Director of Development

Our mission is to create pathways for recently incarcerated people to overcome reentry barriers and live fulfilling lives. In 2023, we served more than 1,000 individuals released from incarceration by providing first-stop services, peer-led wrap-around support services and residences, case management, and employment services. In our 11^th year of service, Journey to New Life has an annual operating budget of approximately $2.4 million.
 
Position Summary:
Journey to New Life seeks a dynamic and strategic Development Director to drive the organization's long-term financial growth and sustainability. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Director will build and lead a comprehensive fund development program, with a focus on annual, major, and planned giving. The role includes creating and implementing fundraising strategies, cultivating and stewarding donor relationships, and overseeing events and campaigns.
 
As Journey to New Life expands its residential programs, the Development Director will play a key role in securing funding for capital renovations and future growth initiatives. This position is instrumental in guiding the organization through its strategic growth phase, as we build on the momentum of our newly completed strategic plan.
 
We are a young and mission-driven organization energized by a passionate team committed to making a lasting impact. The ideal candidate will be comfortable engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who have served long prison sentences as well as high-net-worth donors. We seek a forward-thinking leader who can navigate the complexities of nonprofit fundraising while fostering relationships across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
 
We believe in work-life balance and anticipate that this role will be a fully remote position.
 
Key Responsibilities:
 
Development Strategy:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Routinely assess fund development goals and revise strategies, as necessary.
• Build and manage strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts.
• Identify funding opportunities, write grant proposals, cultivate donor relationships, and manage fundraising campaigns.
• Increase monthly donors and promote legacy giving opportunities.

 
Fund Development:

• Manage a robust and effective fund development program, overseeing all fundraising activities, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, foundation relations and grant requests, and social enterprise revenue streams.
• Cultivate new and existing relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and other philanthropic partners.
• Develop and lead a development committee.
• Manage the annual fund development calendar and ensure all fund development activities occur in a timely fashion.
• Develop and maintain an active pipeline of prospects, participating in personal major donor visits.
• Support the Executive Director, board members, and other volunteers in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting support.

 
Budget Preparation and Management:

• Establish and achieve yearly goals for individual, foundation, and corporate giving.
• Prepare and responsibly manage the development budget, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals and organizational needs.

 
Fundraising Events:

• Set goals, strategy, and workflow for fundraising events, including annual dinner and golf tournament.
• Identify and solicit event-supporting corporate, individual, and foundation gifts.
• Attend networking events in the Kansas City community to raise awareness and cultivate prospects.
• Oversee event logistics and ensure successful execution.
• Proactively seek and secure partnerships with local businesses for third-party fundraising events, such as restaurant nights and retail promotions.

 
Fundraising Systems:

• Maintain accurate donor records in CRM software (Kindful or Bloomerang).
• Ensure prompt donor acknowledgment, including tax receipt letters.
• Manage and track sponsorship and donor invoices to ensure timely payment of pledges.
• Utilize CRM software to maintain accurate records of fundraising activities and donor interactions
• Analyze fundraising data to track progress, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making.

 
Marketing and Community Relations:

• Share in maintaining Journey to New Life’s social media accounts.
• Create promotional materials including flyers, letters, brochures, and other content for fundraising purposes.
• Lead tours of the Journey to New Life facility as needed.

 
Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related roles.
• Proven track record of successful major gift and foundation fundraising and donor cultivation.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Bloomerang, Kindful) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Passion for the mission of Journey to New Life and commitment to social justice.

 
Salary & Benefits: 
The salary range for this role is $60,000 to $70,000 with the following benefits:
 
 Health Insurance Stipend: JTNL provides a monthly health insurance stipend of up to $500. This stipend can be used to cover the costs of health, dental, and vision insurance.
 
Employee Assistance Program: JTNL offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide confidential support and resources for personal and work-related issues.
 
Paid Time Off: JTNL provides paid time off (PTO) to help employees balance their work and personal lives. Full-time employees are eligible for 22 days of PTO in their first three years.
 
Holidays: JTNL grants employees 10 paid holidays per year, plus the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
 
Retirement Plan: JTNL partners with T. Rowe Price to help employees plan for their future with a retirement plan and aims to provide an employee match beginning in 2026.
 
Life Insurance & Supplemental Insurance: JTNL provides each full-time employee with $15,000 in life insurance and $15,000 in AD&D insurance through Principal Life Insurance Company. Additionally, employees can obtain supplemental insurance, such as disability or rental insurance.
 
Application Process: To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and passion for the role and contact information for three professional references to Julia Lloyd at jlloyd@jtnl.org.
 
Journey to New Life is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.