About Memory Matters

For nearly 30 years, Memory Matters has been the Lowcountry's trusted nonprofit dedicated exclusively to supporting individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and the families who care for them. We provide a full continuum of care, from brain health education and memory screenings to caregiver support and Adult Social Day services, helping families navigate the dementia journey with dignity, compassion, and hope.

About the Role

The Director of Development is a member of the senior leadership team and collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to achieve fundraising goals. This is a high-impact role for an experienced development professional who thrives on building relationships, leading events, and growing a diversified revenue base to support Memory Matters' mission.

This position is a great fit for a purpose-driven, relationship-focused leader who is energized by connecting people to a cause and inspiring others, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and Board members alike, to invest in the fight against Alzheimer's and dementia.

This Role Is Right for You If

• You're an enthusiastic, active member of the Lowcountry community who builds genuine relationships with donors, sponsors, and civic leaders
• You find energy in leading a room, coaching volunteers, motivating a committee, and rallying people around a shared goal
• You've built or grown a special event from the ground up and know what it takes to turn a gala or walk into a signature community moment
• You're a natural connector who can move comfortably between a boardroom conversation and a donor's living room
• You want your work to have a direct, visible impact on families facing one of the hardest journeys of their lives

Key Responsibilities

• Implement the annual fundraising plan in partnership with the Executive Director
• Support a diversified revenue strategy including events, sponsorships, grants, and individual giving
• Track and report progress toward fundraising goals and key metrics
• Support Board engagement in fundraising activities
• Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the annual gala and 5K run/walk
• Manage event timelines, budgets, sponsorships, and donor engagement strategies
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteer event committees and leadership
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward event sponsors and corporate partners
• Negotiate vendor contracts and oversee event-day logistics and production
• Ensure events are well organized, revenue generating, and aligned with mission
• Identify opportunities to strengthen and grow event-based fundraising
• Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners
• Support donor engagement and stewardship efforts
• Assist the Executive Director with major donor strategy and key relationships
• Expand community-based giving and sponsorship participation
• Coordinate grant calendar and submission timelines
• Support grant writing and reporting processes
• Maintain relationships with foundation partners
• Ensure accurate and timely entry and management of donor data in the CRM system
• Oversee timely acknowledgment of all gifts, including thank you letters and donor communications
• Maintain accountability for donor records, reporting accuracy, and data integrity
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising performance, donor activity, and campaign progress
• Ensure all reporting requirements are met for grants and donor stewardship
• Supervise the development support staff
• Oversee Marketing and Communications to ensure alignment with fundraising efforts
• Coordinate volunteer engagement related to fundraising and events
• Establish clear priorities and accountability across development functions
• Oversee and staff the Board Development Committee to support fundraising initiatives
• Engage Board members in events, sponsorships, and donor cultivation
• Represent Memory Matters in the community to strengthen philanthropic support

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required or equivalent experience
• 8 to 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or development
• 3 to 5+ years of demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale special events (galas, walk/run fundraisers) with proven revenue results