Director of Development

Upper Room KC
Upper Room KC envisions a Kansas City where every child, regardless of background, enjoys access to high-quality educational opportunities that foster growth, development, and success. For over 25 years, Upper Room KC has championed educational equity in Kansas City's urban core neighborhoods through our free or low-cost after-school, summer, and early learning programs. From a single site serving about 100 children in 1997, Upper Room KC now impacts over 2,000 children annually across 19 locations.

Director of Development
As we expand our programs, Upper Room KC seeks an experienced and strategic Development Director to lead and elevate our fundraising efforts as we continue championing educational equity in Kansas City's urban core. This is a unique opportunity to shape and implement the organization’s fundraising strategy as our first-ever Development Director, working with our Executive Director to advance annual, major, and planned giving fundraising strategies. You will have the chance to build upon an existing development plan and work with a mission-driven Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop lasting relationships with donors. 

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, this role is pivotal as we launch a $3.25 million multi-year fundraising campaign, which includes capital fundraising for a new Early Learning Center. The Development Director will play a critical role in building a sustainable development function, ensuring the long-term growth and success of Upper Room KC's mission. This position reports directly to the Executive Director. 
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Execution:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate Upper Room KC's annual fundraising plan, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relationships, grants, planned giving, and special events.
• Lead comprehensive/capital campaigns to advance the organization’s mission and grow the base of individual and organizational donors.

Major & Planned Gift Fundraising

• Build and strengthen relationships with major individuals, foundations, and corporate donors to secure financial support.
• Serve as the lead major gifts officer, increasing the pipeline of major gifts and supporting the Executive Director, board members, and other volunteers in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting support.
• Develop planned giving strategies and regularly communicate legacy opportunities with donors.

Grants & Data Management:

• Research, write, and apply for grants.
• Ensure accurate and timely gift recording, donor acknowledgment, and reporting.

Annual Giving & Special Events

• Oversee the development, planning, and execution of the 25th-anniversary event and develop the strategy for a possible annual fundraising event. 
• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual giving strategies, including direct mail, recurring giving, and online giving. 

Organizational Leadership:

• Serve as a liaison to the Development Committee, providing leadership and guidance on fundraising initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Board, and Development Committee to create and nurture a culture of philanthropy within the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Passion for the mission of Upper Room KC.
• A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, marketing, business, communication, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• At least five years of professional fundraising experience with a proven record of success.
• Strong relationship-building skills, organizational abilities, and a natural curiosity.
• Comprehensive/capital campaign experience.
• Proven grant writing experience.
• A high-performing self-starter who collaborates well with a team.
• Experience in executing successful special events.
• Proficiency with donor management software and establishing data processes.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

Salary & Benefits: $80,000 - $90,000, based on qualifications and experience. 
Health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, accident and death insurance, etc.
 
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Tonia Gilbert, Executive Director, at tgilbert@upperroomkc.org.  

Upper Room KC is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity in our workplace.