Development Director

Job Summary
At every stage of life, a library has the power to spark curiosity, advance careers, and build connections that strengthen the fabric of a community. The Development Director will play a key role in building and supporting a comprehensive development program that collaborates closely with our nonprofit and fundraising arm, VTL Foundation (VTLF). This position will focus on creating the systems, strategy, and culture necessary to grow philanthropic investment in the library’s mission while fostering a strong, productive partnership between VTL and VTLF to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

As our organization embarks on a transformational chapter of growth and impact, we seek a passionate and detail-oriented Development Director to join our team. This role will help build a stronger philanthropic foundation by supporting donor engagement and stewardship, managing essential administrative and database functions, coordinating events and volunteer efforts, and contributing to a thriving board and organizational structure.

The Development Director will report to the Director of External Affairs and Advancement and work closely with VTLF board members, library staff and campaign steering committees/task forces to strengthen relationships with current and prospective donors, coordinate mission-driven events, support organizational leadership, and tell the story of our impact in meaningful ways.

Essential Duties
Donor Communication & Stewardship

• In collaboration with organizational leadership and board members, design and implement a creative, consistent, and impactful multi-channel communication plan that engages, informs, and inspires current and prospective donors.
• Manage all processes related to donor acknowledgment, gratitude, and impact reporting for charitable gifts and pledges, ensuring timely, accurate, and meaningful stewardship.
• Support donor research and relationship development by helping to identify, track, cultivate, and steward new philanthropic opportunities, contributing to the growth of VTLF’s donor base.
• Assist with the new building project by serving as an active member of the Campaign Steering Committee, participating in meetings, and helping to fulfill objectives and action items identified during campaign planning and strategy sessions.

Philanthropy, Database, & Administrative Support

• Maintain a donor database with timely and accurate data entry, including updates from donor conversations, gift recording, pledge details, and form updates.
• Monitor pledge payments and recurring gifts, ensuring prompt follow-up and stewardship actions to sustain strong donor relationships.
• Support all aspects of gift processing, including gift entry, acknowledgment tracking, and philanthropic revenue reporting, in coordination with finance and development teams.
• Prepare and organize materials for board and committee meetings, such as agendas, minutes, and reports, to support informed decision-making.
• Serve as an additional liaison between VTLF and VTL, ensuring that calendars, events, and initiatives are coordinated and aligned with the library’s mission and strategic priorities. 

Events, Volunteers, & Community Engagement

• Assist with organizing volunteers and communicating important updates to ensure successful events and campaign activities.
• Support the design and implementation of donor-centered events and gatherings that deepen relationships and advance fundraising goals.
• In collaboration with leadership, manage outreach to potential corporate sponsors, partners, and program underwriters.

Board Development & Organizational Sustainability

• Help recruit, onboard, and retain VTLF board members, contributing to the organization’s long-term leadership and sustainability.
• Support board member engagement and participation in fundraising and community outreach activities.

Communications & Storytelling

• Collaborate with VTL’s Communications Manager to provide relevant content, stories, and updates for community-facing materials, ensuring consistent and mission-aligned messaging.
• Contribute to the development of donor newsletters, impact stories, campaign materials, and digital content that inspire philanthropic investment.

Core Competencies

• Mission orientation & integrity: Demonstrates discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment; embodies VTL values in all interactions.
• Communication & relationship building: Clear, authentic, and persuasive communicator across audiences; strong writing and interpersonal skills.
• Initiative & problem-solving: Able to act independently, anticipate needs, and resolve issues.
• Collaboration & adaptability: Works effectively with staff, board, volunteers, and community partners; flexible to evolving priorities.
• Operational excellence: Accurate data entry, attention to detail, and follow-through.

Qualifications & Experience

• 2+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, donor relations, or related field preferred.
• Proficiency with donor database/CRM systems (experience with Little Green Light a plus).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage donors and stakeholders authentically.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.
• Experience supporting volunteer programs, events, and/or board development.
• Knowledge of philanthropy, donor engagement best practices, or capital campaign strategy.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to advancing fundraising opportunities and exploring innovative pathways to support mission growth.
• Passion for libraries, literacy, and the role of public institutions in strengthening communities.

Performance Evaluation
Performance will be reviewed annually against mutually-agreed goals and KPIs in areas such as: donor retention/renewal activity, quality and timeliness of CRM data, on-time acknowledgments and reports, event/volunteer coordination metrics, and collaboration/communication effectiveness.

Compensation and Schedule
$34/hr, 18 - 22 hours per week*
Benefits include a 12% employer pension contribution, health stipend and paid holidays. Additional benefits including paid time off accrue once an employee reaches full time status.
Work Schedule: Flexible, with occasional evenings and weekends for events or meetings. Onsite position in Teton County, Idaho.
*It is expected that this position will grow to three-quarter or full time within one year and may be feasible sooner.