Demo

Development Director

Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI)
Waterloo, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/5/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/3/2026

We are seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Development Director to advance the philanthropy and partnerships that make EPI’s mission possible. With a strong emphasis on major gifts, this role provides leadership and hands‑on execution across fundraising, donor engagement, grants, and community outreach, ensuring sustainable support for agency priorities.


If you are a development professional who thrives at cultivating high-impact donor relationships, inspiring investment in mission and connecting community partners to meaningful outcomes, this role offers the opportunity to create lasting impact.


Your Leadership Impact

  • Lead EPI's major gifts strategy, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors capable of making significant investments in the mission.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan that integrates major gifts with annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grants and special events.
  • Build and manage a strong portfolio of donors and prospects, creating personalized engagement and stewardship strategies.
  • Strengthen community visibility by serving as a key ambassador for EPI with donors, businesses, and stakeholders.
  • Oversee fundraising campaigns, donor engagement events, and community partnerships.
  • Identify and pursue grant opportunities, support proposal development, compliance, and reporting.
  • Ensure strong development operations, including accurate donor data, gift processing, reporting, and collaboration with Finance.
  • Partner across teams to communicate mission impact and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.
  • Uphold ethical fundraising standards and donor confidentiality.


What You’ll Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, marketing, public relations, human services, or related field. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
  • Five 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, business development, marketing, or sales.
  • Experience cultivating individual, corporate, and foundation donors preferred.
  • Grant writing or grant management experience preferred.
  • Strong relationship‑building, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
  • Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, or travel for events.
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to pass required background checks.


Working at EPI Has Its Benefits. Many Benefits.

  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans (even pet insurance!).
  • Generous paid time off.
  • 401(k) employer match up to 6%.
  • Free telemedicine and virtual counseling.
  • Immediate employee discounts (gym memberships and more).
  • Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
  • A mission‑centered environment where your work truly matters.
  • A values‑driven, people‑first culture grounded in collaboration, innovation, and integrity.
  • A supportive, relationship‑focused workplace where your ideas are welcomed and your contributions are recognized.


Ready to Lead with Purpose? Apply Today: https://episervice.bamboohr.com/careers/595?source=aWQ9NA==

  • If you are inspired by meaningful work and energized by the opportunity to connect generosity and community impact, we’d love to meet you. Join EPI and help sustain the mission that changes lives.

Salary.com Estimation for Development Director in Waterloo, IA
$103,858 to $150,577
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Development Director?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Development Director career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$128,536 - $205,780
Income Estimation: 
$201,260 - $351,109
Income Estimation: 
$100,905 - $134,805
Income Estimation: 
$105,549 - $167,174
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI)

  • Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) Waterloo, IA
  • Lead Community Impact with Purpose – Join a Mission That Changes Lives At EPI, we don’t just talk about impact, we live it every single day. Since 1957, we... more
  • 14 Days Ago

  • Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) New Hampton, IA
  • This is working at EPI – connecting people, creating opportunities, and nurturing growth. Real career. Real purpose. Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI), a SIX... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) Waterloo, IA
  • Support Independence with Purpose – Join a Mission That Changes Lives At EPI, we don’t just talk about impact — we live it every single day. Since 1957, we... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) Waterloo, IA
  • This is working at EPI – connecting people, creating opportunities, and nurturing growth. Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) is an EIGHT-TIME recipient of the... more
  • 2 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Development Director jobs in the Waterloo, IA area that may be a better fit.

  • Upper Iowa University Fayette, IA
  • Posted on 4/10/2026 Accepting applications About this position Title: Director of Development Location: Fayette, IA Required Documentation Interested candi... more
  • 4 Days Ago

  • Exceptional Persons Inc Waterloo, IA
  • Lead Community Impact with Purpose – Join a Mission That Changes Lives At EPI, we don’t just talk about impact, we live it every single day. Since 1957, we... more
  • 14 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!