Director of Development

Director of Development – Jamesburg, NJ (Hybrid)
Shift: Full-Time, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

About Us:
Operating in 21 counties throughout the state, Easterseals New Jersey offers various disability and mental health services to help people with various needs address life’s challenges. Annually, Easterseals New Jersey serves over 4,000 individuals at our over 100 sites with direct services, advocacy, and education. We believe everyone, no matter their circumstance or level of ability, deserves the opportunity to increase their independence and achieve their goals. Focusing on ability over disability, our family of over 1,000 well-trained and passionate staff members works in partnership with individuals and families to bring equality, dignity, and opportunity.

What You’ll Do:
The Director of Development will lead a high-performing Development function serving communities across New Jersey. This role blends strategic leadership with active fundraising, strengthening revenue growth across individual, corporate, and foundation partnerships while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and measurable impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Help advance and evolve the Development team and fundraising strategy using digital and traditional approaches, managing new and old relationships across New Jersey, including identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major donors.
• Collaborate with programs team in advancing grants, major gifts, and corporate relationships.
• Partner with the Chief Advancement Officer to design and execute an integrated fundraising strategy aligned with enterprise priorities and long-term revenue sustainability.
• Lead and develop a focused Development team. Establish clear performance expectations, structured goal setting, and consistent coaching to drive strong execution and professional growth.
• Direct the management of a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects across New Jersey, ensuring strategic movement from identification through stewardship.
• Direct annual fund strategy, including segmentation, multi-channel campaign planning, messaging alignment, and performance analysis.
• Collaborate with program leaders to advance grant strategy and corporate partnerships, ensuring proposals are data-informed, impact-driven, and competitively positioned.
• Establish and monitor key fundraising performance indicators across donor acquisition, retention, portfolio movement, grant outcomes, and campaign effectiveness. Use insights to refine strategy and accelerate results.
• Oversee CRM integrity, donor pipeline reporting, and revenue forecasting. Present clear analysis and forward-looking projections to senior leadership and the Board.
• Equip and support Strategic Leadership Team members and Board leaders in fundraising engagement through preparation, accountability structures, and relationship strategy.
• Partner closely with Marketing, Advocacy, I&R, and Internal Communications to ensure consistent donor messaging and alignment with program and policy priorities.
• Track philanthropic and funding trends across New Jersey and proactively position the organization for emerging opportunities.
• Strengthen structured stewardship systems that deepen engagement, improve retention, and expand long-term donor investment.
• Embed inclusive and culturally responsive fundraising practices that reflect the communities served and broaden participation in philanthropy.

Who You Are:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: 5+ years of related experience in business development, strategic partnerships, major gifts, and donor relations.
• Must have familiarity in nonprofit campaigns, events, and communications.
• Skills: Proficient with donor and fundraising databases, grant management platforms, Microsoft Office, and marketing tools.
• Attributes: Skilled at managing multiple deadlines, leading projects, and taking initiative as an experienced, self driven leader.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay & Benefits – Including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employer-Paid Coverage – Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement Savings – 403(b) Plan with Employer Match
• Generous Time Off – Paid Time Off, Holidays, Medical Leave, and PTO Buy-Back options
• Convenience & Support – Direct Deposit, Payroll Cards, Mileage Reimbursement, and Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness & Recognition – Wellness Program, Referral Bonuses, and a Recognition Program
• Training & Development – Paid Orientation and Ongoing Training

Easterseals NJ provides a comprehensive benefits package. For full details, visit www.enjbenefits.com.
Easterseals Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
As one of our core values, we strive to provide equal opportunity to all of our employees without regard to their age, gender, religion, race, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability which is unrelated to the ability to perform essential job functions, unfavorable military discharge (except dishonorable), veteran status, marital status, parental status, genetic information, source of income or other legally protected categories in accordance with applicable law with regard to receipt of services, appointment or election to voluntary office or hiring for, assignment to, or promotion in staff positions.