Director of Development

Director of Development

Overview:

StaffBuffalo is working with a highly respected, mission-driven nonprofit organization to hire a Director of Development, paying $100,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience. This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced fundraising and donor relations professional who understands the importance of relationship-building, strategic philanthropy, and community engagement. The Director of Development will work closely with executive leadership while overseeing a small development team and helping guide the organization’s continued growth and impact throughout Western New York.

In this role, the Director of Development will cultivate and steward donor relationships, identify opportunities for new partnerships and endowments, and support long-term fundraising initiatives aligned with the organization’s mission. The ideal candidate is confident, relationship-oriented, professional, and comfortable engaging with donors, community leaders, and philanthropic organizations in meaningful conversations centered around passion, impact, and legacy giving.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative, community-focused environment and enjoys building trust, strengthening donor relationships, and helping connect individuals and families with causes that matter deeply to them. The organization offers excellent work-life balance, outstanding leadership, and a welcoming, supportive culture.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee the development team, including full-time and part-time staff members, while supporting a collaborative and mission-focused environment.
• Cultivate, steward, and strengthen relationships with current donors, community leaders, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Develop and execute strategic fundraising and donor engagement initiatives to support organizational growth and long-term philanthropic goals.
• Identify prospective donors and align their passions and philanthropic interests with community organizations and initiatives.
• Represent the organization at community functions, donor events, and outreach activities while serving as a professional ambassador within the community.
• Oversee donor stewardship efforts, including meetings, follow-up communication, recognition activities, and ongoing relationship management.
• Manage donor database reporting, analyze giving trends, and evaluate outreach effectiveness to support strategic decision-making.

Qualifications:

• 5 years of nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, development, or community engagement experience required.
• Understanding of and connection to the community in Buffalo or demonstrated experience working closely within community organizations or donor networks preferred.
• Proven ability to build trust, cultivate donor relationships, and engage professionally with community stakeholders.
• Experience leading or mentoring team members within a collaborative professional environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, events, and donor initiatives simultaneously.
• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Communications, Business, or a related field preferred.

Benefits:

• $100,000–$120,000 annual salary, depending on experience.
• Excellent work-life balance with a supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Comprehensive health insurance with strong employer contribution.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Generous paid time off and approximately 20 paid holidays annually.
• Complimentary fitness membership.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a growing, community-centered organization.

The advertised pay range represents what we believe at the time of this job posting, that our client would be willing to pay for this position. Only in special circumstances, where a candidate has education, training, or experience that far exceeds the requirements for the position, would we consider paying higher than the stated range.

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StaffBuffalo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military service.

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Salary : $100,000 - $120,000