Director of Development at Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA – Harrisonburg, Virginia

About Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA

Since 1973, the RHSPCA has been providing compassionate animal care to help pets and people live happier, healthier lives. We offer a full range of services, including adoption options for companion pets and barn cats so that local animals can live better lives in the spaces that suit them best. We also work with a vast network of volunteers who help us care for animals in our shelter and individuals willing to foster pets in their homes. In addition to our pet matchmaking services, we partner with community members to help manage the outdoor cat population through our Community Cat Program. Across all of these services is our commitment to providing the resources and tools our community needs to improve animal welfare.

JOB TITLE: Director of Development

DEPARTMENT: Development

SUPERVISOR: Executive Director

SUMMARY: Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the Director of Development is responsible for leading the organization’s fundraising strategy and revenue growth, with a primary focus on building systems (and processes) for donor acquisition, stewardship, and long-term philanthropic support.

This position provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Development Department, including the Development Associate and Marketing Coordinator, and is accountable for achieving the organization’s annual fundraising goals, targeted at approximately $1 million in contributed revenue.

The Director of Development is responsible for establishing clear fundraising priorities, building donor relationships, implementing stewardship systems, and ensuring that marketing and communications activities support fundraising objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising (Primary Responsibility)

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to achieve annual and multi-year revenue goals.

2. Lead major gift strategy, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key donors.

3. Build and manage systems for donor retention, acknowledgment, and long-term relationship development.

4. Partner with the Executive Director to support major gift solicitations and strategic donor engagement.

5. Oversee grant strategy, with the Development Associate responsible for research, writing, and reporting.

6. Direct and evaluate fundraising campaigns, appeals, and events to ensure strong return on investment.

7. Develop and manage corporate sponsorship and partnership strategies.

8. Establish metrics and reporting systems to track fundraising performance and donor trends.

9. Oversee RHSPCA participation in community engagement events, setting the strategy and objectives while directing the team in the planning and execution of fundraising and donor appreciation events.

Marketing and Communications (Strategic Oversight)

1. Provide strategic oversight of all marketing and communications efforts to ensure alignment with fundraising priorities.

2. Set annual communications priorities, messaging strategies, and campaign goals in coordination with the Executive Director.

3. Review and approve major marketing materials, campaigns, and public-facing content.

4. Ensure consistency with brand standards and organizational messaging.

5. Oversee production of the annual report and key fundraising materials, with execution led by the Marketing Coordinator.

The Director of Development will manage the Marketing Coordinator who is responsible for marketing and fundraising collateral; our social media platforms and websites; marketing campaigns; and promotional and print materials.

Development (Strategic Oversight)

1. Provide strategic oversight of all donor relations and communications, fundraising campaigns, appeals, events, and community engagement.

2. Ensure consistency in donor records and timeliness of communications.

3. Oversee donor recognition initiatives.

4. Support the organization’s monthly giving program and provide guidance for its growth.

5. Direct fundraising and donor appreciation events.

The Director of Development will manage the Development Associate who is responsible for processing donations and maintaining donor records; sending donor acknowledgements and tax receipts; stewardship communications; supporting fundraising campaigns and appeals; assisting with grants; and coordinating event logistics.

General Management within Department

1. Set department goals tied to annual fundraising targets.

2. Establish strategy, priorities, and timelines for development and marketing efforts.

3. Delegate executional tasks while maintaining strategic oversight.

4. Hire, train, and develop staff, interns, and volunteers.

5. Monitor performance and conduct evaluations.

6. Provide meaningful feedback and coaching.

7. Manage schedules, timecards, and PTO requests.

Budget and Planning

1. Play an active role in budget planning and monitoring development expenditures.

2. Participate in strategic planning and contribute to organizational goals.

3. Ensure adherence to approved budgets and responsible use of resources.

General Leadership

1. Model and promote a culture that is professional, welcoming, collaborative, and mission-driven.

2. Lead the organization’s fundraising strategy to meet annual and long-term revenue goals.

3. Build and implement systems for donor stewardship, retention, and major gift development.

4. Establish department goals, timelines, and accountability measures.

5. Work closely with the Executive Director on donor cultivation and fundraising strategies.

6. Ensure all development and communications activities follow best practices and organizational policies.

7. Participate in organizational planning and contribute to strategic goals.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Primary KPIs

1. Total contributed revenue (annual goal: approximately $1 million)

2. Donor retention rate

3. Growth in major gift revenue

4. Number of new and upgraded donors

Secondary KPIs

1. Grant revenue secured

2. Corporate sponsorship revenue

3. Fundraising campaign performance

4. Growth in qualified donor pipeline

EXPERIENCE, ABILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required

● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

● Minimum of five years of professional experience, with at least three years in fundraising or development leadership.

● Minimum of three years supervising staff or leading teams.

● Demonstrated success achieving measurable fundraising results.

● Experience with donor stewardship, major gifts, fundraising campaigns, or events.

● Strong organizational, writing, and public speaking skills.

● Proficiency with Google Workspace or similar tools.

Preferred

● Experience in nonprofit or animal welfare organizations.

● Experience managing development or marketing staff.

● Experience working with volunteers and boards.

● Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems.

Personal Qualities

● Strong relationship builder with donors, staff, volunteers, and partners.

● Strategic thinker with strong execution skills.

● Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

● Professional judgment, maturity, and discretion.

COMPENSATION

This is a salaried position offering a competitive pay range of $75,000–$90,000, based on experience. After an initial employment period, the Director of Development is eligible for health benefits and paid time off.

NATURE OF EMPLOYMENT

The Director of Development is an exempt position, which generally requires a minimum of 40 hours per week.

There is no minimum period of employment guaranteed or implied by acceptance of an offer of employment. It is the policy of the RHSPCA that employment for this position is at will, which means that employment for no specified term and the employee or agency may terminate that employment at any time without cause. This job description serves as a guide.