Deputy Director of Development

Employment

Aug 27

Written By Allana Maiden

Job Description: Deputy Director of Development

Location: Richmond Animal League (RAL), North Chesterfield, VA

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: Starting at $70,000

Position Summary:

The Deputy Director of Development is a key leader in advancing Richmond Animal League’s fundraising and community engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy, this role drives a comprehensive development strategy to deepen donor relationships, expand sustainable revenue, and fuel RAL’s lifesaving mission.

As a strategic and hands-on leader, the Deputy Director of Development oversees daily development operations, leads RAL’s fundraising efforts, manages signature events, and supervises key development staff. The role also plays a central part in cultivating and stewarding major donors, monthly donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.

The ideal candidate brings vision, creativity, and strong organizational skills, along with the ability to inspire collaboration among staff, volunteers, and supporters. This is an exciting opportunity for a development professional who is passionate about animal welfare and eager to make a lasting impact at one of Richmond’s most beloved nonprofits.

Core Functions:

Event Leadership: Serves as Senior Events Lead, overseeing the strategy, logistics, and execution of all fundraising and donor stewardship events. Secures high-level sponsorship support.
Staff Supervision: Directly supervises the Events Manager, Communications & Marketing Specialist, and a future Philanthropy Officer/Donor Relations Associate (shared with the Director of Philanthropy).
Development Operations: Manages daily development operations including the execution of the annual fundraising plan, campaign calendars and timelines, donor database oversight, and acknowledgement/tribute processes.
Donor & Sponsor Cultivation: Builds and stewards relationships with high-level sponsors and donors, strengthening engagement and retention.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Cultivate and steward relationships with donors at all levels, with a focus on major donors and corporate sponsors, alongside the Director of Philanthropy.
- Oversee donor recognition and retention strategies to ensure meaningful and consistent engagement.
- Draft and support donor communications, including appeals, newsletters, and impact reports.
Grants & Campaigns
- Responsible for research, writing, and submission of grant proposals and reports for foundations and corporate partners.
- Assist in the design and implementation of annual giving campaigns and major gift initiatives.
Events & Community Engagement:
- Lead the planning and execution of signature fundraising and stewardship events.
- Represent RAL at community and outreach events, serving as a key ambassador for the organization.
Database & Reporting:
- Oversee donor records and produce accurate and timely giving reports using Bloomerang.
- Ensure accurate tracking of gifts, pledges, acknowledgements, and donor engagement history.
Collaboration & Team Leadership:
- Partner with the communications team to align fundraising messaging with RAL’s brand and mission.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to development staff, volunteers, and interns.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, or related field.
3–5 years of progressive experience in fundraising and development, preferably in the nonprofit sector.
Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, event management, and/or grant writing.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience with donor database systems.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong project management skills.
Passion for animal welfare and RAL’s mission.
Proven success in event planning and sponsorship development.
Strong grant writing and reporting track record.
Familiarity with donor data analysis and fundraising metrics.

Competencies:

Initiative • Strategic thinking • Interpersonal skills • Time management • Organizational skills • Written and verbal communication • Effective decision making • Team leadership • Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Supervisory Responsibility: This position directly supervises development staff (Events Manager, Communications & Marketing Specialist, and a future Donor Relations Associate) and works closely with RAL volunteers across multiple roles.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time exempt position. Evening, weekend, and some holiday hours may be required. Regular and reliable attendance is essential.

Benefits: