Development Director

Furniture Mission of South Dakota

Development Director

Position Summary

The Development Director leads the fundraising and donor engagement efforts of the Furniture Mission of South Dakota. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies that increase financial support through events, sponsorships, donor relationships, and community partnerships.

Working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, the Development Director helps expand the organization’s network of supporters while ensuring strong stewardship of donors who make the mission possible.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Development

• Develop and implement the organization’s annual fundraising plan
• Identify and cultivate new donors, sponsors, and community partners
• Manage corporate sponsorship outreach and relationship building
• Assist the Executive Director with major donor cultivation and stewardship
• Track fundraising progress and maintain revenue goals

Event Management & Fundraising Campaigns

Oversee planning and execution of the organization’s fundraising events including:

• CHAIRity Gala
• Indoor Golf Tournament
• Outdoor Golf Tournament
• Chase the Queen
• Additional fundraising events and campaigns

Responsibilities include:

• Sponsorship acquisition
• Table sales
• Event logistics coordination
• Volunteer coordination for events
• Post-event donor stewardship and reporting

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Maintain regular communication with donors and sponsors
• Schedule donor meetings and engagement opportunities
• Coordinate donor recognition and appreciation efforts
• Ensure timely donor follow-up and relationship stewardship
• Assist in donor tours and storytelling opportunities

Marketing, Communications & Digital Presence

• Maintain and manage the organization’s social media platforms
• Oversee updates and maintenance of the Furniture Mission website
• Develop and coordinate print materials, including brochures, event materials, donor packets, and marketing collateral
• Assist with storytelling that highlights the mission’s impact in the community
• Work with marketing partners or volunteers to support branding and messaging consistency

Grant Writing & Foundation Relations

• Research and identify potential grant opportunities from foundations and community organizations
• Prepare and submit grant applications in partnership with the Executive Director
• Track grant deadlines and reporting requirements
• Maintain relationships with grant funders and foundation partners
• Assist with grant reporting and impact documentation

Board & Community Engagement

• Support board members in their fundraising efforts
• Assist the board in identifying and approaching potential sponsors
• Help facilitate board fundraising expectations and initiatives
• Represent the Furniture Mission at community events and networking opportunities

Donor Data & Reporting

• Maintain donor records and engagement tracking within the donor database
• Monitor donor trends and giving history
• Generate reports to support fundraising strategy and board reporting

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, sales, marketing, or relationship management
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience with event planning, marketing, or sponsorship development preferred
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Experience with grant writing is preferred
• Passion for the mission of serving families in need

Key Attributes

• Relationship builder with strong networking skills
• Goal-oriented and results-driven
• Creative and energetic fundraiser
• Strong communicator and storyteller
• Passionate about community impact

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