Development Director

<p><strong>About First Tee - Greater Wilmington</strong></p> <p>First Tee – Greater Wilmington empowers young people to build strength of character through the game of golf. By combining mentorship, life skills, and meaningful relationships, we help kids grow into confident, resilient leaders — on and off the course.</p> <p> </p> <p>Serving more than 1,400 youth annually across community centers and our home facility, we are entering an exciting new chapter of growth and community impact. We’re seeking a relationship-driven Development Director to help expand the resources and partnerships that make this work possible.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Position Summary</strong></p> <p>The Development Director is a key member of the leadership team responsible for growing the relationships, revenue, and community support that fuel First Tee – Greater Wilmington’s mission.</p> <p>This role leads fundraising strategy, sponsorships, events, grants, and donor engagement efforts while serving as a visible ambassador for the organization throughout the Wilmington community. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on — someone who loves building relationships, sharing stories of impact, and rolling up their sleeves to help events and campaigns succeed.</p> <p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p> <h3><strong>Community Engagement &amp; Fundraising Leadership</strong></h3> <ul> <li>Develop and execute an annual community impact and fundraising plan alongside the Executive Director</li> <li>Grow revenue through individual donors, sponsors, grants, and special events</li> <li>Manage a portfolio of donors and partners through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship</li> <li>Tell the First Tee story in a compelling, mission-centered way that inspires support</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Partnerships &amp; Sponsorships</strong></p> <ul> <li>Build and steward relationships with corporations, local businesses, foundations, and community partners</li> <li>Secure event sponsorships, in-kind support, and annual anchor support</li> <li>Identify new partnership opportunities that expand visibility and impact</li> <li>Serve as a visible representative of First Tee at community and networking events</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Events &amp; Campaigns</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead planning and execution of fundraising events including Tee Up for Success, Taste of Golf, and other initiatives</li> <li>Support sponsorship strategy, auction procurement, and donor engagement efforts</li> <li>Assist with digital campaigns and annual appeals</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Donor Experience &amp; Operations</strong></p> <ul> <li>Oversee donor database management (Bloomerang)</li> <li>Track gifts, maintain accurate records, and generate reports</li> <li>Ensure timely acknowledgements and thoughtful stewardship</li> <li>Support grant submissions, reports, and impact tracking</li> <li>Manage development budgets and revenue forecasting</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Leadership &amp; Collaboration</strong></p> <ul> <li>Serve as a strategic partner to the Executive Director</li> <li>Work closely with Board members and fundraising committees</li> <li>Collaborate across program and operations teams to align storytelling and impact</li> <li>Share best practices with other First Tee chapters and headquarters</li> </ul>