Development Director

Position Summary 

The Development Director is a key member of the leadership team and works in partnership with the CEO to implement and manage annual and leadership giving programs. This role focuses primarily on individual donor cultivation and stewardship, portfolio management, and digital/peer to peer fundraising campaigns—with a strong emphasis on upgrading donors to higher giving levels through personalized engagement and face to face meetings.

Key Responsibilities 

Fundraising Strategy & Campaigns 

• Develop and execute the annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the CEO.
• Drive revenue growth through customized donor outreach.
• Grow Clubhouse Stewardship Society level giving ($1K+).
• Design and implement direct mail and peer-to-peer campaigns targeting donor acquisition, re-engagement, retention and upgrades.
• Partner with the CEO to secure leadership gifts, corporate sponsorships and multi-year commitments.

Donor Portfolio Management 

• Manage a portfolio of 75+ donors and prospects.
• Develop and execute personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
• Conduct regular meaningful donor interactions and document activity in CRM.
• Proactively solicit and upgrade donor giving through face-to-face meetings.
• Craft compelling cases for support and customized proposals.
• Identify and qualify new donors through referrals and leveraging database tools.

Events & Stewardship 

• Lead planning and execution of donor engagement and fundraising events including annual peer-peer campaigns and stewardship gatherings.
• Support special initiatives including the Chapter’s 20th Anniversary in 2026.
• Ensure all donors receive timely, accurate personalized donor acknowledgment and impact reporting.
• Maintain timely and accurate donor data and activity records in CRM.

Collaboration & Representation 

• Work closely with staff, board members, and fundraising volunteers.
• Represent First Tee at community events, networking opportunities, and donor meetings.
• Serve as a key ambassador for the First Tee mission and youth impact story.

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising and development.
• Demonstrated success in securing face-to-face donations, sponsorships and partnerships
• Self-starter; ability to hold oneself accountable and collaborate with others for team success.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and influence donors.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities.
• Experience with donor databases and/or CRM tools.
• Preferred: passion for youth development, sports, and community impact.
• Golf ecosystem and/or nonprofit experience knowledge is a plus.

Work Environment & Schedule 

• Hybrid, flexible work environment with frequent in-person donor meetings and events.
• Occasional evenings and weekends required.

Salary Range: $75,000-$85.000; Commensurate with experience

Benefits 

• Medical contribution (QSEHRA)
• 401K match
• Performance-based bonus
• Mobile phone allowance
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work schedule

Please send resume and cover letter to Ben Walker at ben@firstteegcnky.org.