Organization Overview
Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (KCHA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization located in Charleston, West Virginia. Founded in 1935, KCHA is the only animal shelter and intake facility serving Kanawha County and works in partnership with local government agencies to provide animal sheltering and animal law enforcement services.
In addition to sheltering and adoption services, KCHA operates community-based programs that support pets and the people who care for them, including low-cost veterinary services, spay/neuter initiatives, pet food assistance, and community outreach. Recognized for its commitment to lifesaving and progressive animal welfare practices, KCHA works to improve the lives of animals and strengthen the bond between people and pets.
KCHA relies heavily on philanthropic support to sustain and expand its programs and services, with individual, corporate, foundation, and community partners playing an essential role in advancing its mission.
Position Information
- Job Classification: Full-Time
- Position Reports To: Executive Director
- Position Interfaces With: Leadership Team, Staff, Board of Directors, Donors, and Community Partners
Position Overview
The Director of Development provides strategic leadership and oversight of KCHA’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, establishing strategies, managing development operations, monitoring progress toward revenue goals, and communicating results and opportunities to organizational leadership and the Board of Directors.
In collaboration with the Executive Director, staff, Board of Directors, and volunteer leadership, the Director oversees a comprehensive fundraising program encompassing annual giving, grants, fundraising events, sponsorships, donor stewardship, and capital campaign initiatives.
A significant responsibility of the position is providing strategic and operational leadership for KCHA’s Building Second Chances capital campaign, a $15 million initiative to support the development of a new animal shelter facility.
Required Experience and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, with a minimum of three years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience.
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, solicitation, and relationship management.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills among a variety of constituencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing donor databases and maintaining accurate donor records, gift processing, reporting, and fundraising performance tracking.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and initiatives simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and demonstrate initiative while collaborating effectively with others.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Annual Giving
- Develop, implement, and evaluate an annual fundraising plan, which includes major gifts, and planned giving, aligned with KCHA’s organizational priorities and established revenue goals.
- Lead individual giving initiatives, including annual appeals, targeted campaigns, recurring giving, and other donor acquisition and retention strategies.
- Identify opportunities to diversify fundraising revenue and strengthen long-term donor engagement.
- Collaborate with organizational leadership and staff to coordinate fundraising initiatives and ensure consistent messaging across development efforts.
Board and Volunteer Engagement
- Work collaboratively with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to strengthen the Board’s role in fundraising and donor engagement.
- Provide Board members with the information and resources necessary to participate in donor cultivation, introductions, stewardship, and solicitation.
- Attend Board and committee meetings.
Capital Campaign
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for KCHA’s Building Second Chances capital campaign.
- Develop and implement campaign strategies, timelines, solicitation plans, and fundraising materials in collaboration with the Executive Director, campaign consultant, committees, and volunteer leadership.
- Engage and support campaign volunteers and committee members in donor identification, cultivation, and solicitation efforts.
- Monitor campaign progress, maintain records, and provide regular updates to leadership and campaign volunteers.
Community Engagement
- Represent KCHA at community meetings, public speaking engagements, and other outreach opportunities.
- Develop and maintain relationships that elevate KCHA’s visibility, strengthen community support, and create new fundraising opportunities.
- Participate in organizational events and initiatives that advance KCHA’s mission and philanthropic priorities.
Corporate, Foundation, and Community Partnerships
- Develop sponsorship opportunities, partnership proposals, and other funding initiatives.
- Identify opportunities for corporate engagement, in-kind contributions, and community partnerships.
- Coordinate with appropriate staff members on foundation funding opportunities, grant-related initiatives, and donor reporting to ensure alignment with organizational fundraising priorities.
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with corporate partners, local businesses, community organizations, and foundations.
Development Operations and Administration
- Oversee the administration and integrity of the donor database.
- Ensure accurate and timely gift processing, record maintenance, acknowledgment, and reporting.
- Develop and maintain fundraising reports, donor pipelines, prospect tracking systems, and performance metrics to evaluate fundraising activity and results.
- Monitor fundraising revenue and expenses and provide regular updates on progress toward established goals.
Donor Communications and Stewardship
- Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment of gifts and consistent donor stewardship practices.
- Maintain meaningful, ongoing relationships with donors and identify opportunities to increase engagement.
- Conduct face-to-face meetings with prospective and current donors to build relationships, present funding opportunities, and secure philanthropic support.
Special Events and Third-Party Fundraising
- Plan and execute KCHA’s fundraising events, Tuxes & Tails and Kegs 4K9s.
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit sponsors, ticket buyers, auction donors, and other event supporters.
- Cultivate relationships with event sponsors, attendees, vendors, and community partners, incorporating appropriate recognition and post-event stewardship.
- Support and encourage third-party fundraising events and community-led initiatives that generate revenue and increase awareness of KCHA’s mission.
- Provide guidance, resources, and coordination to individuals, businesses, and organizations interested in hosting fundraising activities benefiting KCHA.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Maintain a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Demonstrate a commitment to KCHA’s mission, values, and organizational goals.
Performance expectations include:
- Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that supports revenue goals
- Increase donor retention, engagement, and support through effective cultivation and stewardship strategies.
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the Building Second Chances capital campaign.
- Maintain accurate and effective development operations, donor records, and fundraising reports.
- Provide regular reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors regarding fundraising performance, donor engagement, campaign progress, and emerging funding opportunities.
Environmental/Hazardous Work Considerations
The Director of Development works in a hybrid environment, with regular on-site days at KCHA’s. The shelter environment involves routine interaction with animals and potential exposure to animal-related hazards, including animal bites, scratches, wounds, and communicable animal diseases.
Qualifications and Professional Expectations
- Minimum Educational Level: Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Post-Hire Certifications and/or Training: Participate in relevant professional development opportunities to expand knowledge, strengthen professional skills, and remain informed of trends and best practices in nonprofit fundraising and development.
Performance Evaluation Schedule
Ninety days after date of hire
Annually on anniversary date of initial hire or transfer/promotion
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