Director of Development

New Bedford Star Kids Scholarship Program

Job Description

Director of Development


Organization: New Bedford Star Kids Scholarship Program (NBSK)
Location: Hybrid (Weekly in-person events and meetings required in New Bedford, MA)
Hours: Full-time, flexible (32 hours per week)
Reports to: President & CEO
Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000

About NBSK
The mission of New Bedford Star Kids Scholarship Program is to provide children of families impacted by substance use and/or incarceration with long-term access to high-quality, values-based education, co-curricular support/mentorship. Our goal is to support every Star Kid through their academic journey and beyond—fostering agency, achievement, and a lifelong skill set.

These five organizational values guide our work:
  • Access and Opportunity: Every child deserves the chance to attend schools aligned with their needs and aspirations.
  • Empowerment: Scholarships and support allow families to make informed educational choices.
  • Comprehensive Growth: We aim to foster a well-rounded, fulfilling childhood.
  • Community and Partnership: We collaborate with families, schools, and local partners.
  • Once a Star Kid, Always a Star Kid: Education is the foundation of lifelong success.

Position Overview
The Director of Development will lead the organization’s donor cultivation and stewardship efforts. The role will focus on maintaining and deepening relationships with approximately 50 current individual sponsors/donors, while also cultivating at least six new student sponsors annually to expand the NBSK community of supporters.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-centered development professional who thrives on connecting people to mission, communicates with authenticity, and takes a strategic, hands-on approach to donor engagement. This role offers the opportunity to help shape a growing organization and develop sustainable fundraising systems that reflect NBSK’s values and vision.


Key Responsibilities

Donor Stewardship 
  • Serve as the primary relationship manager for roughly 50 current donors, maintaining regular and personalized contact throughout the year.
  • Implement and manage a year-long donor stewardship calendar aligned with key organizational milestones, ensuring donors feel informed and appreciated.
  • Coordinate all donor communications, including thank-you letters, student updates, newsletters, and special event invitations.
  • Develop individualized stewardship plans for top donors and student sponsors.
  • Collaborate with staff to gather student stories, photos, and impact updates that reinforce donor connection to the mission.

Donor Cultivation & Growth
  • Cultivate relationships with new potential supporters, with a goal of securing at least six new individual student sponsors per year.
  • Identify and engage high-capacity prospects through research, personal outreach, community connections and networking.
  • Develop cultivation strategies that move donors from awareness to sponsorship and long-term commitment.
  • Partner with the President & CEO to design and lead small-scale cultivation events (e.g., friend-raisers, school tours, and sponsor appreciation gatherings).

Events & Campaign Support
  • Assist in annual appeal planning, implementation, and follow-up.
  • Support the planning and follow-up of key fundraising events, including the Starry Night Gala, small fundraisers, and donor appreciation events.
  • Coordinate event-related donor communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities.

Collaboration & Systems
  • Partner with the President & CEO, board members, and volunteers to advance donor relationships and expand community partnerships.
  • Maintain accurate donor records in NBSK’s CRM (GiveSmart) and track all donor interactions and contributions.
  • Ensure all outreach aligns with NBSK’s brand, tone, and visual identity.
  • Prepare development reports and updates for the board of directors as needed.


Candidate Profile
We are seeking a compassionate and motivated professional who excels at building authentic relationships, managing details, and can represent NBSK’s mission with warmth and professionalism.
The ideal candidate will bring:
  • 5+ years of experience in donor relations, stewardship, or development.
  • Demonstrated success in cultivating and retaining individual donors.
  • Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • A proactive, hands-on and strategic approach to relationship management.
  • Comfort working independently and collaboratively.
  • Commitment to educational equity and the mission of New Bedford Star Kids.

Compensation & Work Environment
This full-time (32 hours per week) role offers flexible scheduling and hybrid work options.

  • Salary Range: $65,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience
  • Benefits:
    • Paid time off
    • Access to a retirement plan with employer matching contributions
    • QSEHRA health reimbursement option for eligible medical expenses
  • Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven team culture
  • Occasional evening or weekend in-person work required for scheduled donor events and community engagements

This position is ideal for someone who values flexibility, relationship-building, and meaningful work and wants to help grow a small but dynamic organization making a lasting difference in the lives of local students and families.