Director of Development (Part-Time)

New Bedford Star Kids Scholarship Program

Job Description

Position Overview
NBSK seeks a strategic, relationship-driven Part-Time Director of Development to lead donor engagement, build fundraising systems, and expand our base of philanthropic support. The ideal candidate brings experience in individual giving, events, donor stewardship, and relationship-building across sectors. This role offers the opportunity to shape and implement a comprehensive development strategy aligned with NBSK’s values and goals. In-person office and local travel required. 

Candidate Profile
We are seeking a development professional who is strategic, relationship-driven, and highly organized, with a proven track record in donor relations, fundraising, and community engagement. The ideal candidate excels at building trust, cultivating long-term partnerships, and tailoring outreach to diverse audiences. Strong communication skills—both written and verbal—are essential, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
This part-time role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven organization while working closely with the President/CEO and Board leadership. As New Bedford Star Kids grows, this position has the potential to expand into a full-time leadership role, allowing the right candidate to shape and lead the organization’s development strategy for years to come.

The ideal candidate will bring:
  • Proven experience in development, donor relations, and fundraising.
  • Strong relationship-building skills with donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strategic mindset with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.
  • High level of organization and attention to detail.
  • Comfort working independently while collaborating closely with leadership.
  • Commitment to the mission and values of New Bedford Star Kids.

Opportunity for Growth

  • Part-time role with flexibility.
  • Potential to expand into a full-time leadership position as the organization grows.

Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution

  • Develop a plan to achieve annual revenue and donor count goals by giving level (entry, annual, major, and lead donors).
  • Develop and implement a structured giving framework, including donor tiers and engagement pathways for new and existing donors. 
  • Develop systems for tracking, reporting, and analyzing donor data.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
  • Oversee donor pipeline management, including private and corporate donors.
  • Create personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies for each donor tier.
  • Coordinate donor engagement opportunities, including updates, student stories, and events.
  • Build and maintain a systematized stewardship calendar and communication plan.

Events & Campaigns
  • Support execution of the annual Gala and smaller cultivation events.
  • Develop a plan to assess the role of events as engagement opportunities and identify best practices. 
  • Frame events as engagement opportunities; coordinate follow-up strategies.
  • Lead small friend-raising gatherings and strategic donor outreach.

Collaboration & Systems Building
  • Partner with the President & CEO, Board, and volunteers to identify new donor leads, host events, and partner with Foundations. 
  • Maintain donor CRM records and tailor communication according to donor preferences.
  • Coordinate with marketing staff or contractors to align donor communications with NBSK’s brand.

Brand Consistency & Asset Development
  • Use brand consistency to build recognition and trust across all donor touchpoints—including digital and print communications and events.
  • Consistently apply NBSK’s brand foundation, messaging, and visual identity to convey credibility and reinforce brand awareness.

Qualifications
  • 5+ years experience in development, marketing, fundraising, or donor relations
  • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills
  • Track record of securing and stewarding individual gifts across donor levels
  • Event coordination and management experience 
  • Donor database/CRM experience preferred. NBSK utilizes GiveSmart as its CRM currently. 
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Passion for educational equity and NBSK’s mission

Compensation
This is a part-time position (20–25 hours per week) with a competitive rate commensurate with experience. The organization is currently budgeting $50,000 annually for this position. Opportunities for flexible scheduling and hybrid work available.

Learn more about our mission and impact at www.newbedfordstarkids.org.