Fractional Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships

Position Type: Part-Time (15–20 hours/week)

Location: Remote 

Reports to: President

About KrabbeConnect

KrabbeConnect is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by Krabbe disease through education, advocacy, family support, and research. We are committed to bridging the gap between science and the patient community while working toward better treatments and ultimately a cure.

Position Summary

KrabbeConnect is seeking a motivated, relationship-driven Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships to expand our network within the rare disease and biotechnology communities while growing philanthropic support for our mission. This individual will focus on identifying new funding opportunities, cultivating corporate and foundation partnerships, and strengthening relationships that lead to sustainable fundraising. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator who enjoys networking, building meaningful partnerships, and turning connections into long-term supporters.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, and other corporate partners aligned with KrabbeConnect’s mission

• Develop relationships with organizations across rare/genetic disease, newborn screening, and patient advocacy communities to expand collaboration, visibility, and shared impact

• Cultivate relationships with community foundations, family foundations, philanthropic organizations, and high-capacity individuals who have the potential to become long-term supporters of KrabbeConnect

• Represent KrabbeConnect at conferences, community events, networking opportunities, and virtual meetings to expand the organization’s network and identify prospective partners and supporters

• Steward existing corporate, foundation, community, and major-donor relationships through meaningful engagement, regular communication, and demonstrated impact

Fundraising & Development

• Develop and manage a pipeline of prospective corporate sponsors, foundations, major donors, and other funding opportunities, with clear strategies for moving prospects from identification to solicitation and ongoing support

• Create compelling sponsorship proposals, grant requests, major-gift opportunities, and customized partnership packages aligned with organizational and donor priorities

• Identify and pursue opportunities for corporate sponsorships, foundation funding, major gifts, cause-marketing campaigns, and other philanthropic support

• Secure funding to support KrabbeConnect’s programs, research initiatives, family assistance, education, awareness efforts, and organizational priorities

• Lead and support fundraising campaigns and events, including Putt-Putt to #curekrabbe, Anywhere Strides, Giving Tuesday, Year-End Giving Campaign, and other development initiatives

• Work with our CRM consultant to maintain accurate donor, prospect, solicitation, and partnership activity within the organization’s CRM to support follow-up, relationship management, reporting, and revenue forecasting

• Track fundraising progress and evaluate results to identify opportunities for increased donor engagement, retention, and revenue growth

Grant & Foundation Research

• Identify grant opportunities aligned with KrabbeConnect's mission

• Assist with gathering information and coordinating grant submissions

• Maintain a calendar of funding deadlines and reporting requirements

Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for prospective partners

• Steward existing corporate and foundation relationships

• Coordinate follow-up communications and partnership recognition

Collaboration

• Work closely with board members to leverage existing relationships

• Support the development of fundraising materials, sponsorship packets, and donor communications

• Provide regular updates on fundraising pipeline, partnership development, and progress toward revenue goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, public administration, or a related field; advanced degree or CFRE certification is beneficial

• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, including Annual Giving and Planned Giving programs, with a strong understanding of Philanthropy

• Proficiency in Budgeting and financial oversight related to development activities, including forecasting and revenue tracking

• Ability to build and manage strategic partnerships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community organizations

• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and convey complex information clearly

• Experience in nonprofit development, preferably within healthcare, rare disease, or patient advocacy environments

• Proven skills in donor stewardship, grant writing, and development of fundraising materials and campaigns

• The ability to travel by car or plane when necessary

• Experience using donor management or CRM systems is a plus

• Passion for rare disease advocacy and improving patient outcomes

Compensation

• Part-time, flexible schedule (15–20 hours per week)

• Compensation will be commensurate with experience and formal education

• Opportunity for performance-based bonus tied to fundraising goals

KrabbeConnect is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects diverse experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.