Organization Overview

The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless (ECHH) is a dynamic nonprofit organization, committed to ending homelessness and advocating for safe, affordable housing throughout Union County, NJ. For over four decades, the Coalition has been the conscience of a community, providing life-changing services—including emergency shelter, transitional housing, rental assistance, and youth programming—to families and individuals facing housing insecurity.

With a proven track record that includes preventing homelessness for over 20,000 households and offering personal support to thousands of unhoused and at-risk children, the Coalition is a cornerstone of compassion and advocacy in the region. Candidates joining this mission-driven team will become part of a community that blends empathy, innovation, and direct service to create meaningful change.

ECHH continues to respond to the changing landscape of housing insecurity and homelessness. We are always seeking new approaches and resources to support systems change, grow our affordable housing offerings, and add tools to prevent or end homelessness quickly and effectively for the growing number of households that seek our help.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is a strategic and mission-driven leader responsible for all fundraising, donor engagement, and communications activities at ECHH. In partnership with the CEO, this role drives philanthropic growth, cultivates donor relationships, and elevates the organization’s visibility. The Director leads the development team and collaborates with the Board’s Fund Development Committee and event committees to advance ECHH’s mission to end homelessness.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & Leadership

• Develop a comprehensive annual and long-term fundraising strategy aligned with ECHH’s strategic goals, and execute it.
• Work one-on-one with the board and senior leadership team to build meaningful relationships and grow a culture of philanthropy at ECHH.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board to set fundraising goals, track KPIs, and adjust strategies as needed.
• Serve as a key member of the Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy and cross-functional collaboration.
• Represent ECHH publicly to donors, partners, and community stakeholders.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Lead all aspects of individual giving.
• Manage a portfolio of leadership donors, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Oversee donor database management and ensure accurate tracking of gifts and donor interactions.
• Supervise part time grant writer and oversee all private and government grant activities, including reporting and stewardship.
• Plan and execute annual fundraising campaigns, inclusive of direct mail and online giving.

Events & Volunteer Engagement

• Lead planning and execution of major fundraising events (e.g., annual gala, pocketbook bingo).
• Cultivate volunteer relationships and expand community engagement across Union County.

Marketing & Communications

• Develop and implement a public relations and marketing strategy in collaboration with the CEO.
• Produce fundraising collateral, newsletters, annual reports, and digital content (inclusive of social media and our website) to support donor engagement.
• Strengthen ECHH’s brand visibility and reputation with donors, funders, partners and the broader community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or certifications in development preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, including a demonstrable track record with major gifts, events and grants.
• Proven success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; public speaking experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and donor management software.
• Proficiency with social media and digital platforms.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Experience in the homelessness or affordable housing field is preferred. A commitment to our mission of ending homelessness in Union County is a must.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed (both for own events and for other appropriate networking/stewardship opportunities).
• Hybrid (remote) work is permitted, with a schedule and expectations to be developed with the CEO.
• Competitive compensation

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,244.77 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Elizabeth, NJ 07201