Director of Development

About debra of America

The Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America (debra of America) is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and often devastating genetic disorder that causes the skin to blister and tear from the slightest friction. For more than four decades, debra of America has funded innovative research, supported families with critical care services, and served as a national advocate for increased awareness, access to treatment, and the pursuit of a cure. The organization exists to provide the means to cure, care for, and champion those impacted by EB, working toward a future where no individual suffers from this disease. Guided by compassion for families, scientific rigor, integrity, collaboration, and a sense of urgency, debra of America partners with clinicians, scientists, donors, and volunteers nationwide to accelerate breakthroughs and deliver hope.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a senior fundraising executive responsible for leading and growing all philanthropic revenue for debra of America. Reporting to, and working in close partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Development will design and execute a comprehensive national fundraising strategy that deepens donor engagement, strengthens infrastructure, and significantly increases contributed revenue across all sources.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for all fundraising activities, establishing short- and long-range goals that strengthen a culture of philanthropy across debra of America.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine a comprehensive annual fundraising plan encompassing major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, grants, sponsorships, and planned giving.
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, overseeing the full donor lifecycle including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition.
• Partner closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to maximize relationships, support peer-to-peer fundraising efforts, and deepen donor engagement nationwide.
• Direct all aspects of the development operation, ensuring revenue targets are achieved or exceeded, departmental budgets are effectively managed, and fundraising performance is measured through clear metrics and reporting.
• Collaborate with the Director of Special Events to ensure all signature events and sponsorship programs deliver strong revenue results and meaningful stewardship experiences.
• Build and oversee a comprehensive grants strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, reporting, and compliance with funder requirements.
• Strengthen organizational infrastructure by evaluating potential transition to a subsidiary foundation model, ensuring adherence to ethical fundraising standards, and optimizing the use of CRM and fundraising systems.
• Serve as an active member of the senior leadership team, mentoring and developing staff, contributing to organization-wide strategy, participating in administrative call systems, and performing other duties as assigned.

Candidate Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive fundraising leadership experience, preferably within a national voluntary health or mission-driven nonprofit organization.
• Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts and building successful major gifts programs.
• Demonstrated experience leading comprehensive development programs across major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, grants, and special events.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, analytical, and performance-management skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication abilities with donors, board members, volunteers, and executive leadership.
• Systems-oriented mindset with experience leveraging CRM platforms and fundraising technology to drive results.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven environment.
• Bachelor’s degree desired; CFRE or advanced degree preferred.
• Willingness to travel approximately 15–20% and work in a home-based role with preference for candidates located in or near Boulder, Colorado.

Salary: $150,000 plus performance bonus.

POLICY AND RECRUITING AND PLACEMENT

The Batten Group and debra of America are equal-opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.