Director of Development

Break Through Tech

$135K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum 7 years of progressive fundraising experience
  • 3+ years focused on major gifts or principal gifts
  • Proven track record of closing gifts of $250K or more
  • Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Manage a portfolio of 15-25 top-tier prospects
  • Develop proposals for major gifts in alignment with organizational priorities
  • Design and implement strategic cultivation plans for major donors
  • Prepare internal reports on portfolio activity and revenue forecasting
  • Collaborate with leadership and program teams to present cases for support

Benefits

  • Day-one medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Tax-advantaged HSA and FSA options
  • Mental health resources and wellness offerings
  • Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
  • Generous 401(k) benefit with 10% employer contribution
Full Job Description
Position Summary
We're looking for a strategic and collaborative Director of Development to join our team. Reporting to the Senior Director, Strategy and External Relations, this full-time, exempt role is responsible for managing a portfolio of high-value prospects and securing major gifts to support Break Through Tech's mission. This role leads the development and execution of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies, with a focus on successfully closing individual, corporate, and foundation gifts. The Director of Development collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to align fundraising activities with organizational priorities, supports annual revenue goals, and contributes to the advancement of diversity and gender equity in technology.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential duties of this role are grouped into four categories, with the approximate percentage of time spent on each category indicated below

Portfolio Management and Leadership (35%)
Leads the development of proposals for major gifts, coordinating with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and own a portfolio of 15-25 top-tier prospects (Tier 1 & Tier 2), maintaining deep relationships and tracking engagement.

Cultivation Strategy (20%)
Designs and implements strategic cultivation plans, including events, thought leadership opportunities, ensure timely acknowledgment and ongoing engagement of major donors and personalized outreach to advance prospects toward a meaningful engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement (25%)
Prepares regular internal reports and dashboard updates on portfolio activity, pipeline health, revenue forecasting, and major gift progress for senior leadership and cross-functional planning utilizing our CRM or fundraising databases.

Internal Reporting & Pipeline Management (15%)
Partners with leadership, program teams, and external advisors to present compelling cases for support and maintain alignment with strategic objectives.

Development Operations & Financial Coordination (5%)
Works collaboratively with Finance to ensure timely and accurate recording of gifts and alignment on funding with and without donor restrictions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Proven track record of closing major gifts in the $250K-$1M+ range.
  • Skilled at managing ambiguity and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
  • Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and project management skills.
  • Experience in leading cross-functional teams to advance high-value opportunities.
Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with at least 3 years focused on major gifts or principal gifts.
  • Demonstrated success in securing individual gifts of $250K or more.
  • Experience managing a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and leading cross-functional fundraising initiatives.
Work Model/Location
This role is available as a remote or hybrid work arrangement, although hybrid is preferred. If hybrid, you are expected to work on-site in New York City at least 1 day per week on Wednesday, based on Break Through Tech and team needs. If remote, periodic in-person attendance is required for all-staff meetings, trainings, retreats, or similar Break Through Tech events.

Compensation
The annual salary range is $135,000 - $150,000, depending on experience.

Benefits
At Break Through Tech, we care deeply about supporting our employees and their families. We offer a competitive, thoughtfully designed benefits package that supports health, financial wellbeing, and work-life balance. Eligible employees have access to day-one medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with tax-advantaged HSA and FSA options, mental health resources, wellness offerings, commuter benefits, and convenient prescription support. We also provide employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, and a generous 401(k) benefit with a 10% employer contribution, regardless of employee participation. Additional voluntary benefits and wellbeing programs help support employees and their families both at work and beyond.

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