Job Description
DEPAUL USA, INC POSITION DESCRIPTION TITLE: Development Strategist – South FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt HOURS: Full Time RESPONSIBLE TO: Sr. Director of Development DIRECT REPORTS: None LOCATION: Little Rock, AR & Pine Bluff, AR WAGE: $67,000-$70,000 per year, paid bi-weekly Mission Depaul USA supports homeless and marginalized people, providing people experiencing homelessness with purpose and hope for a positive future. Depaul USA is a growing, national, not-for-profit organization that serves more than 7,000 people annually and has a combined operating and capital budget in excess of $11.6 million. Please visit www.depaulusa.org to learn more. Depaul USA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment for all employees. If you need reasonable accommodation in any part of the hiring process, please let us know. Position Description The Development Strategist is responsible for building and managing donor relationships across four key Depaul USA markets: Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Nashville, and New Orleans. The role focuses on securing major gifts, growing donor engagement, and strengthening community partnerships to advance Depaul USA’s mission. Working closely with City Directors and Associate Directors in each market, this position ensures coordinated donor strategies and supports local fundraising priorities. The ideal candidate brings experience in major gift fundraising, relationship management, and partnership development, along with the ability to travel regularly across the region. Primary Duties and Responsibilities Essential Job Functions Provide leadership in shaping the strategic direction and vision for Depaul USA’s programs across four key markets and clearly communicate this vision to the public and key stakeholders. Liaise with local officials, funders, and community groups to strengthen services for homeless and disadvantaged individuals across four key Depaul USA markets. Identify grant opportunities, prepare proposals for submission with Development team support and approval, and support reporting requirements to secure and maintain funding in the four key markets. Develop and lead an overall fundraising strategy that builds a base of nongovernmental funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations to complement city operating support. Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Grants and Strategic Partnerships to identify potential foundation support and guide strategic direction. Identify, engage, and cultivate donors, sponsors, and partners, including major donors and philanthropic leaders,to secure financial support and build longterm relationships. Design and execute targeted outreach strategies to grow individual and corporate donor bases, including marketing campaigns, donor communications, and personalized stewardship efforts. Take primary ownership of the Arkansas program’s annual fundraising event, including meeting revenue goals, managing the event budget, recruiting sponsors, and leading marketing efforts. Recruit, lead, and support a volunteer fundraising committee to assist with planning, outreach, and execution of fundraising activities. Collaborate with the Manager of Fundraising & Strategic Events, City Director and Associate Directors in four key markets to support the annual fundraising event, including meeting revenue goals, managing the event budget, recruiting sponsors, and leading marketing efforts. Support City Directors in building a strong Local Advisory Council for each of the four markets, including facilitating regular meetings and engaging members as strategic partners and fundraisers. Develop and execute a comprehensive community outreach plan to raise awareness and engagement around Depaul USA’s mission and programs. Serve as the key public representative for Depaul USA, delivering presentations, participating in public forums, and maintaining relationships with media and civic organizations in four key markets. Serve as a relationship manager in partnership with the City Directors and conduct at least 10 stewardship meetings per quarter. Additional Tasks and Responsibilities For initiatives involving the development of new projects and program growth, report to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) while working with local leaders and Depaul USA’s executive and development staff. Engage in ongoing professional development to enhance collaboration, cultural competency, and communication skills for effective partnership with program staff, donors,