Director of Development
Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, Inc.
Lorton, VA
Anticipated Start Date: 03/01/2026
Description
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development is a strategic and hands-on fundraising leader responsible for building and advancing GSH’s mission through effective storytelling, donor engagement, and fundraising innovation. This is a foundational leadership role designed for someone eager to meet this moment – strengthening GSH’s visibility, credibility, and impact during a period of heightened need and uncertainty by shaping strategy, testing approaches, and build systems and capacity over time.
The Director oversees communications, donor cultivation, and Board engagement while managing one partial direct report and external consultants, with the opportunity to design the future structure of the development function as the organization deepens philanthropic engagement. 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, with the autonomy to pilot new approaches, refine systems, and build scalable practices.
Lead donor segmentation, annual fund campaigns, and major gift initiatives, ensuring steady revenue growth and diversified support.
Identify and cultivate new prospects, serve as the organization’s primary fundraising expert, 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, with clear revenue, stewardship, and follow-up objectives tied to broader fundraising strategy.
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, building relationships across the philanthropic, nonprofit, and regional business communities and serving as a visible ambassador for GSH’s mission and impact.
Proactively build GSH’s presence and relationships within the Northern Virginia philanthropic, business, and nonprofit communities to expand awareness, partnerships, and long-term investment.
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 and position fundraising as core organizational infrastructure, not a support function.
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 with an entrepreneurial mindset – someone who can think strategically and advise executive leadership while also rolling up their sleeves to execute. The ideal candidate is energized by building something meaningful, navigating ambiguity, and strengthening a function over time, working alongside a leadership team that is aligned, motivated, and prepared to move the organization forward.
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
The salary for this position is $105,000-$115,000.
At GSH, we strive to pay our employees generously and equitably. This salary has been benchmarked above the 75th percentile for organizations in our region with similar budget sizes.
Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance: Our medical insurance plans are customizable to individual needs and include options for different coverage tiers and age groups. Additionally, employees who choose an HSA medical plan receive a monthly contribution of $208.33 to their health savings account. Our dental and vision insurance plans offer similar flexibility, with coverage options available for employee-only, employee + spouse, and family needs. Furthermore, we offer Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care expenses, enabling employees to save on eligible costs while maintaining flexibility in their healthcare spending.
Long-term Rewards: We offer a 403b retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3%, helping employees save for their future financial security.
Paid time off & Holidays: Employees enjoy a generous PTO policy, starting with 15 days in the first year and increasing to 20 days after 2 years and 25 days after 5 years of service. Employees receive 10 days of sick leave per year to support their health and well-being. Additionally, we observe 11 holidays per year, including the day after Thanksgiving, providing a total of 16 paid holidays annually.
Hybrid Work Environment: Opportunity to work 3 days in the office and 2 days from home.
Learning Reimbursements: We believe in investing in the growth and development of our employees. Therefore, we offer opportunities for continuing education through training programs and tuition reimbursement of up to $1000 per year.
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 (GSH) has been a cornerstone in Fairfax County, VA, turning the key to brighter futures for families and individuals at risk of being unhoused or priced out of their own communities. With a $3.5 million annual budget and more than 100 affordable housing units, GSH helps over 1,000 residents each year secure stability and self-sufficiency. Beyond housing, GSH provides wraparound services – financial counseling, children’s resources, emergency relief, and career coaching – that strengthen the whole person and the whole community.
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