Director of Development

Organizational Overview

Phillips Fundamental Learning Center (PFLC) exists to unlock the potential of children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties by educating and empowering teachers, families, and communities. PFLC is a nationally recognized leader in structured literacy and teacher training, based in Wichita, Kansas. Following the successful completion of a major capital campaign and the opening of our transformative new facility, PFLC is positioned for sustained growth and increased impact.

We are seeking a full-time, mission-driven, results-oriented Director of Development to build on this momentum by designing and leading a dynamic, comprehensive fundraising program. This is an extraordinary opportunity for an experienced development professional to join a passionate team, deepen community engagement, and advance the life-changing work of PFLC.

Position Summary

The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating all development and fundraising initiatives for PFLC. This includes identifying and cultivating relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporations; overseeing annual and major giving programs; leading donor stewardship efforts; writing grant proposals and reports; and producing donor communications and engagement materials. This position works in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and leadership team to ensure the sustainability and long-term success of PFLC’s mission.

Primary Responsibilities

• Create and implement a comprehensive development plan encompassing individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, major gifts, planned giving, annual campaigns, and events.
• Set ambitious but achievable fundraising goals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Develop and track key performance indicators to evaluate fundraising effectiveness.

Donor Identification, Cultivation and Solicitation

• Proactively identify and build relationships with prospective donors across individual, corporate, and foundation audiences.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects with a focus on deepening engagement and increasing giving.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director and board members to leverage their networks and support strategic solicitations.
• Craft compelling donor proposals, presentations, and personalized stewardship plans.

Annual Giving and Donor Communications

• Lead the planning and execution of annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, digital outreach, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Develop and maintain a donor communications calendar, ensuring consistent, mission-aligned messaging across platforms.
• Oversee the creation of newsletters, impact reports, donor acknowledgments, and other stewardship materials.

Grants and Institutional Giving

• Work with the grant writer, who will research and write grant proposals to secure funding from private foundations, corporations, and government entities; and develop and maintain a grant calendar with deadlines for applications, reports, and renewals.
• Incorporate grant activity into Fundraising Management Reporting, including priority prospects, asks on the table, and fundraising status.
• Track grant deliverables and coordinate reporting in collaboration with program staff.

Events and Donor Engagement

• Work with the coordinator to provide strategy and guidance as needed, to lead the planning and execution of donor engagement and cultivation events, including stewardship receptions, fundraising events, and donor appreciation activities.
• Working with the Executive Director, serve as a visible representative of PFLC in the community, promoting awareness and engagement.

Philanthropic Culture and Collaboration

• Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by educating and engaging board members, staff, and volunteers in development efforts.
• Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and Board Development Committee in donor cultivation and campaign strategy.
• Train and support staff and volunteers in fundraising best practices when needed.

Development Operations

• Oversee donor database management, ensuring accurate tracking of gifts, pledges, and interactions.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising progress for internal and board use. Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and tax regulations related to charitable giving.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising and development leadership.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and soliciting individual major gifts and securing foundation and corporate grants.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling cases for support.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience using donor CRM/database platforms (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, Salesforce, or similar).
• Highly organized and self-directed, with a strategic mindset and collaborative spirit.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• Experience in an educational or literacy-focused nonprofit setting.
• Familiarity with Wichita’s philanthropic landscape and regional donor base.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Paid time off and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Positive, mission-focused organizational culture

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Wichita, KS 67230 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Wichita, KS 67230: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $85,000 - $95,000