Job Description

Director of Development – Donor Relations & Planned Giving

📍 Location: Kosciusko County, Indiana
🏢 Organization: Cardinal Services, Inc. (part of the Easterseals Community Network)
💼 Department: Development / Fundraising
💰 Salary: Starting at $57,216.43 (based on experience)

About the Role

Cardinal Services, Inc. is seeking a passionate and results-driven Director of Development to lead donor engagement and planned giving strategy. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional to make a meaningful impact by inspiring generosity and building lasting relationships in the community.

In this role, you will serve as a key ambassador, working closely with a network-wide development team to drive philanthropic support for programs that empower individuals with disabilities and their families.

Key Responsibilities

A. Development Planning & Implementation

• Lead strategy and execution of major gifts initiatives to meet fundraising goals
• Develop and implement plans aligned with organizational and philanthropic objectives
• Serve as the primary major gifts representative for Cardinal Services, Inc.
• Identify, research, and cultivate prospective donors, including individuals, families, and community members
• Expand planned giving opportunities through community engagement
• Build and manage relationships with Investing in People Society donors
  • Conduct donor research and relationship-building activities
  • Maintain consistent communication and stewardship
  • Execute personalized cultivation plans
• Increase major gift contributions through strategic donor engagement
• Implement sustainability strategies, including annual giving campaigns and multi-channel outreach
• Meet fundraising targets and performance metrics
• Collaborate with leadership and cross-functional teams on campaigns and initiatives
• Maintain strong knowledge of programs to effectively communicate impact
• Serve as the organization’s planned giving representative
• Support fundraising events and initiatives
• Ensure accurate donor gift processing with Development, Grants, and Finance teams
• Partner with Marketing to create donor-facing materials (appeals, newsletters, reports, digital content)
• Perform additional duties as assigned

B. Donor Tracking & Recognition

• Ensure timely, meaningful donor acknowledgment and stewardship
• Maintain systems for donor cultivation, solicitation, and recognition
• Utilize CRM systems and data analytics to track performance and inform strategy

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Development, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, development, marketing, or public relations
• Proven success in major gifts, planned giving, and donor relations
• Experience creating campaigns, written materials, and promotional content
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build authentic relationships
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
• Proficiency in CRM systems, database management, and Microsoft Office
• Strategic thinker with strong planning and execution skills
• Passion for mission-driven work supporting individuals with disabilities
• Professional presence and ability to represent the organization in the community
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and proof of insurance
• Ability to perform light to moderate lifting as needed

Work Environment

• Regular travel within Kosciusko County
• Frequent public speaking and community engagement
• Occasional evening or weekend work
• Hybrid work across office, field, and virtual settings
• Independent work with flexibility to meet organizational priorities
• Occasional travel to corporate office locations

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time)
• Holiday Pay
• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Training & Continuing Education
• Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Referral Bonus

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are proud to be an EEO/ADA-compliant organization

👉 Ready to lead with purpose and make a lasting impact?
Apply today at: www.cardinalservices.org