Development Director

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons. The organization is committed to its mission of helping people affected by conflict and disaster to regain control of their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. With a workforce of over 14,000 employees, IRC focuses on various sectors including health, education, economic wellbeing, and protection, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

Job Overview:
The Development Director for IRC in Georgia and Florida is a senior leadership position that plays a crucial role in driving fundraising, advocacy, and external engagement across the regions of Atlanta, Miami, and Tallahassee. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for leading a multi-office strategy aimed at expanding donor support, increasing revenue, and advancing the mission of the IRC through effective fundraising, advocacy, and communication efforts. The ideal candidate for this role is expected to be a strategic and entrepreneurial fundraiser with a proven track record of leading teams, securing major gifts, and building strong partnerships. They should possess excellent communication skills to effectively translate the IRC's mission into compelling funding opportunities, represent the organization in the community, and lead teams towards achieving ambitious fundraising results. The Development Director will oversee various aspects of donor engagement, including proposals and grants, special events, public communications, and community engagement, while collaborating with headquarters teams to enhance fundraising success and visibility for the IRC's work across local, state, and regional audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Development Director include leading and developing a high-performing resource development team across Georgia and Florida, building and nurturing relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors, and driving the fundraising strategy and execution. This includes managing major gifts, developing donor pipelines, crafting proposals, renewals, and special campaigns. The Development Director will partner with program and executive leadership to align fundraising priorities with the organizational strategy and program needs. Additionally, they will represent the IRC externally through community engagement, donor cultivation, advocacy, events, and public-facing communications. Collaboration with headquarters and local communications partners is essential to strengthen visibility, messaging, and fundraising outcomes. The use of CRM, AI, and other digital tools to enhance donor management, prospect research, communications, and administrative efficiency is also a critical aspect of this role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Development Director position are required to have a Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Nonprofit or Business Management, Public Policy, Social Work (macro focused), or similar fields of study. Equivalent experience may also be considered. A graduate degree and/or Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation is preferred. The role requires seven or more years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, resource development, or nonprofit philanthropy, with a demonstrated success in securing major gifts, growing donor relationships, and delivering fundraising results. Experience in developing donor pipelines, proposals, reports, and other external-facing communications is essential. Strong people management skills and experience in leading teams and cross-functional collaboration are also necessary. Proficiency with Salesforce or another CRM is required, and familiarity with AI and other digital tools is strongly preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as International Development, Nonprofit or Business Management, Public Policy, or Social Work, with a focus on macro aspects. Candidates with a graduate degree or a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification will have an advantage. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of fundraising, nonprofit management, and community engagement.

Experience:
The Development Director position requires a significant level of experience, specifically seven or more years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, resource development, or nonprofit philanthropy. Candidates should have a proven track record of securing major gifts and growing donor relationships, along with a history of delivering successful fundraising results. Experience in developing donor pipelines, proposals, and external communications is critical, as is the ability to lead teams and collaborate across functions effectively.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with donors, partners, and community stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in regions with diverse populations, as they can enhance relationship-building and engagement with various communities.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for this position includes a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. Occasional domestic travel may be required, up to 10%, and candidates should be prepared for potential weekend and/or evening work. The compensation for this role ranges from $85,000 to $95,000 USD, based on various factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization adheres to core values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct, emphasizing integrity, service, equality, and accountability.