Development Director

Job description

Director of Development job posting · Director of Development

Memory Matters | Hilton Head Island / Bluffton, SC | Full-Time

About Memory Matters

For nearly 30 years, Memory Matters has been the Lowcountry's trusted nonprofit dedicated exclusively to supporting individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and the families who care for them. We provide a full continuum of care, from brain health education and memory screenings to caregiver support and Adult Social Day services, helping families navigate the dementia journey with dignity, compassion, and hope.

About the Role

The Director of Development is a member of the senior leadership team and collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to achieve fundraising goals. This is a high-impact role for an experienced development professional who thrives on building relationships, leading events, and growing a diversified revenue base to support Memory Matters' mission.

This position is a great fit for a purpose-driven, relationship-focused leader who is energized by connecting people to a cause and inspiring others, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and Board members alike, to invest in the fight against Alzheimer's and dementia.

This Role Is Right for You If

You're an enthusiastic, active member of the Lowcountry community who builds genuine relationships with donors, sponsors, and civic leaders

You find energy in leading a room, coaching volunteers, motivating a committee, and rallying people around a shared goal

You've built or grown a special event from the ground up and know what it takes to turn a gala or walk into a signature community moment

You're a natural connector who can move comfortably between a boardroom conversation and a donor's living room

You want your work to have a direct, visible impact on families facing one of the hardest journeys of their lives

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Execution and Strategy

Implement the annual fundraising plan in partnership with the Executive Director

Support a diversified revenue strategy including events, sponsorships, grants, and individual giving

Track and report progress toward fundraising goals and key metrics

Support Board engagement in fundraising activities

Event Leadership and Execution

Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the annual gala and 5K run/walk

Manage event timelines, budgets, sponsorships, and donor engagement strategies

Recruit, train, and manage volunteer event committees and leadership

Cultivate, solicit, and steward event sponsors and corporate partners

Negotiate vendor contracts and oversee event-day logistics and production

Ensure events are well organized, revenue generating, and aligned with mission

Identify opportunities to strengthen and grow event-based fundraising

Donor Development and Stewardship

Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners

Support donor engagement and stewardship efforts

Assist the Executive Director with major donor strategy and key relationships

Expand community-based giving and sponsorship participation

Grants and Foundation Support

Coordinate grant calendar and submission timelines

Support grant writing and reporting processes

Maintain relationships with foundation partners

Data, Reporting, and Donor Stewardship

Ensure accurate and timely entry and management of donor data in the CRM system

Oversee timely acknowledgment of all gifts, including thank you letters and donor communications

Maintain accountability for donor records, reporting accuracy, and data integrity

Prepare regular reports on fundraising performance, donor activity, and campaign progress

Ensure all reporting requirements are met for grants and donor stewardship

Team Leadership and Management

Supervise the development support staff

Oversee Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment with fundraising efforts

Coordinate volunteer engagement related to fundraising and events

Establish clear priorities and accountability across development functions

Board and Community Engagement

Oversee and staff the Board Development Committee to support fundraising initiatives

Engage Board members in events, sponsorships, and donor cultivation

Represent Memory Matters in the community to strengthen philanthropic support

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience

8 to 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or development

3 to 5+ years of demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale special events (galas, walk/run fundraisers) with proven revenue results

Experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteer event committees

Experience cultivating and stewarding event sponsors and negotiating vendor contracts

Strong organizational and project management skills, including event budget management

Experience with donor relations, sponsorships, and community engagement

Proficiency with donor CRM and event management software; strong Microsoft Office and social media skills

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for events

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $65,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Memory Matters offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), and generous PTO that grows with tenure. We also close for a full week around the winter holidays, so our team can rest, recharge, and spend that time with the people who matter most to them, in addition to standard paid holidays and an Employee Assistance Program.

Why Memory Matters

We warmly invite qualified applicants to consider this opportunity to make a life changing impact on individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia and the families who love them. Our small, close-knit team is at the core of everything we do, join us in bringing dignity, compassion, and hope to the Lowcountry community.

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Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.