Director of development and donor relations

Position Type:

Administration/ Director

Date Posted:

10/23/2026

Location:

i3 Academy Central Office

Director of Development and Donor Relations

I3 Academy, a public charter school in Birmingham, Alabama, is seeking a Director of Development and Donor Relations to serve as a member of our leadership team responsible for designing and executing the organization's overall revenue-generation strategy. They oversee fundraising campaigns, manage major donor relationships, secure grants, and direct development staff to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement both short- and long-term fundraising plans to meet organizational financial target of $1,500,000 annually through a portfolio of grants, philanthropic and corporate support, signature fundraising event, and other local, regional, and national sources.
• Donor Cultivation: Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors, and board members.
• Grant Management: Oversee the research, writing, and reporting of grants from foundations and corporate or government entities.
• Event Oversight: Plan and execute signature fundraising events, annual galas, and donor appreciation campaigns.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor development staff (such as grant writers and event coordinators) and collaborate with communications/marketing teams.
• Network Marketing Oversight: Develop and oversee network marketing initiatives and strategies that expand the organization's network of supporters, strengthen community and corporate partnerships, increase awareness of I3 Academy's mission, and identify opportunities to generate additional revenue and philanthropic support. Monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives to ensure alignment with the organization's overall development and fundraising goals.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: A bachelor's degree and 5+ years of professional experience in fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, and/or marketing preferred.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for compelling grant proposals and persuasive donor pitches.
• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal and networking skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and high-level executives and corporations.
• Data & Financial Acumen: Proficiency with donor management systems (e.g., Network for Good, Raiser's Edge, etc.) and demonstrated success in meeting budget goals.

Salary and Benefits

Negotiable with a goal that the salary, in years two and beyond, will be part of the overall fundraising strategy. Eligible for state health insurance and retirement.