Director of Development

East Orange, NJ | Hybrid (2–3 days/week on-site) | Full-Time

$90,000 – $100,000 (Open to negotiation for the right candidate)

THE OPPORTUNITY

Isaiah House has provided temporary housing and wraparound services to unhoused adults and families in the East Orange community since 1988. We do this work with care, consistency, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every person we serve.

Today, approximately 90% of our funding comes from government support. In the current climate of potential federal and state budget cuts, expanding our private fundraising channels — individual donors, corporate giving, grants, and events — is not just a priority. It is urgent.

We are looking for a Director of Development who is ready to roll up their sleeves, build something real, and grow with us.

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development owns Isaiah House’s full fundraising operation across three core channels: individual donors, corporate & grant giving, and events. This is a development team of one — with the potential to grow — and we need someone who has the energy, instincts, and follow-through to build momentum independently while working closely with leadership and the Board.

We are targeting 20–30% year-over-year growth across all private fundraising channels. We are building from a solid but modest base, and there is a meaningful runway ahead.

2026 DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES

#1 — Individual Donors & Major Gifts

Individual giving is 80% of the plan. This means activating our network through personal outreach, email campaigns, handwritten notes, and coffee. We have a segmented donor base — from active major champions to lapsed supporters — and a clear map for how to approach each group.

• Build and maintain a targeted outreach list for major gifts ($1,000+)

• Grow our Cornerstone Society — donors giving $1,000+ annually — from 25 to 50 members within 18 months (program launched 2025)

• Re-engage lapsed donors — a significant and urgent priority given the prior giving history in this segment

• Establish a regular cadence of new donor outreach and donor appreciation for gifts received

• Work with the Board and Isaiah House’s network to strategize approaches to major gift prospects

#2 — Grants & Corporate Giving

Meaningfully increase the number of grants we apply for annually. Better categorize and differentiate sponsorships, grants, and donations to maximize each channel.

• Manage the full grants calendar, LOIs, proposals, and reporting

• Develop and execute a corporate engagement strategy including volunteer events and group giving

#3 — Events

Isaiah House will host four signature events in 2026, each requiring Board involvement and strong community turnout:

• House of Love

• Wine & Dine

• Color Run

• Spring Fling / Kickball Tournament

• Donor Appreciation Event

#4 — Systems & Data

Get the house in order. All donations should flow cleanly into Salesforce (via Zeffy, RallyUp, and Mighty Cause), with accurate tagging, backfilled records, and clean donor data — running in parallel with, not ahead of, outreach.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE AT 12 MONTHS

• A regular cadence of new donor outreach is in place and producing results

• Every donor who gives receives timely, personalized acknowledgment

• A targeted major gifts list is actively being worked, with Board and ED support

• The Cornerstone Society has grown meaningfully toward the 50-member goal

• Grant applications have grown meaningfully and the corporate pipeline is active

• Events are running smoothly with clear ownership, volunteer support, and strong attendance

• Salesforce is clean, current, and being used as a real decision-making tool

• Isaiah House’s public presence has grown through consistent communications, social media, and community engagement

BOARD PARTNERSHIP

The Director of Development works hand-in-hand with the Board of Directors — equipping members to be effective ambassadors, managing their donor networks, and leading the Development Committee. You will also support Board recruitment, with a focus on growing the Board’s fundraising capacity.

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING

You will serve as the voice of Isaiah House externally — writing or overseeing donor communications, newsletters, eblasts, social media, and print collateral. For a lean team, this means a willingness to get in and do the work directly, not just manage it.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 6+ years of nonprofit development experience, with a track record of growing individual, corporate, and/or event revenue

• Experience managing a donor portfolio and executing major gift strategies

• Strong writer with the ability to produce compelling donor communications, grant proposals, and stewardship materials

• Comfort with Salesforce or a comparable donor database

• Exceptional relationship builder — warm, persistent, and professional

• Highly self-motivated with strong project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail

• A genuine belief in the mission of Isaiah House and the communities we serve

• Hybrid availability: minimum 2–3 days per week on-site in East Orange, NJ

Experience managing a small team is a plus. A bachelor’s degree is typical but not required for the right candidate.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $90,000 – $100,000 (Open to negotiation for the right candidate)

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

• Paid time off

• Hybrid work schedule