Director of Development

The Elton John AIDS Foundation seeks a bold, systems-minded Director of Development to build the relationships, infrastructure, and strategy behind its life-saving fundraising worldwide.

About the Organization

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) is a leader in the global response to HIV. Since 1992, the Foundation has raised more than $650 million to support over 3,100 projects in 102 countries around the world. EJAF is committed to increasing access to health care for those most vulnerable to HIV, including LGBTQ+ communities, people who use drugs, and young people, and tackling LGBTQ+ stigma as part of its work to end HIV. Guided by love, compassion, and humanity, EJAF partners with local experts and organizations to deliver lasting impact to the communities that need it most.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, the Director of Development (DOD) will play a key role in growing and strengthening the organization's global fundraising and development operations as EJAF continues its mission to end HIV and support the communities most vulnerable to it. This is a hybrid development position that blends strategic donor relationship management and operational leadership.

The DOD will manage a portfolio of mid-level individual donors, helping to strategically grow and upgrade their giving over time. They will work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the Director of Partnerships and Innovation to deliver integrated strategies for individual and institutional fundraising.

Additionally, the role will oversee development operations, including prospect development, donor systems, and reporting, ensuring the team has the insights and infrastructure needed to expand the donor pipeline and support sustainable fundraising growth. Managing a team of two talented development professionals, this is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven fundraiser to build both systems and relationships.

Responsibilities

Individual Giving

• Manage and steward a portfolio of mid-level individual donors, building strong relationships and supporting their progression toward deeper engagement and major giving opportunities.
• Lead the planning and execution of online and direct donor appeals and contribute to campaign planning to strengthen annual giving and donor engagement.
• Drive proactive prospect development by identifying potential donors, building prospect lists, maintaining a strong pipeline of new fundraising opportunities, and leveraging the senior team to meet with key prospects.

Development Operations

• Oversee development operations, including CRM management, development reporting, donor tracking, and coordination of gift processing with Finance.
• Identify and implement technology/AI applications and systems improvements that can strengthen and streamline EJAF’s development operations.

Leadership & Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Supervise, mentor, and manage a small team of development professionals.
• Work with the Senior Philanthropy Officer and Director of Partnerships and Innovation to develop and execute donor cultivation and stewardship strategies, including events, across individual and institutional giving.
• Partner closely with Communications to successfully align external communications with fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or a related field.
• Track record of closing gifts at the 5-figure level; 6-figure gift experience is a plus
• Demonstrated experience managing donor relationships and fundraising portfolios, particularly mid-level or individual donors.
• Experience supporting or coordinating multiple fundraising strategies, including individual giving, campaigns, or institutional funding.
• Familiarity with donor databases/CRMs and development operations, including prospect tracking, reporting, and donor data management.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and use data to inform fundraising strategies.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors, colleagues, and external partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Authentic interest in the work and mission of EJAF and the life-changing impact the organization has.

Compensation, Benefits, and Additional Information

• The salary range for this position is $125K-150K annually.
• EJAF offers a competitive benefits package.
• EJAF has offices in New York City. While there is a preference for candidates based in the tri-state area, all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Orr Group

EJAF has retained Orr Group to conduct this search. Please direct all inquiries and interest to the Orr Group search team.

Jesse Bryan

Vice President

Orr Group

jbryan@orrgroup.com

About Orr Group

Orr Group is a strategic partner to nonprofit organizations, offering comprehensive fundraising and executive recruitment support that advances mission, maximizes philanthropic potential, and builds long-term sustainability. We specialize in the business of philanthropy, helping our partners drive results through data-informed strategies, embedded team members, and hands-on implementation.