Director of Development
Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services
Lorton, VA
Anticipated Start Date: January 2026
Description
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a strategic and hands-on fundraising leader responsible for advancing GSH’s mission through effective storytelling, donor engagement, and fundraising innovation. The Director oversees communications, donor cultivation, and Board engagement while managing one partial direct report and external consultants.
This position requires a combination of relationship-building, creative communication, and data-driven strategy. The ideal candidate is both a strong writer and a persuasive connector – someone who can translate complex issues into human-centered stories that inspire giving.
Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy across individual, corporate, and foundation giving.
Lead donor segmentation, annual fund campaigns, and major gift initiatives, ensuring steady revenue growth and diversified support.
Identify and cultivate new prospects, prepare the Executive Director for donor meetings, and help advance relationships toward successful commitments.
Manage key fundraising events that align with strategic priorities – including an annual golf tournament, a five-year anniversary gala (next in 2029), and occasional special events – focused on deepening donor relationships and organization reputation rather than increasing event volume.
Secure sponsorships, oversee logistics, and collaborate with vendors, consultants, and volunteers to deliver events that reinforce the organization’s mission and impact.
Communications and Donor Engagement
Direct all donor-facing communications, including newsletters, social media, direct mail, and email appeals – with the ability to design visually compelling materials.
Develop messaging for “urgent need” or rapid-response campaigns that connect donors to immediate impact.
Maintain consistent branding and mission-driven storytelling across digital, print, and event channels.
Embrace and effectively leverage emerging tools – including AI-assisted writing and design – to enhance messaging, streamline workflows, and increase the reach and impact of fundraising initiatives.
Manage social media and digital communication tools, using them strategically to expand GSH’s reach, engage donors, and share compelling stories of impact.
Represent GSH at community and industry events, strengthening the organization’s visibility and cultivating relationships with partners, donors, and stakeholders.
Data and Systems Management
Leverage the donor database (currently Bloomerang) to analyze giving trends, track relationships, and inform strategy.
Serve as project lead if the organization transitions to a new CRM, ensuring data integrity and adoption across the team.
Oversee monthly financial reports to track the annual budget and funding stream goals.
Board and Committee Partnership
Manage and partner with the Development Committee of the Board, comprised of experienced fundraisers and community leaders.
Provide clear reporting, strategy updates, and engagement opportunities that empower Board members to support fundraising success.
Leadership and Collaboration
Serve on the leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director and peers to embed a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Supervise one partial direct report and episodic consultants supporting communications, events, and donor engagement.
Collaborate across departments to ensure fundraising strategies align with programmatic goals and organizational priorities.
Requirements
This role calls for a dynamic professional who can think strategically and advise executive leadership while also rolling up their sleeves to execute – someone who thrives on both shaping the big picture and diving into the details to get the work done all in service of neighbors in need.
The ideal candidate will:
Have 7+ years of experience in fundraising, marketing, or communications (nonprofit preferred).
Be an exceptional writer and communicator with strong design instincts
Demonstrate success identifying and cultivating donors, securing gifts, and managing moves management systems.
Be skilled in using donor databases and financial reports to inform strategy (Bloomerang experience a plus).
Have experience managing staff, consultants, or volunteers.
Be curious and able to quickly learn about affordable housing and community development.
Prior experience in affordable housing and/or human services is a plus but not required.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
$105,000 - 115,000
How to Apply for this Job
If you’re motivated by purpose, creativity, and measurable community impact, we invite you to bring your talent to Good Shepherd Housing. Help us build a future where everyone has a place to call home.
To apply, please submit your resume and one-page cover letter (PDF format, file name: “LastName, FirstName, GSH DoD”) to erin.bonesteel@humancapsc.com
About the Organization
For over 50 years, Good Shepherd Housing has been a cornerstone in Fairfax County, VA, turning the key to brighter futures for those at risk of being unhoused or priced out of their own communities. At the heart of our mission is a unique approach: purchasing properties and transforming them into affordable housing solutions. This strategy enables us to unlock the doors to safe, stable homes, laying the groundwork for our residents' personal growth and community resilience.
With a $3.5 million annual budget and over 100 housing units throughout our community, we can aid over 1,000 families and individuals in need. Our commitment extends beyond the walls of housing; we provide a comprehensive suite of support and financial services designed to catalyze the journey toward self-sufficiency. By intertwining affordable living with tailored assistance, we forge stronger communities, one home and one future at a time.
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