Director of Development
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Full-time, exempt
Salary: $85,000‐$100,000 starting
Location: Open (may be fully remote)
Travel: Travel required for ACC events and donor meetings
Hours: Monday-Friday, with occasional nights and weekends
About the American Craft Council
The American Craft Council is a nationwide, membership-based nonprofit working to foster livelihoods and ways of living grounded in the artful work of the human hand, creating a more joyful, humane, and regenerative world. Building upon an 80+ year legacy of tradition and innovation, ACC is part of a growing coalition of organizations, makers, and advocates at the forefront of a movement that supports craft-centered livelihoods and ways of living—an American craft renaissance.
Position summary.
The Director of Development is responsible for leading and executing ACC’s fundraising and donor communication strategies to support our mission. This role will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, cultivate relationships with donors and funding partners, and collaborate with staff and board leadership to advance the organization’s financial sustainability.
Working closely with the executive director and trustees, the Director of Development will identify new funding opportunities, enhance donor engagement, and ensure effective stewardship practices. This position will play a key role in engaging trustees in fundraising efforts, strengthening grant management and other development processes, and aligning fundraising strategies with ACC’s programs and goals.
The ideal candidate is a strategic and relationship‐driven professional with a strong background in nonprofit fundraising, donor communications, and grants management. Knowledge about and relationships within the field of American craft are preferred. Candidates must have excellent communication skills, commitment to ACC’s mission, and the ability to inspire support from a diverse range of donors and funders.
Responsibilities.
As our organization and the fields we are part of evolve, so may this role. These duties may change as ACC’s leadership identifies the need at any time.
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- Develop and implement a strategic fundraising and communications plan that supports ACC’s mission.
- Work collaboratively with the executive director and trustees to establish fundraising strategies and goals that align with the organization’s vision and long‐term sustainability.
- Use existing ACC programs and create experiential, donor‐centered programs as needed to achieve fundraising and donor stewardship objectives.
- Identify, cultivate, and secure funding from a range of sources—including individual donors, foundations, and government funders—to strengthen and expand ACC’s programs.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with major donors and funding partners, ensuring a thoughtful approach to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Work closely with internal colleagues and, when applicable, partner vendors to create engaging donor messages, marketing materials, and storytelling strategies that highlight ACC’s impact.
- Oversee donor development and stewardship activities, including acknowledgment processes, financial tracking, site visits, and donor engagement strategies.
- Set clear goals, establish budgets, and monitor progress, ensuring fundraising and communications efforts are effective and continually improving.
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- Lead ACC’s grant management efforts, ensuring ongoing prospect research, timely and highquality proposals, compliance with funding requirements, and clear financial and impact reporting.
- Collaborate with the executive director, other colleagues, and partner vendors to ensure grant efforts align with organizational priorities and are effectively managed.
- Provide accurate and insightful reports on grant activity and funding performance to support strategic decision‐making.
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- As a member of the executive director’s leadership team, collaborate with the executive director and other team members to evolve and implement organization‐wide strategies and foster a culture of philanthropy.
- Support and strengthen internal team efforts to maintain meaningful donor relationships through engagement, recognition, and impact‐driven communication.
- Engage trustees in fundraising and equip them for success by providing guidance, training, and opportunities to connect with donors and advocate for ACC’s mission.
- Stay informed on trends in philanthropy, nonprofit marketing, and fund development to ensure ACC remains effective and forward‐thinking in fundraising strategies.
Desired qualifications.
This position is a good fit for someone who has the following Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree.
- College or professional development coursework in nonprofit management, communications, business, public administration, or a related field preferred.
- Knowledge about the field of American craft and experience leading fundraising efforts within it or an adjacent field preferred.
- Minimum of 5‐7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or development, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
- Experience cultivating major donors, securing grants, and managing fundraising campaigns. Experience managing special project and/or capital campaigns preferred.
- Knowledge of grant writing, grant management, and compliance with government and foundation funding requirements.
- Experience working with and engaging trustees in fundraising efforts.
This position is a good fit for someone who has the following Skills and Competencies:
- Strong relationship‐building skills with the ability to connect with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messages, grant proposals, and fundraising appeals.
- Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to develop, implement, and measure fundraising strategies.
- Proficiency in donor database/CRM systems and fundraising software.
- Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Knowledge of trends and best practices in philanthropy, donor engagement, and nonprofit fundraising.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership, staff, and trustees.
Apply today.
If this position sounds like a good fit, we want to hear from you! Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] with the subject letter matching the job title above.
ACC will begin reviewing applications on July 15, 2025.
ACC is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law. We value diversity, inclusiveness, and equity and welcome candidates from all walks of life.