Development Director

About the Organization

Founded in 1933, Mental Health America (MHA) of Central Carolinas’ mission is to advance mental wellness through education, advocacy, and access to support.  MHA provides family support services to parents of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs; social programming for adults living with mental health challenges; free counseling for those who can’t afford it; and mental health education and preventative trainings to the broader community. MHA’s programs bring together mental health consumers, parents, advocates and service providers to address systemic issues impacting mental health. 

Position Summary

The Development Director will lead the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, driving growth through diverse revenue streams including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and special events. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position plays a critical role in advancing our mission and achieving our strategic goals by cultivating relationships, expanding our donor base, and securing $1 million in annual funding from a mix of institutional and individual sources.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual development plan, including individual giving, corporate and foundation support, major gifts, planned giving, and special events.
• Set and achieve annual revenue goals to support organizational priorities and growth.
• Identify new funding opportunities and create strategies to secure multi-year commitments and major gifts.

Donor and Partner Cultivation

• Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundation representatives, serving as a key ambassador for the organization.
• Implement a robust stewardship program to acknowledge and engage donors at all levels, ensuring personalized communication and timely reporting.
• Collaborate with leadership and board members to support donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Proposal Development and Grant Management

• Lead the development of compelling proposals, sponsorship materials, and grant applications tailored to funders’ interests.
• Manage awarded grants to ensure compliance with funder requirements and timely submission of progress reports.
• Track deadlines, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure reporting requirements are met.

Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships

• Develop and manage corporate sponsorship packages, cause-marketing initiatives, and employee engagement opportunities aligned with organizational goals.
• Cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance visibility and increase revenue.

Special Events and Campaigns

• Provide strategic oversight for fundraising events, campaigns, and donor engagement activities to increase support and build community visibility.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to ensure events are well-planned, mission-driven, and financially successful.

Data Management and Reporting

• Utilize the donor database to manage and track donor and prospect relationships, gifts, pledges, and reporting timelines.
• Prepare regular progress reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and funders on fundraising performance and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or related).
• 8+ years of progressive fundraising experience with a proven track record in individual giving, corporate partnerships, and major gifts.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors across diverse revenue streams.
• Proficiency in managing fundraising databases and intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a strong commitment to the mission of Mental Health America.
• Flexibility to support fundraising events and activities outside of standard business hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Charlotte Metro philanthropic community and experience building donor networks in the region.
• CFRE, ACFRE, or other professional fundraising credentials.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, and STD insurance, employee assistance plan
• Paid holidays, including two company-wide mental health days annually
• 401(k) eligibility after 12 months
• Professional development opportunities
• Mileage reimbursement
• Supportive, mission-driven workplace
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact on families and systems in our community

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• Occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs), light travel, and hybrid office/remote work environment.
• Requires sitting, standing, data entry, virtual meeting facilitation, and in-person engagement.
• Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• MHA operates offices in multiple counties, thus all employees are required to travel for meetings, events, etc. Some destinations may be at least 20 miles apart.