Open Position: Development Director
Active Southern West Virginia (Active SWV) proudly established a decade of impactful physical activity programs and comprehensive health education initiatives. Our efforts contribute significantly to economic development, community enhancement, and public health improvement in a state that faces critical challenges, including high rates of poverty and poor health outcomes. West Virginia leads the nation in these metrics, necessitating innovative and dynamic solutions. Active SWV is committed to being part of the solution, collaborating with a vast network of partners, stakeholders, and dedicated volunteers.
The Development Director position was established in 2022, marking the beginning of a focused effort to enhance our organizational capacity. Over the past three years, we have successfully built and tested robust communication systems, diversified our revenue streams, and meticulously tracked our progress. Our funding portfolio now includes federal sub-grant awards, state grants, community foundation grants, family foundation grants, corporate grants, corporate sponsorships, individual contributions, and profit-sharing events.
We have cultivated significant relationships and recognized the tremendous potential for growth. This is an exciting opportunity to elevate our foundational structure to the next level. The financial growth we seek is essential to meet the increasing demand for our programs across communities statewide.
Attributes of a Development Director at Active SWV:
- Exceptional Leadership and Communication Skills: Demonstrates the ability to inspire and guide teams while articulating the organization’s mission with clarity and passion.
- Relationship-Building Expertise: Proficient in cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors and stakeholders through effective outreach, including phone calls, in-person meetings, event attendance, and engaging discussions.
- Fundraising Acumen: Experienced in managing comprehensive fundraising efforts, utilizing diverse strategies to maximize contributions and support for organizational goals.
- Strong Organizational Skills: Detail-oriented with a proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution while adapting to evolving circumstances and priorities.
- Strategic Mindset: Possesses the ability to think critically and strategically, aligning fundraising initiatives with the organization’s long-term vision and community impact.
Qualifications for the Development Director Position:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, marketing or related fields such as communications or fundraising.
- Fundraising Experience: A minimum of five years of progressive fundraising experience within the nonprofit sector, demonstrating a successful track record of securing diverse funding sources.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Canva, donor management software, Paypal, AI tools, and project management tools to effectively support organizational operations.
- Health and Wellness Sector Experience: Prior experience working with health and wellness organizations, providing valuable insights into sector-specific challenges and opportunities.
- Leadership and Management Skills: Proven managerial and supervisory experience, with the ability to lead teams effectively and foster a collaborative work environment.
- Connection to West Virginia: Strong ties to West Virginia, whether by birth or through personal commitment, demonstrating an understanding of the state’s unique needs and culture.
- Professional Development: Membership in or certification from a recognized professional fundraising organization, reflecting a commitment to ongoing professional growth and adherence to industry best practices.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Adaptive Project Development Expertise: Proven ability to evolve development projects in response to shifting federal and state priorities, ensuring alignment with funding opportunities and community needs.
- Comprehensive Grant Management Skills: Proficient in grant research across various sectors, including public health, community development, economic development, and recreation access. Experienced in completing applications, executing grant projects, managing finances, and preparing final reports.
- Financial Management Proficiency: Familiarity with QuickBooks Online tailored for non-profit organizations, enabling effective financial tracking and reporting.
- In-Depth Knowledge of West Virginia: Strong understanding of West Virginia’s diverse geography, history, and socio-economic characteristics. Professional experience in the State or broader Appalachia is highly preferred, enhancing contextual decision-making.
- Donor Management and Retention Skills: Experienced with donor management software, focusing on effective donor attraction and retention strategies. Skilled in efficiently sharing donor information with staff and board members to foster collaboration and transparency.
Areas of Emphasis for the Development Director Position:
- Enhance Unrestricted Income Growth: Drive the expansion of unrestricted revenue through Active SWV races and signature events by identifying innovative ways to add value, develop new revenue streams, and optimize cost efficiency. This includes but is not limited to online retail management and development, business sponsorships and monthly program sponsors for email newsletters. Experience facilitating the WV State Neighborhood Investment Program.
- Cultivate Corporate Partnerships: Establish and nurture relationships with corporate partners to secure multi-year grants and sponsorship funding, fostering sustainable support for our initiatives.
- Develop and Distribute Comprehensive Annual Support Packet: Create a detailed annual support packet that outlines all the involvement opportunities across our development portfolio, including sponsorship and giving options for 2026. Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Operations to ensure readiness for distribution by late 2025.
- Strengthen Portfolio Tracking and Reporting: Improve the quarterly tracking of the development portfolio, providing comprehensive summaries to staff and the board of directors to enhance transparency and facilitate informed decision-making.
- Expand the Development Portfolio: Introduce planned giving options into the development portfolio in 2026, diversifying funding sources and enhancing long-term financial sustainability.
- Contribute to the Organization’s Communication Plan: Provide creative and compelling content for blogs, webpages, email newsletters, social media, print material, and deliver in person presentations.
Position Summary: Monthly Time Management:
- 70% – Development Goals Leadership: Dedicate most of the time (70%) to achieving one-year development goals, including leading signature events, which may require evening and weekend commitments to ensure successful execution and community engagement.
- 20% – Program Support and Data Tracking: Allocate 20% of the time to support ongoing development programs, focusing on youth program development, Workplace Wellness resources, and monitoring the needs and successes of the Community Captain program. This includes data tracking and evaluation to measure impact and effectiveness.
- 5% – Technical Assistance: Spend 5% of the time providing technical assistance related to website management and software tools, ensuring that all digital platforms are effective and user-friendly.
- 5% – Professional Development and Volunteerism: Commit 5% of time to professional development activities and volunteer opportunities, fostering personal growth and strengthening community ties.
Workplace Culture Statement:
At Active SWV, we are committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being, collaboration, and professional growth. Our environment encourages open communication, teamwork, and the pursuit of innovative solutions to enhance our community impact. We believe that a supportive workplace not only empowers our staff but also drives the success of our mission.
Benefits of Working with Us:
As a benefit-eligible employee at Active SWV, you can enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, work-life balance, and professional development:
- Health Insurance: Access to quality health insurance options to ensure your well-being.
- Retirement Plan: A 3% retirement match to help you save for your future.
- Paid State Holidays: Enjoy designated paid holidays throughout the year.
- Vacation Days: Accumulate 10 vacation days annually for personal time and relaxation.
- Wellness Days: Benefit from 10 wellness days each year to focus on your health and well-being.
- Reimbursable Mileage: Receive reimbursement for work-related travel expenses.
- Work Culture of Wellness: Engage in a supportive culture that prioritizes wellness initiatives and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
- Office Presence: Two office locations and flexible/hybrid work schedule
Compensation range $65,000 – $75,000. Due to the ways in which salary negotiations are structured, Active SWV as a practice does not negotiate starting salary once an offer is made. Active SWV provides a competitive salary and a benefits package
Join us at Active SWV, where we cultivate a thriving workplace culture that supports you both personally and professionally.
Application Process for the Development Director Position:
To apply, please send the following materials to info@activeswv.com with the subject line “Development Director”:
- Resume and Cover Letter: Submit a current resume along with a cover letter that highlights your relevant experience and motivation for applying.
- Professional References: Include the contact information for three professional references who can speak about your skills and experience.
