VP of Development - ROME GROUP : Job Details

Reports to: President & CEO

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Position Summary

The Vice President of Development serves as the chief fundraising strategist for UCP Heartland and a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive and diversified fundraising program to support the organization's $21 million operating budget and long-term strategic priorities. The VP will lead a team focused on major gifts, annual giving, grants, corporate and foundation relations, events, and planned giving. They will work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and staff to strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Dimensions of the Role

The Vice President of Development will champion a resilient, results-driven culture grounded in fund development best practices. This individual will partner closely with the CEO to consistently identify, cultivate, and solicit high-capacity donors. The VP will lead a comprehensive development strategy that leverages the strengths of a dedicated team—including staff and volunteer fundraisers—to drive revenue growth across multiple giving channels. These include special events, direct appeals, digital campaigns, and major gift initiatives.

Additionally, the VP will be responsible for building and sustaining strong relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and community partners. Success in this role will be defined by the ability to translate donor passion into sustainable support and to foster a culture of philanthropy that engages stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

· Develop and implement a multi-year development strategy aligned with UCP Heartland's strategic goals.· Lead and grow all aspects of fundraising including major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate partnerships, events, and grant funding.· Monitor fundraising performance and adjust tactics based on data, trends, and donor insights.

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

· Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual major gift prospects and donors.· Support CEO and Board members in high-level donor engagement and solicitations.· Build a pipeline of prospective donors and ensure a moves management approach to deepen relationships.

Corporate, Foundation & Grant Development

· Oversee identification and submission of grant opportunities from private foundations and government sources.· Build strong partnerships with corporate donors through sponsorships, cause marketing, and employee engagement.

Team Management & Collaboration

· Lead and mentor a high-performing development team.· Foster cross-departmental collaboration, particularly with Marketing/Communications and Program leadership.· Ensure alignment between fundraising and organizational messaging.

Board and Volunteer Engagement

· Partner with the CEO and Board Development Committee to engage board members in fundraising efforts.· Provide tools, training, and support to empower board members and committee members to be active fundraisers and ambassadors.

Events and Stewardship

· Oversee planning and execution of special events, including the annual gala, Gibbs Center Fall Classic, Wing Ding and other third-party fundraisers.· Lead efforts to enhance donor experience, engagement and recognition.

Qualifications

· Minimum of 6-10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising (or sales), including managing teams and major gift work.· Proven track record of securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.· Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.· Knowledge of donor management systems (e.g., Bloomerang, Salesforce, Raiser's Edge).· Understanding of fundraising best practices, ethics, and trends.·Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Core Competencies

·Strategic Mindset– Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.·Drives Results– Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances.·Persuades– Uses compelling arguments to gain support and commitment.·Builds Networks– Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks.·Plans and Aligns– Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.·Manages Complexity– Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information.· Collaborates– Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others.

To Apply: Current Opportunities – UCP Heartland