Development Lead

Company Description:

Upstate Warrior Solution is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting warriors, first responders, and their families to essential resources and opportunities. Our mission is to lead them through self-empowerment while inspiring the community to embrace local warriors as valued neighbors and friends. Based on values like selfless service, loyalty, and integrity, we strive to restore warriors' sense of purpose and empower the community to be responsive to their needs.

Role Description:

The Development Lead is responsible for planning, implementing, and sustaining a comprehensive range of fundraising and development initiatives that advance Upstate Warrior Solution’s (UWS) mission and financial goals. This role oversees fundraising events, community outreach, and donor engagement efforts designed to strengthen relationships and expand support for the veteran community.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. The Development Lead will contribute to strategic planning and budgeting processes, work within the policies and mission of UWS, and take ownership of assigned projects with accountability and professionalism.

Duties:

•  Direct, plan, and supervise the work of the program staff (including Donor Relations Managers), and volunteers assigned to any development initiatives.
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with major donors, securing financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Track donor engagement in our CRM system, CharityProud.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Community Engagement teams to strengthen the UWS brand through coordinated messaging, including ask letters, social media, annual reports, website content, event logistics, and newsletters
• Develop pathways to move one-time donors into recurring supporters and grow mid-level giving.
• Facilitate ongoing communication and relationship-building activities with donors.
• Partner with staff and volunteers to expand the donor pipeline, from first-time givers to legacy-level supporters.
• Manage donor appreciation strategies, including thank-you calls, handwritten notes, and personalized updates, to strengthen loyalty.
• Responsible for all facets of managing and maintaining annual fundraising events.
• Collaborates with partner organizations on planning joint fundraising events.
• Build strong working relationships with local companies, government, and non-profit service providers.
•  Make presentations regarding the UWS services, respond to agency inquiries concerning services, and attend workshops and conferences as appropriate.
• Build visibility for the work of UWS and advance the case for inter-agency collaboration.
• Attend community, donor, event-related, or relationship-building events as needed.
• Assist with the planning of long-range goals and objectives for sustainability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or related field, preferred.
• At least five years of experience working within a nonprofit, specifically related to financial development and donor relations.
• Proven track record of working effectively with individuals at all levels of responsibility within an organization and across organizational lines.
• Ability to listen, understand, emphasize, clarify, and give constructive feedback.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments and changing priorities.
• Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Veteran status or experience working with veterans and/or family members is a plus.
• Strong sense of personal and community accountability.
• Strong problem solving and group work leadership skills.
• Ability to interact with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sound computer skills, including the ability to use a keyboard with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to recognize sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and some weekend hours.
• Ability to handle adversity objectively.

Salary and Benefits:

• 401k investment
• Healthcare stipend (monthly)
• Wellness stipend (monthly)
• Mileage
• Holiday Pay (Federal Holidays)
• Vacation Pay
• Sick Time

Salary is commensurate with experience. Have questions or want more details? Reach out to Theresa Thompson at tthompson@uws.us, and please attach your resume if interested in applying.