Director of Development

The Foundation for the Mid South is seeking a relationship-driven and strategic fundraising professional to serve as Director of Development. This role will lead fundraising, donor engagement, institutional giving, and philanthropic relationship development in support of the Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development will work closely with leadership, staff, and the Board of Directors to strengthen donor stewardship, expand funding opportunities, support grant development efforts, and enhance engagement with philanthropic, corporate, and community partners throughout the Mid South region.

This position requires a highly organized and collaborative leader with experience in fundraising, donor relations, grant development, and strategic relationship management who is passionate about community impact and regional change.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Identify, cultivate, and pursue funding opportunities across individual, corporate, foundation, and philanthropic sources.
• Build and steward relationships with donors, philanthropic institutions, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Lead institutional fundraising efforts, including prospect research, proposal development, grant submissions, and reporting.
• Support donor engagement, stewardship, and fundraising initiatives in collaboration with leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Oversee development operations, donor tracking, CRM management, and fundraising performance metrics.
• Represent the Foundation at meetings, conferences, events, and community engagements as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5–8 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, donor engagement, philanthropy, or related leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success securing grants, major gifts, sponsorships, or philanthropic support.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, organizational, and project management skills.
• Experience utilizing Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge or similar donor management systems preferred.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $68,500 – $85,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Foundation for the Mid South offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement benefits, paid holidays and vacation leave, professional development support, and additional employee benefits.

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest and resume to ***email_hidden***. All materials should be addressed to Meshelle Rawls, VP of People & Culture. Candidates invited to move forward in the hiring process should be prepared to submit a writing sample and references.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor Relations

Grant Writing

Nonprofit Leadership

Philanthropy

Community Engagement

Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge

Development Operations

About the Foundation for the Mid South

Founded in 1990, the Foundation for the Mid South is a regional foundation working to improve communities and expand opportunity across Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Through partnerships, programs, and philanthropic investments, the Foundation supports initiatives focused on education, economic mobility, health, and community development throughout the Mid South region.