Job Description:

Job Title: Director of Development
Department: Development
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Reporting to this Position: N/A – Works collaboratively with Executive Assistant
Location: Office
Employment Type: Full-Time
Classification: Salary/Exempt
Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000

ABOUT TILLY’S LIFE CENTER (TLC)

Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) is a transformative nonprofit at the forefront of addressing the urgent mental health crisis faced by today’s young people. Through strategic partnerships with educational institutions and community-based organizations, TLC offers its “I Am Me” curriculum, equipping adolescents and young adults with critical life skills to develop a healthy identity and positive mindset, manage emotions, achieve personal and academic goals, foster strong relationships, and make responsible decisions—ultimately setting them on a path toward lasting success and overall well-being. With an annual budget of $2.7 million, TLC continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact through these strategic collaborations. For more information visit: www.tillyslifecenter.org.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development will lead all fundraising and partnership efforts at TLC, playing a key role in the organization’s financial growth and sustainability. This leader will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and events. The Director of Development will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff to cultivate relationships, increase donor engagement, and secure financial resources to support TLC’s mission of empowering youth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan to meet revenue goals through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and special events.
• Identify new opportunities for donor engagement and revenue growth.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to set annual fundraising targets.
• Research and manage the full grant lifecycle, including application, reporting, and stewardship.

Corporate & Donor Cultivation:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individual donors and corporate sponsors, ensuring proper recognition, engagement, and long-term partnerships.
• Proactively identify, solicit, and secure corporate sponsorships for key programs, events, and initiatives at TLC.
• Create targeted outreach strategies to attract prospective donors and business partners, including foundations and community leaders.
• Work closely with corporate leaders to explore opportunities for mission-aligned initiatives, employee engagement, and in-kind support.

Event Management & Special Campaigns:

• Plan, coordinate, and execute signature fundraising events, including TLC’s annual gala and golf tournament, with a focus on meeting and exceeding revenue goals.
• Lead targeted fundraising campaigns (capital campaigns, direct mail appeals, and online giving) to increase individual and corporate contributions.
• Leverage community and corporate events to raise awareness and engage new supporters.

Communications & Marketing:

• Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling fundraising materials such as sponsorship packages, donor newsletters, appeals, and the annual report.
• Ensure that messaging about TLC’s mission, impact, and goals is consistently shared across all donor and corporate communications.
• Promote TLC’s events and initiatives, especially in partnership with corporate sponsors and community partners.

Board & Volunteer Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Development Committee of the Board of Directors, providing tools, resources, and support for fundraising initiatives.
• Work with board members and volunteers to cultivate donor relationships and secure corporate partnerships.
• Manage a team of volunteers and ambassadors to assist with fundraising efforts, particularly for events and community engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred. CFRE or Exhibition Management (CEM) certification preferred.

Experience: A minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with a proven track record in fundraising, donor relationships, corporate partnerships, and meeting revenue goals. Demonstrated experience in cultivating major donors and corporate sponsors. Strong grant writing experience, including the ability to secure foundation funding preferred.

Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Project Management: Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Relationship Skills: Excellent relationship-building skills with donors, corporate partners, board members, and community stakeholders.

Communication Skills: Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to create compelling proposals and donor communications.

Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to interpret data and make informed decisions for program effectiveness.

Commitment to Diversity: A commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization and the communities served.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Dynamic and collaborative mission-driven environment primarily Monday through Friday in the office, at schools and other nonprofit organizations, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for events and meetings. Travel may be required for community outreach and partnership development.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to stand, kneel, or sit for periods of time.
• Ability to work evenings or weekends as needed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• $100,000 to $120,000 annually.
• Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement, paid holidays, and more.
• 9/80 Work Schedule

Mission: To inspire today’s youth to reach their full potential as productive, kind, happy, and responsible individuals.