Director of Development

The Eisenhower Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Abilene, Kansas. Our mission is to champion the life and enduring legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower to inspire leadership, character, and service. We are currently recruiting a Director of Development.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

As the Director of Development, you will provide strategic leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives of the Eisenhower Foundation. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to shape and execute a comprehensive development program at a pivotal moment in the Foundation’s growth, including the completion of a major capital campaign and the launch of a new Education Center. Working closely with the Executive Director and a Board Development Committee, the Director of Development will plan, implement, and manage all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and stewardship. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, strong relationship-builder, and effective communicator who is highly organized, collaborative, and results-oriented.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD POSSESS:

· Minimum education requirements include a bachelor’s degree and at least four (4) years of development experience or comparable experience

· Two (2) years of management experience overseeing and mobilizing a team of employees and volunteers

· Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including annual giving, major and planned gifts, grants, corporate giving, endowment growth and special events

· Experience working with boards, staff and volunteers to implement fundraising initiatives

· Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

· Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, donors, and external partners

· High level of professionalism, initiative, discretion, and integrity

· Proficiency in donor databases/CRMs, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software (experience with Apple iWork and/or Microsoft Office Suite preferred)

· Ability and willingness to travel and to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor cultivation and events

THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT WILL:

· Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive annual and long-term fundraising strategy aligned with the Eisenhower Foundation’s strategic plan and campaign goals. It will significantly increase revenue, grow and deepen the Foundation’s donor base, coordinate high-end stewardship while cultivating new revenue markets, and inspire a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and among its stakeholders.

· Oversee grants, including the preparation, submission and fulfillment of grant reporting requirements.

· Partner with the Executive Director to serve as a visible, and informed advocate for the Eisenhower Foundation, creating meaningful connections with donors and members, inspiring deepening levels of commitment, and engaging potential supporters.

· Supervise development staff, and collaborate with consultants and vendors (i.e. direct mail program) to ensure coordinated and effective fundraising operations

· Prepare and manage development-related budgets, forecasts, and reports for the Executive Director and Board Development Committee

· Ensure accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of fundraising performance

· Collaborate with the Director of IKEducation (K-12 program) and communications staff to align fundraising initiatives and grant proposals with organizational priorities, budgets, and demonstrated impact

Collaborate with the Director of IKEducation to gain accurate content about its programs, and analytics

This is a full-time, onsite position with a benefits package that includes flex-time work hours, paid vacation, paid holidays, sick leave/family sick leave, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement. Salary range is $75,000-$90,000.

Submit cover letter and resume to Meredith Sleichter, Executive Director, at msleichter@eisenhowerfoundation.net

Application deadline is January 30, 2026

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person