Director of Development (LYS)

Lighthouse Youth & Family Services is a nonprofit committed to ending youth homelessness and ensuring young people have access to essential care, including mental and behavioral health services, housing, emergency shelter, juvenile justice programs, residential treatment, and foster care and adoption.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and relationship-driven Director of Development to lead and grow a dynamic fundraising program that supports life-changing services for youth and families across our region.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Development leads major and annual giving, planned giving, events, database strategy, and volunteer engagement—ensuring a strong, sustainable fundraising pipeline. The role manages a multidisciplinary team and partners with Marketing & Communications, Grants & Contracts, and program leaders to maximize impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, guidance, and professional development to support high performance and goal achievement of direct reports: Development Manager, Major Gifts Officer, Special Events Manager, and Database Administrator.
• Develops and implements fundraising strategies to achieve or exceed annual revenue goals in partnership with the Chief Development Officer.
• Leads planning and execution of annual giving campaigns (including direct mail, digital fundraising, and donor acquisition strategies) as well as major giving, planned giving, and donor stewardship initiatives.
• Maintains a portfolio of major donors and prospects, completing moves management steps and soliciting gifts.
• Provides direction for special events to maximize revenue, donor cultivation, and brand awareness.
• Ensures data integrity, accurate reporting, and efficient processes that support fundraising and stewardship.
• Provides strategic oversight and direction for volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition through the Development Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, with the goal of having a volunteer program that serves as a pipeline for future donors.

• Provides leadership and support for special projects and campaigns.

What You Bring:

• Required Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, marketing, or a related field.

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive work experience in fundraising and development in a nonprofit organization.
• Minimum of five (5) years of successful donor portfolio management experience and a proven success record in securing five- and six-figure gifts and planned gifts.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience successfully managing and mentoring development professionals to achieve desired goals.
• Experience planning and executing nonprofit special events.
• Expertise in donor management software, preferably Raiser’s Edge.

• Preferred Education and Experience:

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working with human services or youth-focused nonprofit organizations.
• Experience in establishing or growing a legacy/planned giving program.

• Experience leading and growing a nonprofit volunteer program.

Why Work with Lighthouse Youth & Family Services?

Join an organization that values its employees and the critical work they do. We foster a great culture and work environment where you can have a rewarding career that impacts the lives of youth and families.

• Rewarding Career: Make a difference in the lives of youth.
• Respected Agency: Work for a diverse, seasoned, and well-respected agency with an engaged leadership team.
• Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Benefit from 23 days of prorated PTO based on your hire date.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, including company-paid life and long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement Planning: 401k Retirement Plan including a company match (up to 6%).
• Continuing Education Support: Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Payment Reimbursement ($5,250 per year).
• Loan Forgiveness Eligibility: Qualify for the Department of Education’s Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Employee Perks: YMCA Discounts, Cell Phone Discounts, and Pet Insurance.
• Wellness & Support: Employee Assistance Program and an engaging Wellness Program.
• Paid Leave Options: Parental, Bereavement, and Jury Duty.
• Professional Development: Paid training and professional development opportunities.
• Referral Bonus Program: Opportunity to earn bonuses for referring qualified candidates.

If you’re an experienced development leader ready to advance a powerful mission, we encourage you to apply!