About this role
Position Summary
Founded in Baltimore in 2004, Thread is a proven, relationship-based model that re-engages the most academically underperforming, disconnected high school freshmen and equips them with the tools and resources needed to complete high school, pursue a post-high school pathway, achieve self-efficacy and experience upward economic mobility. Regardless of what challenges arise, Thread maintains a 10-year commitment to all young people enrolled and to date, 65% have completed high school - a rate 10 times that of their peers. Thread annually enrolls 40% of the lowest-performing freshmen at the lowest-performing schools in City Schools and engages over 1,500 young people and alumni with the support of more than 4,000 volunteers and collaborators ( A Path Forward ).
Thread is looking for a Director of Development to lead our fundraising strategy and help grow the philanthropic resources that power our mission. Reporting to the Executive Vice President of Involvement, the Director will own Thread's development system end to end (individual giving, foundations, corporations, government funding, and special initiatives) while building authentic, long-term relationships with the people who invest in our work.
This is a role for a relationship-centered, data-informed fundraiser who loves both the strategy and the people. The Director partners closely with the CEO, the Board of Directors, volunteers, and staff across the organization, and leads the team that makes it all run.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Organizational Growth
- Develop and execute annual and multi-year fundraising plans with the EVP of Involvement, CEO, and senior leadership.
- Set ambitious, achievable goals aligned with Thread's strategic plan and financial objectives.
- Diversify revenue across individuals, foundations, corporations, government, and emerging sources.
- Track performance and adjust strategy based on donor trends and organizational priorities.
Donor Engagement & Portfolio Management
- Manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Lead donor meetings, site visits, and presentations that bring Thread's impact to life.
- Use outcomes data and compelling stories to inspire continued and deeper investment.
- Ensure timely recognition and follow-up that drives retention and lifetime engagement.
Development Operations & Team Leadership
- Supervise, coach, and grow staff responsible for grants, prospect research, proposals, donor communications, and operations.
- Build systems and workflows for pipeline management, portfolio accountability, and accurate donor records.
- Use fundraising metrics to guide decisions and continuously improve.
- Foster a team culture of collaboration, learning, accountability, and excellence.
Board & Community Partnership
- Equip Board members and volunteers to fundraise by preparing materials, coaching, and creating meaningful ways to engage.
- Represent Thread at community events, conferences, and external meetings.
- Build strategic partnerships that expand awareness and philanthropic support.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with communications, finance, programming, and executive teams to keep fundraising
- aligned with priorities and impact.
- Gather stories, outcomes, and program insights from colleagues to strengthen proposals and donor communications.
Qualifications
- ## Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising leadership, with a track record securing major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and individual contributions.
- Demonstrated success designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that deliver measurable growth.
- Experience managing donor portfolios and cultivating long-term philanthropic relationships.
- Proven ability to supervise, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
- Experience with fundraising databases and CRM platforms; Salesforce experience preferred.
- ### Skills & Competencies
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to tell Thread's story in compelling, authentic ways.
- Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to analyze fundraising data and turn insights into strategic action.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, collaboration, relationship-centered leadership, and continuous learning.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of fundraising and community engagement activities.
- ## Thread Benefits Full-Time Employees
Thread offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid parental leave; paid time off (PTO); and an employer-matched 403(b) plan.
Thread is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, genetic information, or pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.