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Director of Development
SECORE International, Inc.
Sales & Business Development
USD 90k-120k / year
Posted on Oct 8, 2025
Location: Flexible/Remote with international coordination
Reports to: Executive Director
Supervisory Duties: Initially none; opportunity to mentor and supervise staff, contractors, or volunteers/interns as the development function expands
Type: Exempt, full-time
Salary Range: $90,000 – $120,000
About SECORE International
SECORE International, Inc. is a global nonprofit rethinking how coral reefs can be restored at scale. Since 2015, SECORE—SExual COral REproduction—has partnered with research institutions, governments, NGOs, aquariums, and local communities to turn breakthrough science into practical restoration solutions. With projects spanning the Caribbean, Pacific, and beyond, SECORE develops and shares innovative coral restoration technologies and builds capacity worldwide to give coral reefs a fighting chance for the future.
Position Summary
SECORE is searching for a strategic, energetic fundraiser to shape and lead the organization’s global development efforts. As Director of Development, you will ignite the philanthropic partnerships that power coral reef restoration—crafting campaigns, cultivating major donors, driving international grant success, and stewarding long-term relationships.
This is a unique opportunity to join SECORE’s Management Team and play a central role in securing the resources that translate cutting-edge science into restored reefs worldwide.
Key Responsibilities:
Gift Identification, Cultivation, Solicitation and Stewardship
- Cultivate new and existing relationships to secure support for SECORE’s coral restoration programs and general operations.
- Engage the Executive Director, Board, and leadership staff to strengthen pipelines and advance a culture of philanthropy.
- Create and manage an ongoing stewardship and donor recognition program (including donor giving circles) that reflects SECORE’s mission and resources.
- Build and maintain donor/prospect portfolios for the ED and key staff/Board; ensure portfolios are actively and effectively managed.
- Prepare, brief, and accompany staff and Board on donor/prospect calls; track results and ensure timely follow-ups.
Grants & Institutional Giving
- Develop compelling letters of inquiry and grant proposals to meet operating and programmatic needs.
- Ensure timely reporting and compliance with all grant requirements.
- Maintain a calendar of institutional funding deadlines and corporate stewardship activities.
Communications
- Partner with SECORE’s communications team to
- Integrate donor messaging across digital campaigns, newsletters, and social media.
- Develop donor-facing materials (case statements, impact reports, toolkits) for meetings and annual stewardship.
Development Operations
- Independently manage SECORE’s fundraising operations, with potential to build and mentor staff or contractors as resources expand.
- Oversee donor CRM (currently DonorPerfect), ensuring data accuracy, segmentation, and analysis. Input gifts and pledges in a timely manner; issue acknowledgements and tax receipts within 48 hours.
- Collaborate with the Administration/Finance team on financial reconciliation of donations and grants, reporting, and audit-ready documentation.
Planning, Reporting & Leadership
- Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising plan aligned with SECORE’s strategic priorities; update Strategic Plan fundraising sections regularly.
- Create an annual development budget; forecast revenue and track progress monthly.
- Establish the foundation for a planned giving program to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Provide weekly progress updates to the Executive Director and quarterly reports to the Development Committee and Board.
- Partner with the Board Development Committee to leverage networks and ensure active Board participation in fundraising.
- Provide ongoing fundraising training and support for staff and Board to advance a culture of philanthropy.
- Represent SECORE professionally at events, conferences, and partner meetings.
- Develop and document a prospect research system for use by staff and Board.
- Conduct ongoing monitoring of fundraising success and optimization of strategies and systems.
- As a member of SECORE’s Management Team, contribute to defining organizational goals, aligning strategies across departments, and championing fundraising priorities at the leadership level.
Qualifications
- Must have solid experience fundraising in a remote, international context—leveraging digital tools, virtual engagement, and data-driven strategies to build donor relationships across geographies.
- 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated success in securing significant philanthropic gifts and grants, with the ability to provide verified examples of funds raised and donor partnerships built.
- Strong grant writing experience with private, corporate, government, and multilateral funders.
- Clear, compelling communication and presentation skills; ability to inspire donors.
- Demonstrated ability to build fundraising systems and structures for growth.
- Experience working with Boards and volunteers to expand fundraising reach.
- Strong intercultural communication skills and ability to work across international contexts.
- Passion for coral restoration and SECORE’s mission.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
- Proficiency in donor databases and CRM systems (DonorPerfect experience is a plus).
Performance Accountability
Revenue Contribution: Responsible for securing ~25% of SECORE’s annual revenue through major gifts, institutional grants, campaigns, and partnerships.
Year 1: Sustain current contributed revenue and grow 10–15% over baseline.
Year 2: Expand pipeline and achieve 15–20% growth.
Year 3: Grow contributed revenue to $2.5M–$3M annually.
Portfolio: Personally manage 100+ qualified donor and institutional prospects with regular cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Board Engagement: Partner with the Development Committee to leverage networks and ensure active participation in fundraising.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Like a coral reef, SECORE thrives with diversity. We believe diverse backgrounds, beliefs, ethnicities, and cultures best prepare us to achieve our global restoration goals. We value the unique perspectives each person brings and encourage applicants from all backgrounds—including age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability status, religion, and national or regional origin—to apply. SECORE is committed to building an inclusive organization that actively supports diversity across all dimensions.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $90,000 – $120,000, commensurate with experience.
- Fully paid health insurance.
- 2% IRA employer contribution.
- Generous vacation benefits.
- Flexible/remote work environment; some travel required.
Application Process
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume as one PDF to jobs@secore.org with the subject line “SECORE DD”.
Application materials should highlight:
- Quantifiable fundraising outcomes (funds raised, donor growth, campaign results).
- Relevant examples of past fundraising strategies, campaign outlines, or donor communications (anonymized if needed).
Deadline to apply: October 26, 2025