Vice President of Development

VP of Development

Exempt | Hybrid | Raleigh, NC | Full-Time

Who We Are

Urban Ministries of Wake County (UMWC) provides essential services to underserved community members. Shelter through the Helen Wright Center for Women, Nutrition Assistance through our Food Pantry and medical care through our Open Door Clinic. Rooted in compassion, dignity, and care, we bring together staff, volunteers, donors, and partners to stabilize families and create a path from homelessness to housed.

 

Why You’ll Love This Role

• You’ll lead a mission-driven development program that fuels direct services and measurable impact.
• You’ll shape strategic fundraising priorities and cultivate a culture of philanthropy across teams.
• You’ll collaborate with a dedicated staff and board while deepening relationships with our community of supporters.
• You’ll enjoy meaningful work, a collaborative environment, and a robust benefits package.

What You’ll Do

The Vice President of Development is a member of the Executive Team and reports to the Executive Director. This role leads UMWC’s resource development strategy and is responsible for the planning, execution, and tracking of all fundraising activities and progress toward revenue goals. The VP of Development owns direct donor solicitations; leads annual campaigns, fundraising events, and grant strategy; and works across program service areas to align fundraising priorities with organizational strategy, mission impact, and financial sustainability. The role is responsible for donor research, cultivation, stewardship, and long-term engagement, and partners with the Executive Director and Board of Directors through clear reporting, analysis, and strategic guidance to inform governance and long-term planning.


Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy

• Assess and strengthen UMWC’s overall fundraising strategy and donor relations by providing strategic direction and leadership that supports organizational priorities, Executive Director decision-making, and Board governance.
• Lead and oversee multi-channel development strategies, including email and direct mail campaigns, digital and social media fundraising, capital campaigns, fundraising events, end-of-year appeals, major gift solicitations, and donor research and engagement.
• Own the organization’s grant strategy, including prospect identification, proposal development, reporting, tracking, and compliance across all program areas.
• Oversee annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and special events, ensuring accurate donor recordkeeping, gift processing, and financial reporting through donor management systems.
• Develop and manage the development budget, aligning fundraising investments with financial accountability and organizational priorities.
• Establish and maintain effective systems and standards for donor acknowledgment, stewardship, and reporting.
• Track, analyze, and report progress toward fundraising goals to the Executive Director and Board of Directors. 
   

2. Donor & Partner Engagement

• Build and sustain strong relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to identify prospects and support donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Serve as a senior external ambassador for UMWC at community events and development-related gatherings, strengthening relationships with community leaders, nonprofit partners, and prospective supporters.
   

3. Team Leadership & Development Operations

• Lead, manage, and develop the development team, establishing clear expectations, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Serve as a member of the Executive Team, contributing to organizational strategy and cross-functional leadership.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison and lead coordinator for the Board of Directors’ Resource Development Committee.

*Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to ensure the short-term and long-term sustainability of the organization. 

What You’ll Bring

Required

• 5+ years of fundraising experience.
• Supervisory experience and demonstrated ability to lead teams and build external partnerships.
• Strong public speaking, writing, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage relationships across our three service areas.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management. (For example, Salesforce, Bloomerang, etc.)
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Preferred

• 10+ years of fundraising experience, including in a non-profit organization, specifically in fundraising, sales, marketing, or grant writing.
• Nonprofit fundraising experience in Wake County.
• Experience leveraging digital and social media channels to support fundraising and donor engagement.

What We Offer

UMWC offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Employer-paid vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• Medical and dental insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Participation in a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match after one year
• 5 weeks paid time off (PTO) on an accrual basis + holiday pay
• Flexible hybrid work schedule and a culture of compassion, equity, and collaboration

Equal Opportunity

Urban Ministries of Wake County is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workplace and encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.