such as digital engagement, new donor experiences, and next-gen stewardship.
• Develop a strategy to build out planned giving and endowment initiatives.

Drive Fundraising Success

• Grow major gifts, individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and events.
• Use data-driven insights to track performance and adapt quickly.
• Support and help lead a major capital campaign.

Strengthen Donor Engagement & Communication

• Cultivate strong relationships with donors and philanthropic leaders in Anne Arundel County and beyond.
• Expand outreach to new audiences while honoring our committed donor community.
• Work closely with the communication team to craft compelling content for all fundraising communications, including newsletters, website copy, emails, social media appeals, and physical mailouts.
• Represent the Light House at donor events, receptions, and professional meetings to cultivate relationships.

Lead a High-Performing Team

• Supervise a talented development team.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, senior leaders, and Friends of The Light House to align fundraising and outreach efforts.

Skills & Abilities

• An innovative fundraiser who embraces new ideas and technologies.
• A relationship-builder with strong community instincts and a track record of engaging donors and partners.
• A strategic thinker who makes data-informed decisions and adapts easily.
• A collaborative leader who inspires teams and communicates with empathy.
• Personally connected to or eager to become part of the Annapolis/Anne Arundel County community.
• Knowledge of homelessness, housing insecurity, and supportive service systems.
• Demonstrated success planning and executing capital campaigns.
• Proficiency in designing and managing donor pipelines.
• Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge and/or other CRM systems.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, communications, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, with demonstrated growth and leadership experience.
• Proven success raising funds to support a multimillion‑dollar organization, including leading major gifts, campaigns, and diversified revenue streams.
• Experience managing staff and working with boards, and executive leadership.

Personal Qualities

• Deep commitment to The Light House’s mission and values, with a community-centered approach to leadership.
• Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to innovate and drive fundraising growth.
• Empathetic and inclusive communicator who builds trust across diverse stakeholders.
• Resilient and adaptable in navigating complex challenges and shifting priorities.
• Personally invested in the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County community, with strong local relationship-building instincts.

Physical Requirements:

The position requires periodic travel using a personal vehicle throughout the Washington DC/Baltimore City/Anne Arundel County service area. Based in Annapolis, MD, this role is an on-site senior leadership role, to enable the director to effectively engage with staff, and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and community partners. This position requires attendance to some weekend or evening events. Due to the nature of our work, the successful candidate must be able to pass a background check.

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position. This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; the Board of Directors may assign other duties as deemed necessary.

Pay: $120,000.00 - $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person