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Fundraising Development Director

The Fundraising Development Director (FDD) will mobilise DEF’s fundraising efforts, driving the expansion and diversification of revenue streams to support and scale our programmes. This role is central to executing the fundraising strategy, with a strong focus on proposal development, donor cultivation and stewardship, and the day-to-day management of fundraising activities. The FDD will work closely with, and report directly to, DEF’s Chair to advance the organisation’s mission and meet fundraising goals.

We are seeking a hands-on, results-driven team member who can turn ideas into compelling proposals, manage multiple workstreams, and reliably follow through to completion. This position offers significant exposure to senior leadership and high-net-worth donors, and provides the opportunity to work across a variety of strategic and operational areas. The FDD will engage with individuals, families, and family foundations around the world, with a particular focus on the United States. 

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Location: USA (Hybrid working) 

Salary: $100,000 – 110,000 annually, plus an additional performance-based bonus (up to 2% bonus on funds raised)

Full-time 

Key Responsibilities

New Prospect Development 

  • Identify new donor markets within the USA with oversight of global efforts. 

  • Expand DEF’s donor base by identifying, researching, and cultivating individual donors, family foundations, and philanthropic institutions.

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Fundraising Planning & Coordination 

  • Support the full donor meeting cycle, including research, briefing preparation, meeting materials, ask strategies, and follow-up communications.

  • Act as a strategic partner in managing the Chair’s donor portfolio, ensuring timely, thoughtful, and well-planned engagement.

  • Coordinate outreach and cultivation activities 

  • Maintain regular communication with existing and prospective donors to keep them informed and engaged in DEF’s work.

 

New Proposal and Concept Development

  • Develop, implement and promote DEF’s Legacy and Giving in Wills programme.

  • Assist in implementing and promoting DEF’s mass-giving initiatives (e.g., crowdfunding) by working with other DEF executives and volunteers. 

  • Work with other DEF executives to provide donor feedback to input into our grants and overall strategy. 

  • Produce and maintain high-quality fundraising and communications materials.

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Travel: This role requires travel between New York, California and Texas covering each location as and when needed. We are looking for an individual to be based in either of these locations. 

Qualifications

You are a results-oriented fundraiser, grounded in best major gifts practices. You can develop and implement strategies and processes to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a pool of high-capacity prospects and donors. You have a passion for the mission and work of DEF. More specifically, we are looking for someone with: 

  • Minimum 10 years of professional experience, including experience in frontline fundraising or sales experience.

  • Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to articulate DEF’s mission and goals with clarity, conviction, and authenticity.
    Strong interpersonal skills, enabling you to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, donors, prospects, and volunteer stakeholders.

  • Professionalism, discretion, and gravitas when engaging with ultra-high-net-worth donors.

  • A self-motivated, proactive, and flexible working style, with the ability to take initiative and adapt in a fast-moving environment.

Compensation & Benefits

  • This is a full-time role. The base salary range for this role is $100,000 – 110,000 annually, plus an additional performance-based bonus (up to 2% bonus on funds raised). Other benefits include: 

  • 401(k)

  • Medical Insurance 

  • Paid time off including 20 days of annual vacation

  • Opportunity for flexible working hours 

  • Mentorship from DEF board and advisors and other professional development opportunities 

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to hr@dharmafund.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The deadline for all applications is 4th January, 2026.

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