Advancement Director

Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) is seeking a motivated, passionate Advancement Director who believes the best fundraising happens in the community. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys getting out of the office, building new relationships, strengthening existing ones, and confidently inviting donors and sponsors to invest in work that truly matters.

The Advancement Director is responsible for driving GSIL's overall fundraising, donor engagement, and advancement strategy. This role leads efforts to cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations; oversees major fundraising initiatives and expands GSIL's grant and sponsorship portfolio. By providing strategic direction, ensuring cohesive messaging, and fostering a culture of philanthropy, the Advancement Director will position GSIL for long-term growth, sustainability, and mission impact. This role requires travel both independently and with team members to cultivate donors and represent GSIL.

Essential functions

Reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to achieve annual and long-term contributed income goals, including the target of $1M annually by FY29.
• Provide advancement-related input, data, and recommendations.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and long-term relationships.
• Lead and grow GSIL's grant strategy, including prospecting, proposal development, submission, and reporting to ensure compliance and quality.
• Participate in the execution, and evaluation of major fundraising events, ensuring exceptional donor experiences and maximizing revenue opportunities.
• Research, develop, and implement innovative fundraising strategies to ensure a diversified and sustainable funding stream.
• Manage and analyze donor data to track progress, inform strategy, and improve donor retention.
• Participate in development communications and marketing to ensure consistent, compelling messaging that supports strategic goals and increases visibility among donors, consumers, employees, and the public.
• In collaboration with the COO, identify and pursue new funding sources and strategic business development opportunities to expand programs and services.

• Engage in frequent instate travel both independently and alongside GSIL team members.

Physical/Mental demands

While performing the duties of this position, the individual is regularly required to sit, use a computer, a telephone, and other office equipment and to move throughout the building and attend meetings. Employee may occasionally need to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift carry, push or otherwise move objects (e.g. files or presentation materials). This position requires the ability to express or exchange ideas and to comprehend and present detailed and critical information including but not limited to financial information. Exceptional judgment and creativity are regularly required to evaluate results and make decisions.

Travel required - must have valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and GSIL's minimum insurance coverage.

Required education and experience

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field; master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, and/or advancement leadership.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in donor database management and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Other duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned to advance GSIL's mission and development goals.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

About Us

Granite State Independent Living is a statewide non-profit and New Hampshire's only Center for Independent Living, we stay close to our roots with a focus on our 5 core services of education, information, advocacy, support, and transition services for people with disabilities and underserved youth. We can speak and think with authority on behalf of the people we serve and support because we are led by a board of directors and staff of which over 51% are people with disabilities.

We carry out our mission through our Home Care Services, Community-Based Disability Supports and Employment Services. With the help of our local New Hampshire communities, we assist people with the tools for living life independently, so they can change their lives for the better. While much has changed over the years, one thing remains the same; GSIL is committed to the principle of personal choice and direction.