Description
Career Opportunity
The United Methodist Retirement Homes, Inc. (UMRH) seeks a strategic, relationship-centered development leader to serve as its next Director of Development. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in major gifts, planned giving, grants, and campaign fundraising; the ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with donors, residents, board members, volunteers, churches, and community partners; skill in fund development planning and program management; strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; and the initiative and independent leadership needed to rebuild systems, strengthen donor engagement, and create renewed momentum for philanthropy.
Mission: UMRH, a faith-based, nonprofit, Life Plan organization, who provides a lifestyle of wellness and overall enrichment with access to long-term care for a diverse population of senior adults.
Reporting Structure: The Director reports to the Corporate Executive Director (ED) and works with the Board of Trustees of UMRH and The UMRH Foundation in the planning of development objectives. The Director guides UMRH and affiliated retirement communities in a development program to achieve financial support through major outright current gifts and planned gifts.
Salary: The salary is commensurate with experience and the salary range is $130,000 to $150,000.
Working Location: This position will work out of the office in Durham. Some travel between communities is required.
Key Responsibilities of the Director of Development
1. Perform day-to-day operational management of The UMRH Foundation.
2. Create an annual Development Plan with input from the UMRH Executive Assistant/Development Specialist and approved by the Corporate ED.
3. Conceive, plan and carry out all approved fund-raising programs for UMRH, based on the short and long-range program and needs of the retirement communities.
4. Lead the planning and implementation of any capital campaigns undertaken on behalf of UMRH and the retirement communities in coordination with UMRH and community staff.
5. Identify potential sources of gifts and grants, including individuals, corporations, community organizations and foundations.
6. Communicates as necessary with the UMRH and community staff, community residents, UMRH Board of Trustees, friends and other fund-raising volunteers in cultivating relationships with prospective donors. Develop suitable methods to approaching those donors relating to UMRH projects, including written proposals.
7. Help prepare required fund-raising publications relating to annual and periodic giving, memorial and tribute gifts, special projects and life income programs, with the advice of and coordination with other staff members.
8. Work with the UMRH Executive Assistant/Development Specialist to acknowledge all gifts and develop donor recognition programs and techniques.
9. Work with the UMRH Chief Financial Officer in developing and maintaining accounting procedures for all gifts and in all matters relating to gift designations and accounting.
10. Work with UMRH and community staff in matters relating to donor cultivation and fund-raising initiatives as needed.
11. Prepare periodic gift reports, in conjunction with UMRH staff, for the Corporate ED, the UMRH Board of Trustees, Foundation and others as required.
12. Assist UMRH Executive Assistant/Development Specialist in maintaining and building mailing lists of donors, prospects and community organizations.
13. Participate in regular continuing education opportunities, including professional fund-raising associations and conferences, in order to enhance and increase skills and keep abreast of changes in patterns of philanthropy and related tax developments.
14. Cultivate UMRH visibility through membership in community organizations such as the Durham Rotary Club. Maintain a high level of public awareness about the ministry, services and programs of UMRH.
15. Evaluate, implement, and maintain new technology in planned giving, such as web- based systems, with assistance from the UMRH Executive Assistant/Development Specialist. Use procured off-the-shelf products when practical.
16. Maintain the confidentiality of all client’s financial, medical and other sensitive information shared with the Director.
17. Plan and implement strategies to promote the mission, understanding and support of UMRH in local churches, districts, in the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Develop good relationships, communication, and personal visits with local churches, districts, and conference personnel.
18. Adhere to the ethical standards of conduct for professional fundraisers defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning.
The Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university.
Professional certification a plus or participation in planned giving and major gift societies such as Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Five to seven years of experience in development, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, or a related fundraising role.
Demonstrated ability to create, implement, and manage annual development plans and fundraising strategies.
Strong relationship-building skills with donors, board members, church leaders, and volunteers.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare proposals, reports, donor communications, and fundraising materials.
Ability to listen attentively, communicate clearly, and represent the organization’s mission with professionalism and warmth.
Strong analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to interpret financial information and prepare accurate gift reports.
Experience working with donor databases and technology platforms; proficiency in Excel, Word, Blackbaud CRM, and Canva preferred.
Knowledge of planned giving tools and systems, such as Crescendo Interactive, preferred.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and function effectively under pressure.
Willingness to travel and build relationships across local churches, districts, the North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, and broader community organizations.
A service-oriented, hospitable approach that reflects respect, professionalism, attention to detail, and care for residents, employees, donors, and guests.
The United Methodist Retirement Homes
UMRH is a not-for-profit organization related by faith to the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and open to people of all faiths. UMRH was created in 1955 when 13 senior adults moved into the Methodist Retirement Home on Erwin Road in Durham, NC. Fast-forward to today, UMRH has grown to three Life Plan Communities and one affordable housing community employing over 800 people serving more than 1,300 residents.
On Jan. 1, 2000, UMRH entered into a management contract with LCS® of Des Moines, Iowa to manage and provide resources for all the affiliated communities. LCS is a national leader in senior living management, serving more than 40,000 seniors in over 140 communities nationwide.
Want to know more? Visit https://www.umrh.org/.
Benefits
UMRH offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid time off accrued from the date of hire and available after 90 days of employment, six paid holidays and two floating holidays, employer-provided group term life insurance and long-term disability insurance, health, dental, and vision insurance, optional supplemental and dependent life insurance, flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses, and a 403(b) retirement plan with a 50% employer match up to a 4% match when employees contribute 8%.
How To Apply
To apply, click on the link for this position at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of UMRH as well as the stated responsibilities and qualifications.
Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.
About Armstrong McGuire
Armstrong McGuire is a national executive search, fundraising, and strategic advising firm that believes in unlocking the potential of nonprofit leaders and the communities they serve. Founded in 2004, our diverse team of advisors work with clients and leaders to align strategy, optimize operations, build capacity, and lead nationwide searches that bring supremely talented individuals to high-impact organizations. Learn more about our services in talent acquisition, fundraising counsel, and strategic planning.
