Director of Development

About Baker Industries

Baker Industries is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit with 46 years of innovation in workforce development. We provide job training and employment opportunities for adults facing significant barriers to employment, including individuals with mental, intellectual, and physical disabilities; adults on parole or probation; those in active recovery programs; and adults experiencing housing insecurity. Our production facilities in Philadelphia and Malvern serve a dual purpose: providing real-world work experience for program participants while delivering high-quality packaging and light manufacturing services to our customers.

Baker is entering an exciting period of growth, expanding to a new location in Norristown and adding new capabilities. We are looking for a Director of Development to help us build on our fundraising foundation and grow our impact. This is a new role and a chance to shape Baker's development strategy from the inside.

About the Role

Baker Industries is a small, mission-driven team with a 46-year track record of punching above its weight class. As our first Director of Development, you will work directly with the President to grow Baker's development program from a small but solid platform into something bigger — a rare opportunity to build on an established, financially stable foundation with a recently completed endowment campaign. You will be part of a four-person development team that includes the President, Donor Relations Coordinator, and Board Vice Chair for Grants and Development, working together to grow our fundraising capacity. This role is ideal for a self-starter who thrives in a collaborative, hands-on environment and is comfortable wearing multiple hats. You'll have the opportunity to build systems, deepen donor relationships, and develop new revenue streams that directly support our expansion and the people we serve. This is a growth position with the potential to expand the development team over time as Baker's fundraising capacity increases. The role includes regular time with participants and donors at our production sites, including our Philadelphia facility in the Kensington neighborhood.

Key Responsibilities

1. Major Donor Cultivation and Stewardship (~35%)

• Donor Identification: Research and identify prospective major donors, building a pipeline of individuals and organizations with capacity and affinity for Baker's mission.
• Relationship Building: Develop and execute personalized cultivation strategies for major donor prospects, including meetings, site visits, and tailored communications.
• Solicitation: Lead the preparation and execution of major gift solicitations in coordination with the President and Board leadership.
• Stewardship: Ensure meaningful, ongoing engagement with current donors through regular updates, recognition, and impact reporting.

2. Planned Giving (~10%, with room to grow)

• Donor Relations: Serve as a primary point of contact for planned giving prospects and donors, cultivating relationships with individuals interested in including Baker in their estate plans, bequests, or other legacy commitments.
• Recognition and Communication: Develop and implement a planned giving recognition program, including personalized outreach, event invitations, and acknowledgment of giving commitments.
• Pipeline Development: Identify and engage prospective planned giving donors from Baker's existing donor base, and track planned giving commitments and pipeline activity.

3. New Revenue Source Development (~20%)

• Prospect Research: Identify and evaluate new potential sources of funding, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations.
• Corporate and Community Partnerships: Develop partnerships with businesses and community groups to create sponsorship opportunities, workplace giving programs, and collaborative fundraising events.
• Fundraising Campaigns: Design and execute targeted fundraising campaigns, including annual appeals, special events, and online giving initiatives.

4. Grant Cultivation and Support (~15%)

• Grant Prospecting: Research and identify new grant opportunities from foundations, government agencies, and other funding sources aligned with Baker's mission.
• Application Support: Collaborate with the President and Board Vice Chair on grant proposals, providing research, data, and narrative support.
• Grant Reporting: Track grant deliverables and deadlines, ensuring timely and accurate reporting to funders.

5. Fundraising Operations and Administration (~20%)

• Donor Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, tracking gifts, pledges, and communications.
• Reporting and Analysis: Generate regular fundraising reports, analyze giving trends, and provide data-driven recommendations to leadership.
• Event Support: Support the President and Board in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including donor appreciation gatherings, community events, and campaign launches.
• Team Collaboration: Partner with the President, Donor Relations Coordinator, and Board Vice Chair to align messaging, coordinate outreach, and maximize fundraising impact.

First-Year Priorities

Success in the first twelve months will look like:

• Conducting 40 or more face-to-face donor visits, with personalized cultivation plans in place for Baker's top 25 donors and prospects.
• Building a qualified pipeline of 15–20 new grant and funding prospects, in collaboration with the Board Vice Chair for Grants and Development.
• Supporting the planning, sponsorship outreach, and donor follow-up for Baker's signature fundraising event.
• Establishing consistent donor records, reporting, and pipeline tracking in Baker's CRM.

Qualifications

Required:

• 5–7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in major donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with donor database management and fundraising reporting.
• Self-starter who is comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
• Passion for Baker's mission and the communities we serve.

Preferred:

• Experience working in a small nonprofit with broad responsibilities.
• Experience building or significantly expanding a development program.
• Familiarity with grant writing and foundation relations.
• CFRE or similar professional certification.
• Knowledge of the Greater Philadelphia nonprofit and philanthropic landscape.
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience collaborating on a small development team with shared fundraising goals.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,000–$90,000, commensurate with experience. Baker Industries offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance (employer subsidizes 90% of individual premiums)
• 457(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays