Please send Resumé/CV to info@bethelboston.org with "Director of Development Hiring Committee" in the Subject Line

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full-Time

WHO WE ARE

Bethel AME Church is a faith-rooted, multi-generational church in the heart of Boston. Founded by Rev. Drs. Ray and Gloria Hammond in 1988, Bethel exists at the intersection of worship, social justice, and deep commitment to community.

Bethel is a church where spiritual formation meets social action — where prayer fuels purpose, and faith is expressed through love, service, and liberation. Every gathering, ministry, partnership, and affiliation is shaped by our belief that the Gospel must move beyond the pulpit and into the streets.

From powerful worship experiences to youth and family ministry, wellness initiatives to grassroots advocacy, Bethel is a place for those seeking both authentic community and transformational faith. Whether you're new to church, returning after a break, or just looking for a space to grow — you're welcome here.

PROSPECTIVE

Bethel AME and its Institute, Bethel Institute for Community Development, are entering an exciting and transformative phase. The founding Pastors, Gloria and Ray Hammond, will retire from full-time pastoral service on July 1, 2027.  New leadership will be welcome, ushering in a
new era at Bethel.

Pastors Gloria and Ray Hammond's leadership across the greater Boston community has been profound.  They have touched every corner
of our community with their spirituality and commitment to uplifting those whose life circumstances have been greatly challenged.  As a result of their leadership, the Bethel Institute for Community Development was created.  The work of Bethel’s Institute for Community Development is a critical force for change, and it is Bethel’s calling to continue, broaden and deepen the Institute’s impact.

Bethel AME, the Hammonds, with the full engagement of Bethel’s leadership, along with the Director of Development, will plan and execute a multi-year fundraising campaign. A successful campaign will position the Church and the Institute to expand their reach to support the church and the broader community.

Church leadership is already building out the narrative for programmatic fundraising priorities.  The Director of Development will have an
opportunity to inform the final strategic approach to the funding priorities and will be responsible for developing the campaign plan.  The Director of Development will play a key leadership role in coalescing church members, current donors, and partners in support of the campaign and also strategically using the campaign to broaden the base of support for the Institute.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is an inaugural role responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing a comprehensive development and fundraising program to support the mission and long-term sustainability of Bethel and its affiliated ministries. This leader will execute efforts to grow the nascent individual major gifts program, expand institutional support, deepen stewardship initiatives, manage discrete fundraising campaigns, and oversee grant planning. The Director of Development will work closely with church leadership, staff, ministry teams, and members of the congregation to foster and expand the culture of generosity and intentional giving at Bethel.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership & Strategy

● Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan, strategic goals, and budgetary needs that are aligned with the church’s mission to love God, serve people, and make a real difference in Boston and beyond

● Lead annual external efforts to identify, cultivate, and solicit new individual and institutional donors, develop special or capital campaigns, and establish a legacy-giving initiative.

● With consultant partnership, conduct market and donor research to identify new fundraising opportunities.

● Regularly monitor fundraising progress and provide regular reports to senior leadership and the Board.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

● Build and maintain strong, authentic relationships with donors, whether church members or community partners.

● Develop donor engagement processes, including acknowledgment, recognition, and ongoing communication.

● Coordinate small group meetings, events, and one-on-one interactions to cultivate donors and vet prospects through sharing the church’s vision and impact.

● Establish and manage a donor database, with administrative support, to ensure accurate records of gifts and donor interactions.

Grant Writing & Grant Management

● Identify grant opportunities from foundations, faith-based organizations, community partners, and public sector sources.

● Lead the proposal-writing process, ensuring timely submissions and alignment with church priorities.

● Oversee grant reporting, compliance, and relationship stewardship with grant funders.

Campaign & Event Oversight

● Plan and execute fundraising events such as galas, benefit concerts, volunteer appreciation events, and leverage the many community-facing initiatives of the church for resource generation where appropriate.

● Collaborate with ministry leaders to integrate fundraising elements into church programs when appropriate.

● Manage event budgets, logistics, communications, and volunteer coordination.

Collaboration
& Communication

● Work closely with the communications team to develop compelling messaging for fundraising materials, newsletters, website content, and social media.

● Partner with finance staff to ensure accuracy of gift tracking, financial reporting, and donor acknowledgment.

● Provide development training and support to ministry leaders, volunteers, and committees involved in fundraising.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

● Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business, the Humanities or a related field (Master’s preferred).

● 5+ years of fundraising experience/experience in related fields.

● Proven success in donor development, grant writing, and fundraising campaigns.

● Experience cultivating and closing major gifts from donors.

● Demonstrated track record of success in a deadline-driven work environment where priority-setting abilities are critical to success.

● Outstanding written and verbal skills with a knack for persuasively conveying mission impact to diverse constituencies.

● Highly developed emotional intelligence, tact in all professional dealings, empathy, and discretion.

● Ability to communicate well with a wide range of constituents, including trustees, Bethel staff, and Bethel members.

● Ability to identify and triage opportunities and strategic decisions expeditiously.

● Experience working in a faith-based or church environment strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

● Established knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor stewardship, and campaign management.

● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and inspire generosity.

● High level of organization, attention to detail, and project-management abilities.

● Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.

● Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Breeze, Realm, Blackbaud, Planning Center, etc.).

● Ability to pair external stewardship (Development) with internal stewardship of tithes and offerings in a complimentary manner, with the knowledge that they are separate entities

● Commitment to Christian values and support for the mission and vision of the church.

Personal Characteristics & Core Competencies

● Spirit-led and aligned with the church’s theological beliefs.

● Relational, warm, and capable of connecting with individuals across diverse backgrounds.

● Creative and strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset.

● Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

● Ability to work in a dynamic organization.

● Demonstrates humility, stewardship, and a heart for service.

● Possess a demonstrated history of community impact.

Working Conditions

● Requires the ability to work occasional evenings, weekends, and staff special events.

● May involve (mostly local) travel for donor meetings and community engagements.

Salary Range:  $90,000–$135,000/year