Title: Director, Development

Job Description: April 24, 2024

Classification: Exempt

Location: Remote
Preferred Remote Locations: Chicago, Dallas, or Houston regions

About Smile Train

Smile Train
is changing the world one smile at a time. Our goal is to transform every person's life impacted by a cleft lip or palate. We train and support doctors and medical professionals to provide our beneficiaries with free, life- changing comprehensive cleft treatment. Our sustainable model has allowed us to reach 1.5 million children in 90+ countries and we’re just starting. We are truly changing the world one smile at a time.

Smile Train is looking for exceptional people to join a worldwide team of dedicated, passionate professionals. Our team is creative and highly motivated individuals working to make a positive impact. Join us!

Reports To: Senior Director, Development

Summary & Key Responsibilities:

The Director, Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of high-capacity individual donors and prospects, with the goal of securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts. This role will manage a specific geographic territory, proactively engaging major donors and prospects through strategic outreach, personalized stewardship, and compelling solicitations. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced, vision-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities include:

Portfolio Management- Manage and grow a portfolio of 100–150 qualified major donors and prospects within an assigned territory. Conduct a minimum of 120 meaningful connections annually.

Revenue Generation- Responsible for raising $1.2M–$2M+ annually through major gifts, with clear metrics tied to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

Territory Strategy- Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy for your assigned territory, leveraging market data, donor interests, and organizational priorities.

Solicitations- Craft and present compelling proposals for gifts ranging from $25,000 to $1M+, tailored to each donor’s interests and capacity.

Collaboration- Partner with senior leadership, program staff, and grant team members to cultivate and solicit top prospects. Work cross-functionally with marketing and events teams to support regional donor engagement.

Reporting & Analysis- Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions and pipeline activity in the CRM system (i.e., Salesforce). Prepare regular reports on progress toward goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities: n/a

Travel: Domestic travel will be required (up to 50%), including occasional travel to Smile Train Headquarters in New York City.

Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree
AND a minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, sales or business development related field.

Preferred Experience:

Eight or more years of progressive responsibility in fundraising, sales or business development related field with a strong track record, and preferably in a healthcare or global NGO setting.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
- 5+ years of relevant experience, with exposure to major gift donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes preferred. Proven history of securing gifts of $25,000 and above as well as of meeting and exceeding revenue goals including closing six- and seven-figure transformational partnerships.

- Experience working with and growing a major gift level donor portfolio. Demonstrated success in fundraising, developing substantive donor relationships and in supporting senior management, program staff, to execute donor and engagement strategies.

- Strong technological aptitude with advanced skills using Microsoft Word, Excel and donor management systems. Knowledge of Salesforce is preferred.

- Excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with both management and direct reports.

- Extremely detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

- Able to take ownership of a process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues.

- Able to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.

- Able to function both independently and as part of a team - showing initiative, motivation, flexibility, and attention to accuracy of projects and tasks.

Compensation Range:
$100,000 to $120,000 per year

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, obligations, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

Application Information:

Smile Train is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates from all groups and communities to apply. To apply, please complete the application online. Include your CV, [a writing sample-an existing example of your writing; no need to create something new], and a cover letter that describes why you believe you would be a good fit for Smile Train and this role. We encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.