DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

A. JOB SUMMARY

Lead fundraising to the next level. The Director of Development is a newly created position offering the opportunity to build upon existing donor relationships and significantly expand CIC’s philanthropic capacity during a period of exceptional organizational momentum. Over the past five years, CIC has tripled entrepreneurs served and grown our lending portfolio five-fold—and we’re ready to match that program growth with a robust, strategic development function. This role will establish systems, deepen relationships, and diversify revenue streams to fuel continued impact across central and southern Virginia.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, relationship-focused fundraiser who finds joy in connecting donors to mission-driven impact and thrives on the challenge of scaling a development program. Reporting to the President and serving on the Leadership Team, you’ll shape development strategy at an organization with strong reputation, proven results, and significant growth potential.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Within the limits of CIC’s programs, policies, procedures, and budget, the Director of Development is responsible for and has authority to perform the duties listed below:

Fundraising

  • Develop and implement comprehensive annual fundraising plan that integrates individual giving, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and donor stewardship
  • Build and actively manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors ($1,000+) to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts and grants with emphasis on securing commitments at the $10,000+ level
  • Design and execute strategies to grow both total dollars and number of individual donors through direct mail, digital campaigns, segmented appeals, and year-end giving initiatives
  • Staff the board development committee and work with committee leadership to achieve fundraising goals; support and equip board members with training, materials, and strategic guidance for their fundraising activities
  • Engage volunteers in prospect identification, cultivation, and stewardship; facilitate volunteer fundraising events and gatherings that advance donor relationships

Communications & Brand Building

  • Collaborate with marketing and communications staff to develop compelling fundraising materials, donor communications, and storytelling that strengthens CIC’s case for support
  • Represent CIC at community events and with stakeholders to expand the organization’s philanthropic network, particularly in Charlottesville while building presence in southern Virginia communities; identify and support special events that serve cultivation, solicitation, or stewardship purposes

Development Operations

  • Build and maintain systems for tracking prospects, managing donor relationships, and measuring fundraising progress; manage donor database (currently Salesforce) and provide regular performance reporting to President, Leadership Team, and Board
  • Oversee gift processing, acknowledgment, and donor recognition systems in coordination with finance staff; ensure accurate database records, effective reporting, and strategic prospect tracking
  • May supervise development staff in alignment with organizational growth and impact

C. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • 4+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience with demonstrated responsibility for individual donor cultivation and solicitation
  • Proven track record of securing gifts at the $1,000+ level from individuals
  • Strong relationship-building skills with ability to engage diverse stakeholders authentically and strategically
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including ability to write compelling proposals, appeals, and donor communications
  • Experience managing fundraising databases and using data to drive strategy and measure progress
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
  • Self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
  • Valid driver’s license 
  • Passion for CIC’s mission of supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Personal qualities of integrity, discretion, intellectual curiosity, persistence, creativity, and adaptability
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite

D. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field; 6+ years of fundraising experience with increasing levels of responsibility
  • Experience building or significantly growing a development program; track record of securing gifts at the $10,000+ level
  • Experience with foundation grant writing and corporate partnerships; familiarity with community development, entrepreneurship, or small business development sectors
  • Knowledge of fundraising in the Charlottesville, Virginia area and/or experience building donor bases in new geographic markets
  • Experience working with volunteer boards and development committees; experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms

E. WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Full-time position based in Charlottesville, VA, with regular presence in the office for team collaboration and donor meetings. Candidates based in southern Virginia (Danville or Martinsville areas) will be considered with the expectation of being in the Charlottesville office at least 2 days per week. 
  • Ability to work some evenings and weekends for board meetings and donor cultivation and stewardship
  • Regular travel for donor visits, prospect cultivation, and community engagement throughout CIC’s service region, with primary donor cultivation focus in the Charlottesville area and strategic relationship-building in Danville, Martinsville, and Culpeper

F. COMPENSATION

  • Full-time, salaried compensation of $80,000–$90,000 annually, based on experience and role alignment
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, and retirement plan with employer match
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements

HOW TO APPLY: 

Please send a cover letter and resume to people@cicville.org. In your cover letter, please address your fundraising experience and your interest in CIC’s mission. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by January 15, 2026. The position will remain open to new applications until filled.

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT COLLABORATIVE

Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) with a mission of strengthening our community and contributing to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing, and networking. CIC serves communities across Virginia with core service areas in central and southern Virginia. Its core programs and services include a 16 Week Entrepreneur Workshop, microloans and small business loans up and small business advising through hosting the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center, along with financial coaching and ongoing business support.

CIC is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.

Together we are strengthening our community.