Senior Director, Development

Overview

Goodwill of Greater Washington (GGW) has been transforming lives and communities through the power of education and employment since 1935. As the organization advances toward its ambitious 2030 goals, the Senior Director, Development serves as a strategic leader responsible for driving philanthropic revenue, strengthening donor engagement, and building a high-performing development operation that delivers measurable results.

This leader combines strategic vision with disciplined execution. They anticipate opportunities and risks, own performance outcomes, develop and monitor revenue forecasts, and ensure organizational resources are deployed effectively to maximize return on investment and mission impact. The Senior Director leads with urgency, accountability, data-driven decision making, and a relentless focus on achieving annual and long-term revenue goals. This position oversees all aspects of fundraising, and will be held accountable for behaving in accordance with divisional and organizational RISE (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence) values and expectations.

 

Goodwill offers exciting opportunities for professional growth, and robust benefits, including personal time off (PTO), paid holidays, basic life insurance, short/long term disability benefits, individual and family medical, dental and vision benefits, pet insurance, generous employee discounts, and access to an employee assistance program (EAP).  403(b)/401(k) plan with match available after 1 year.  Bonus eligible. 

Responsibilities

Essential CompetenciesStrategic MindsetDrives Vision & PurposePlans & AlignsDecision QualityCollaboratesValues DifferencesDevelops Talent

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Maintain a drive for performance and ensure accountability

• Lead a culture of high performance, responsiveness, accountability, and results.
• Drive execution against annual fundraising goals and quickly identify and address performance gaps.
• Establish clear goals, deadlines, and expectations for all development functions and team members.
• Demonstrate reliability by consistently delivering on commitments. Ensure consistent follow-up and follow-through with donors, funders, board members, volunteers, and team members.

 

Execute strategies that result in significant philanthropic investments

• Manage and lead a portfolio and pipeline of individual and institutional prospects to support annual and long-term fundraising goals.
• Lead the team to identify innovative approaches that strengthen donor engagement and increase philanthropic support.

• Create a fundraising culture centered on donor relationships, stewardship, gratitude, authenticity, and impact.
• Maintain active involvement in AFP DC and other professional organizations to stay informed about emerging fundraising trends and best practices.

Own team performance and results

• Lead the development of the department's annual budget, revenue projections, and fundraising forecasts.
• Maintain responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy and integrity of the entry, management and reporting of donor information within the CRM system.
• Oversee development KPIs, dashboards and performance reporting systems that provide visibility into fundraising performance.

 

Build and sustain strong relationships through exceptional communication

• Set a high standard for written and verbal communication across the development team, with a focus on attention to detail.
• Represent the organization confidently in high-level meetings, presentations, and fundraising discussions.

• Build collaborative partnerships across departments to advance shared organizational goals.
• Approach challenges with professionalism, diplomacy, humility, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

 

Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional fundraising professionals by creating a culture of accountability, coaching, learning, and continuous improvement

• Establish clear performance expectations aligned with fundraising objectives and organizational priorities.
• Delegate meaningful work that develops future leaders and expands team capabilities.
• Foster a culture that values collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and professional growth.

 

Serve as a strategic advisor to the Chief External Affairs & Sustainability Officer and other senior leaders on philanthropic growth opportunities

• Align fundraising priorities and departmental resources with Goodwill's 2030 strategic goals and long-term vision.

• Anticipate internal and external risks that may impact fundraising performance and proactively develop mitigation strategies.
• Evaluate and recommend new funding opportunities, partnerships, campaigns, and donor engagement strategies.
• Develop revenue forecasts and scenario planning models that support data-informed decision-making and sustainable growth.

 

Supervisory Responsibility:

The division consists of the following positions which report to the Chief Community Impact & Sustainability Officer;

 

Manager, Individual Giving

Development Coordinator

Grant Writer

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

1.    Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, philanthropic studies, communications, sociology, or equivalent experience. 

2.    A minimum of 10 years of progressive nonprofit development experience.

3.    Proven success generating revenue in all major arenas, including: individual, planned, corporate, foundation giving, and special events.

4.    Knowledge and practice of the ethical standards within the fundraising industry.

5.    Proven leadership and staff management experience.

6.    Comfort and experience engaging with senior leaders, including the President & CEO, and board members.

7.    Excellent written, attention to detail, verbal, and interpersonal skills.

8.    Skilled in Microsoft Office desktop applications.

9.    Valid driver’s license and vehicle.

10.     Experience using Raiser’s Edge.

11.    Strong problem-solving skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications

1.    Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)2.    Experience with a Capital Campaign