Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County in its search for a Director of Development.  Download a full position profile here.

About Habitat For Humanity of Douglas County

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It is part of a global nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities, and hope. Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat engages a broad network of supporters and community members to create, preserve, and promote affordable homeownership. Habitat is the largest affordable homeownership builder in Douglas County and is an innovative leader among small affiliates across Habitat for Humanity’s global network.

Since 1997, Habitat has partnered with 179 families and the community to build or improve 89 homes and complete 90 Aging in Place projects, empowering homeowners with the strength, stability, and independence needed for a brighter future. 

Through affordable mortgage payments and sweat equity, Habitat homeowners invest in their communities while achieving financial independence and a sense of pride. In addition to building locally, Habitat has supported the construction of 117 international homes.  

The Habitat ReStore supports its mission by offering affordable home improvement items, with all profits directed toward housing initiatives in Douglas County. Every volunteer—from construction helpers to ReStore team members—plays a crucial role in its impact. Committed to promoting equity and inclusion, Habitat values diversity and cultural competency throughout our organization.

Learn more about Habitat at hfhdouglascounty.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY 

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County seeks an experienced and dynamic individual to serve in a critical role as Director of Development. The Director of Development will lead fundraising strategies to support the organization’s strategic plan and annual fundraising goals to grow revenue significantly beyond its current $2.3M annual budget.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all the organization’s fundraising initiatives, including the annual fund, major gifts program, planned giving, special events, and capital campaigns.

The ideal candidate will be a confident, collaborative, hands-on, and results-oriented leader who can articulate clear and compelling cases for support and to ensure the growth and vitality of Habitat. They will have a passion for affordable housing and enjoy meeting face-to-face with donors to share this exciting work to solicit, close, and steward their financial support.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will provide leadership for one direct report and one indirect report and will have the following primary responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Create and execute a comprehensive $2M+ annual fundraising plan to achieve annual fundraising goals to support the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring steady growth and sustainability over the next 3-5 years.

• Cultivate new sources of revenue by creatively and strategically expanding the existing donor base, with an increased focus on major and planned giving.

• Oversee the grants program with a focus on key activities including research, relationship building, proposal writing, tracking, and completing reporting requirements.

• Develop and maintain an annual development calendar with relevant dates for solicitations, appeals, applications, renewals, stewardship reporting, and events.

• Collaborate with Executive Director on the preparation of annual operating plans and long-term financial strategy to support strategic activities.

Donor Relations & Cultivation

• Maintain a portfolio of 100+ individual donors and prospects with a capacity of $1,000+ gift potential, targeting a specific annual fundraising goal.

• Create individualized cultivation plans for each donor to retain or upgrade donors and gifts. Use annual events and volunteer opportunities as incentives for engagement.

• Demonstrate curiosity about prospects and donors, asking insightful questions to understand motivations for substantial giving and adapt engagement strategies as needed.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board Development Committee, facilitating communication, strategy, and collaboration to support fundraising goals.

• Collaborate with Board members and fundraising volunteers to develop strategies, plans, and materials to support their efforts to cultivate, solicit, and provide stewardship to prospects/donors.

• Create and offer a variety of ongoing board and volunteer fundraising engagement opportunities.

Data Management & Compliance

• Develop and maintain a donor database (Blackbaud eTapestry), utilizing data analysis to inform fundraising strategies and decision-making.

• Manage systems for timely execution of donor acknowledgments and ensure donor benefits are fulfilled.

• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to fundraising and development activities.

Marketing & Communication

• Compassionately articulate Habitat’s story, mission, impact, and goals.

• Develop and oversee organizational communication strategies, ensuring consistency in messaging to donors, prospects, and the general public.

• Create compelling content and marketing materials to enhance donor engagement and promote key fundraising events, organizational activities, and impact.

Leadership

• Provide direction, motivation, and support to a small development team, fostering a positive, collaborative work environment that drives results.

• Set clear goals and expectations, promoting accountability within the team to achieve fundraising targets and uphold the organization’s mission and values.

• Lead by example in demonstrating a commitment to the organization’s mission, serving as an inspiring and effective ambassador for the organization internally and externally.

• Support professional growth and development opportunities within the team, encouraging best practices and continuous learning.

Professional Development & Innovation

• Stay current on best practices and trends in nonprofit fundraising and development, implementing new ideas and strategies as appropriate.

Qualifications & EXPERIENCE 

While candidates can come from a range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate for the Director of Development role exhibits many of the following attributes and experiences described below, but need not possess them all for consideration:

• 3+ years of fundraising experience, with a proven track record of success in securing five-figure gifts and building donor relationships.

• Proven experience developing and expanding comprehensive fundraising initiatives, especially in major, annual, corporate, and foundation giving, with a track record of achieving annual goals of $1M+.

• Remarkable ability to create a culture of philanthropy and engage Board members and staff in fundraising efforts through trust and sustained engagement.

• Strong track record of cultivating relationships and successfully closing major gifts from individual donors, foundations, and corporations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Superior storytelling and presentation skills with the ability to effectively diverse audiences, including donors, Board members, and senior leadership.

• Demonstrated proficiency in using data and metrics to develop a strong donor pipeline and guide sustainable fundraising strategies.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a diplomatic, positive, and inclusive approach in interactions and negotiations across all levels of stakeholders, including underrepresented communities.

• Robust understanding of business practices, financial principles, and the ethical and legal considerations in charitable giving.

• Demonstrates servant leadership with a collaborative, engaging, and motivational communication style aligned with Habitat for Humanity’s values.

TRAVEL 

This role will require approximately 5% of travel outside of Douglas County, MN, for conferences or other meetings about once a year.

LOCATION  

This is a hybrid position based in Alexandria, MN.    

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the hired candidate.

In addition, Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:  

• Three weeks paid time off plus holidays and volunteer time

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

• Retirement plan with employer matching contribution  

• Sick, bereavement, and family leave

• Flexible work scheduling/Hybrid Scheduling

• Professional Development Opportunities

• Paid leave for mission travel with Habitat for Humanity International

HOW TO APPLY  

Bonsai Leadership Group has been exclusively retained for this search. For consideration, submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest by clicking the apply link below.

If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at careers@bonsaileadershipgroup.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

All applications, nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.  

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Habitat embraces people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and strives to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.