The Foraker Group

Job Summary

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives at Alzheimer's Resource Alaska (ARA). This position is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating comprehensive development programs that generate sustainable revenue through annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, endowment, corporate and foundation support, grants, and special events, while fostering meaningful donor and volunteer engagement. Working closely with the CEO, Fund Development Committee, and community partners, the Development Director builds lasting relationships, inspires philanthropy, and creates innovative strategies to secure the resources necessary to fulfill the organization's mission.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Development & Fundraising

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive annual development plan that supports the organization's strategic priorities and fundraising goals.
• Establish annual fundraising goals and key performance indicators (KPIs), monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and adjust strategies to maximize fundraising success.
• Partner with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Board of Directors, and Fund Development Committee to cultivate a culture of philanthropy and expand individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, bequests, grants, and other revenue streams.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current and prospective donors, sponsors, foundations, and community partners to build long-term philanthropic relationships.
• Develop and implement donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition strategies that strengthen donor engagement and retention.
• Monitor fundraising performance through key metrics, evaluate results, and recommend strategies to improve fundraising effectiveness and achieve annual goals.
• Identify, research, and pursue new funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives that advance ARA's mission and long-term sustainability.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Oversee the organization's donor database, ensuring data integrity, accurate gift recording, timely acknowledgments, and effective donor stewardship.
• Develop and maintain systems for donor recognition, appreciation, and ongoing engagement.
• Maintain donor confidentiality and ensure compliance with organizational gift acceptance and fundraising policies.

Special Events

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of fundraising events, including Amblin' for Alzheimer's, to maximize community engagement and fundraising results.
• Recruit and partner with volunteer planning committees, sponsors, and community partners to support successful fundraising events.
• Oversee sponsorship development, participant recruitment, volunteer engagement, and post-event stewardship and evaluation.

Leadership & Organizational Management

• Serve as a member of the Senior Management Team, providing leadership in strategic planning, organizational initiatives, and fostering a positive, collaborative workplace culture.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director to develop fundraising campaigns, donor communications, marketing materials, and promotional strategies that support development initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with the CEO, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain effective systems, processes, and staffing resources that support ARA's development goals and fundraising initiatives.
• Supervise development staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, and volunteers, as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with internal staff and external partners to develop grant proposals and provide narratives, data, and supporting documentation required for grant reporting.
• Develop, administer, and monitor the annual development budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of departmental resources.
• Prepare and present fundraising, development, and donor engagement reports to the CEO, Senior Management Team, Fund Development Committee, and Board of Directors.
• Attend and actively participate in All-Staff meetings, Senior Management Team meetings, Board meetings, committee meetings, fundraising events, and other organizational meetings as required.
• Represent ARA at community meetings, fundraising events, public engagements, and other activities that advance the organization's mission.
• Perform other duties as assigned.