Director of Development

Position Overview: The Director of Development is responsible for driving sustainable revenue growth through donor and partner engagement, mid-level giving strategy, grant pipeline management, and strategic fundraising initiatives. This role oversees donor stewardship for supporters giving $1,000–$4,999, identifies and cultivates emerging major gift prospects, and ensures all fundraising activities align with Pet Resource Center of Kansas City’s mission and strategic goals.

The Director of Development manages two direct reports — the Special Events Coordinator and Donor Relations Coordinator — and collaborates closely with organizational leadership, program staff, volunteers, and community partners to deepen donor relationships and expand philanthropic support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mid-Level & Emerging Major Donor Strategy:

  • Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and sponsors ($1,000–$4,999 donors and $2,500–$9,999 sponsors).

  • Conduct prospect research, wealth screenings, and pre-qualification for major gift pipeline growth.

  • Lead donor segmentation, tailored communications, stewardship touchpoints, and donor experience design.

  • Develop and execute cultivation plans, including introductory meetings and post-event stewardship conversations.

  • Maintain moves management tracking and ensure timely follow-ups.

• Grant Pipeline Leadership:

  • Own the organizational grant strategy, from prospecting and assignment to constituent tracking and submission timelines.

  • Prepare and/or oversee development of grant proposals, briefs, memos, and stewardship reports.

  • Monitor government grant performance: required data collection, renewals, compliance follow-up.

  • Ensure alignment between proposals, programs, and mission impact.

• Special Events & Sponsorships:

  • Provide strategic oversight and support to the Special Events Coordinator to execute both high-quality signature and community events.

  • Lead sponsorship solicitation and stewardship, securing multi-year commitments when possible.

  • Develop comprehensive sponsorship menus and stewardship plans for corporate and foundation partners.

  • Attend key events to cultivate relationships and convert volunteers and event attendees into donors.

• Campaigns, Volunteers & Fundraising Operations:

  • Manage day-to-day fundraising campaign execution, timelines, and internal communication.

  • Support volunteer-driven campaigns and peer-to-peer fundraising; provide materials and coaching.

  • Coordinate fundraising task-forces as assigned, ensuring agendas, materials, and follow-up actions are delivered.

  • Track board giving and assist with individual outreach for pledge fulfillment.

• Community & Legacy Outreach:

  • Represent PRCKC at community meetings and networking spaces (Chamber, Rotary, etc.).

  • Plan and host donor information sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and lunch-and-learns.

  • Support legacy giving efforts and identify planned giving prospects. 

• Team Leadership & Collaboration:

  • Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Special Events Coordinator and Donor Relations Coordinator.

  • Partner with the Director of Marketing to execute communication strategies and donor-centered storytelling.

  • Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate tracking, reporting, receipting, and compliance.

  • Maintain accurate donor records and tracking of engagement in the CRM.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3–5 years progressive fundraising or development experience; animal welfare or human services preferred.

• Proven success cultivating and stewarding mid-level donors or sponsors.

• Strong writing skills for proposals, reports, and donor communications.

• Project management ability with high attention to detail and deadlines.

• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and donors of diverse backgrounds.

• Experience with donor CRM systems and/or wealth screening tools preferred.

• Passion for animal welfare and commitment to increasing community access to care.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Our Offer

• Pay is $75,000/salary

• Schedule - Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm, occasional evenings/weekends for events

• Health, dental, vision and life benefits options

• Three (3) weeks paid annual leave with flexible scheduling ability

• Paid holidays

• 401k

• Kudos incentive program

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements.  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pet Resource Center of Kansas City is an equal opportunity employer.