Development Director (Relationships & Storytelling)

Job Overview and Requirements

Are you energized by building meaningful relationships, telling powerful stories, and inspiring generosity that fuels lasting community impact? Do you believe philanthropy is about connection, trust, and shared purpose not just transactions?

The Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) is seeking a Director of Development to join our leadership team and lead the next chapter of philanthropic growth. This role serves as ACCA’s lead relationship builder, storyteller, and steward, responsible for cultivating deep, authentic relationships that advance our mission and support long-term sustainability.

As ACCA boldly reimagines aging well, this position plays a critical role in inviting donors, partners, and community members into a shared vision: a vibrant community hub where everyone belongs and can age well at every stage of life.

About Us: Founded in 1967, the Athens Community Council on Aging is a private, non-profit organization serving older adults and adults with disabilities across 26 counties in Northeast and East Georgia. Through innovative programs, strong partnerships, and community-driven solutions, ACCA supports individuals and caregivers across the full aging journey.

Our Story: Older adults are the fastest-growing segment of our population. As needs evolve, ACCA is responding with creativity, courage, and a commitment to Aging Well for All—expanding services, reimagining engagement, and building sustainable funding models that protect and grow our impact.

Reporting to the President/CEO, the Director of Development leads ACCA’s relationship-centered philanthropy strategy. This role focuses on building and stewarding meaningful relationships with individual donors, partners, foundations, and community stakeholders while partnering closely with the CEO and Marketing Director to tell ACCA’s story in compelling, human-centered ways.

The Director of Development is not expected to “save the day,” but to dream about and build the next day, creating a culture of generosity rooted in trust, gratitude, and shared ownership of ACCA’s mission.

Reports To: President/CEO

Supervises: Relationship Coordinator, Development Coordinator

Essential Responsibilities:

Relationship Building, Storytelling & Stewardship

• Serve as ACCA’s lead architect of the donor and partner experience, from first connection through long-term stewardship.
• Build authentic, trust-based relationships with a portfolio of current and prospective donors through personalized outreach, meetings, site visits, and meaningful engagement opportunities.
• Partner closely with the President/CEO and Marketing Director to translate ACCA’s impact, programs, and strategy into compelling stories that inspire generosity and long-term commitment.
• Design and implement proactive stewardship strategies, including impact reporting, donor recognition, and opportunities for deeper involvement.
• Ensure every donor interaction reflects ACCA’s values of generosity, gratitude, kindness, and respect.

Development Strategy & Fundraising

• Lead and grow ACCA’s comprehensive fundraising strategy with an emphasis on individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, campaigns, special events, planned giving, and foundations.
• Develop and implement strategies that move individuals from initial connection to sustained investment, advocacy, and partnership.
• Oversee donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across all giving levels.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Director and external marketing partners to ensure consistent, compelling messaging across fundraising and engagement channels.
• Prepare and deliver persuasive proposals, presentations, and materials that clearly articulate ACCA’s mission, impact, and funding priorities.
• Ensure accurate tracking, acknowledgment, and reporting of gifts in collaboration with the Development Coordinator.
• Monitor fundraising performance and key relationship metrics; provide regular progress reports to the CEO and Board of Directors.

Board & Ambassador Engagement

• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.
• Equip board members, staff, and volunteers as confident storytellers and relationship ambassadors.
• Provide training, tools, and coaching to support relationship-based philanthropy and meaningful donor engagement.
• Partner with board leadership to expand networks, deepen community relationships, and strengthen philanthropic culture.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor the Relationship Coordinator and Development Coordinator as a cohesive engagement team.
• Foster strong collaboration between Development, Marketing, and Programs to ensure alignment around donor experience and storytelling.
• Promote a culture of high performance, learning, accountability, and shared purpose.
• Set clear goals related to relationship activity, stewardship quality, and growth—not just dollars raised.

Strategy, Vision & Leadership

• Serve as a member of ACCA’s Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, growth planning, and revenue diversification.
• Act as a strategic thought partner to the CEO on long-term sustainability, funding models, and community investment.
• Maintain open, timely communication with the CEO regarding opportunities, challenges, and relationship insights.

Essential Requirements:

• Demonstrated success building and sustaining long-term donor and partner relationships.
• Strong storytelling skills with the ability to translate impact into compelling narratives.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience collaborating closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Minimum of three years of experience in fundraising, development, or related relationship-centered roles.
• Goal-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• High emotional intelligence, empathy, and curiosity.
• Comfortable working occasional evenings and weekends.
• Valid Georgia Driver’s License required.

A sense of humor, flexibility, and genuine love for ACCA’s mission are essential. We work hard, do good work and believe joy matters.

Our Hiring Process & Timeline:

· Applications will be reviewed through January 30, 2026.

· Interviews will begin February 2026.

· We would like to have the selected candidate start no later than middle to late March.

Benefits:

· Annual and sick leave

· 11 paid holidays

· Health, dental, and vision insurance

· Company-paid life insurance and long-term disability

· 403(b) with agency match after one year

· Secondary education scholarships for employees and immediate dependents

Applicants must fully complete an agency application form and submit a cover letter and resume to nnorris@accaging.org in order to receive consideration. Application can be found: https://www.accaging.org/join-us/employment/employment-application/ Please visit www.accaging.org for more information.

In all of its activities, hiring, and operations, ACCA complies with federal law and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, religion, disability, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. ACCA is committed to providing a respectful and welcoming environment for all clients, staff, volunteers, partners, and community members.