Development Director

Foot Soldiers Park seeks an accountable, passionate, goal-oriented visionary to serve as Development Director in a critical new role. Reporting to the CEO, the Development Director will work closely with the CEO to set the strategy for ongoing revenue growth. As a key executive team member, the Development Director will be expected to build a comprehensive development program that draws from diverse funding sources (blending earned revenue, government funding, and philanthropic revenue) and generates approximately $3M annually to support the organization’s operations.

Over the next five years, the Development Director will primarily focus on driving philanthropic revenue by cultivating a pool of funders, including institutional funders, corporations, high net-worth individuals, and significant and individual donors. As appropriate, the Development Director will carry a portfolio of major donors and staff, the CEO and other senior leaders to further philanthropic relationships. In addition, the Director will be responsible for operating or selecting a consultant to support with developing and running a combined capital campaign to support FSP in raising funds for the building of its Park and Education Center (slated to break ground in March 2026) and to support the creation of an endowment for long-term sustainability and operations.

For a detailed description of the development director position, click HERE

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate for Development Director will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all to be considered:

• A passion for working for a progressive organization committed to the goals of Foot Soldiers Park, including civic engagement and economic, social, and racial justice.
• 5 years of experience leading and managing programs within cultural, museum, nonprofit, philanthropic, or civic settings focused on civic engagement, economic revitalization, historic and cultural preservation, and/or similar sectors.
• Proven experience building and growing a comprehensive fundraising program with a particular focus on major, annual, corporate, and foundation giving
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion with great attention to detail while minimizing complications, maximizing effectiveness, and keeping the team informed and engaged.
• Proficiency in using data to establish a robust donor pipeline and strategy for sustainable growth.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and strategic listening skills are necessary to effectively exercise tact, discretion, judgment, and diplomacy when interacting and/or negotiating with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.
• Extensive and proven management experience, including the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, train, develop, and manage the performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Superior experience building and managing strong, positive relationships with stakeholders, including underrepresented and/or diverse communities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with 10 years of experience, including senior leadership, in nonprofit fundraising and development, including expertise in major gifts, planned giving, annual giving, corporate and foundation grants, and special events.
• Prior experience working with grassroots and social justice-based organizations.

TRAVEL Approximately 25% of your time will be spent traveling.

LOCATION The position will be at Foot Soldiers Park’s office in Selma, AL. The office operates in a hybrid remote/in-person environment, and Foot Soldiers Park is open to qualified candidates based in or willing to relocate to Selma, AL.

Benefits

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The competitive base salary for this position is $100,000 annually and may be negotiable commensurate with qualifications and experience. Foot Soldiers Park also offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; 401k and company matching; and generous holiday, vacation, and leave benefits.