Development Director

About Us

The INL Foundation is a newly established nonprofit.  (See www.INLFoundation.org)  This position will be the first full-time representative of the Foundation.  The person who takes this position will help build the Foundation from the ground up. The Director of Development will report directly to the Board of Directors.    Initially, this will be a contract position with no benefits.  As we grow, we expect to add staff and be able to offer a full range of benefits.

At  the INL Foundation, we are dedicated to facilitating the mission of the Department of Energy’s Idaho National Laboratory (the lead nuclear energy laboratory).  See www.INL.gov.

As one of 17 national labs in the U.S. Department of Energy complex, Idaho National Laboratory  (INL)  is home to more than 6,400 researchers and support staff focused on innovations in nuclear research, integrated energy systems and security solutions that are changing the world.

From discoveries in advanced nuclear energy to reliable energy options and to protecting our nation’s most critical infrastructure assets, our talented team at INL is constantly pushing the limits to redefine what’s possible.

INL’s capabilities involve: testing advanced nuclear energy concepts, preparing radioisotope power sources for NASA space exploration, developing longer-lived electric vehicle batteries, protecting the power grid and collaborating with numerous industries to turn waste into fuel.

INL experts are studying basic material properties that will lead to more robust nuclear fuels and materials that can survive in harsh environments. We conduct testing and demonstration for electric grid systems and other critical infrastructure including clean water delivery. Our unparalleled cybersecurity experts monitor real-world incidents, provide training around the globe and conduct basic research for the security of everything from vehicle charging stations to nuclear materials. INL’s research also includes work in bioenergy, geothermal energy, hydrogen production and industrial process science.

INL operates the world’s premier materials test reactor – the Advanced Test Reactor – which also is one of only two reactors in the nation producing life-saving medical radioisotopes.

As the INL Foundation, we are focused on the following:

• Accepting grants and donations for research to be performed at the Idaho National Laboratory
• Facilitating technology deployment from the INL to commercial industry
• Sponsoring workforce development
• Creating avenues for higher education faculty and students to perform research at and with the INL
• Coordinating industry specific training, conferences and symposiums
• Creating a research and INL Lab information sharing platform

   We believe in empowering our community through sustainable programs, deep partnerships, and meaningful donor engagement.

See www.INLFoundation.org for more information.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a dynamic, strategic leader responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising program to support the foundation’s mission and growth. This individual will lead major gifts, annual giving, events, foundation/corporate giving, and planned giving strategies. A key relationship-builder, the Director will engage donors, cultivate long-term partnerships, and drive philanthropic support across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Build a fundraising program.
• Develop and implement an annual development plan with clear goals for donor acquisition, retention, and revenue growth.
• Partner with the Board of Directors, and Laboratory staff to align the fundraising strategy with organizational priorities.
• Oversee all aspects of the development function including individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and legacy giving.
• Track performance metrics and prepare reports to assess and improve fundraising efforts.

Major & Individual Giving

• Build a portfolio of 75–100 donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000 or more.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors through personalized strategies and engagement.
• Lead the identification of new prospects and engage existing supporters for deeper involvement.

Grants & Institutional Support

• Identify, write, and submit foundation and corporate grant proposals in collaboration with the Foundation Board of Directors and/or INL staff.
• Steward grant funders and ensure timely reporting and compliance.

Events & Campaigns

• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events (galas, donor briefings, campaign launches).
• Lead or support any future capital or comprehensive campaign efforts.
• Oversee the execution of training events, conferences or symposia.

Donor Stewardship & Communications

• Ensure all donors receive timely acknowledgments and are engaged through storytelling, reports, and impact updates.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications teams on campaign messaging and donor communications.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of progressive fundraising and development experience, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and managing donor pipelines.
• Experience with foundation/corporate fundraising and events management.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and analytical skills.
• Good customer relations
• Proficiency with donor CRM platforms (e.g.,  Bloomerang).
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• Passion for the mission and values of the INL Foundation.

Preferred Traits

• Knowledge of the Idaho National Laboratory mission
• Knowledge of the nuclear industry
• Mission-driven, proactive, and relationship-oriented
• Results-oriented with the ability to set and meet ambitious goals
• Comfortable engaging high-net-worth individuals and key stakeholders
• Culturally competent and able to engage diverse communities