Director of Development

Goodwin Living is proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace in the greater Washington, D.C. region by The Washington Post every year since 2019 — and now nationally by USA Today. Since 2022, we’ve also been annually recognized as one of the top 100 employers for interns by the Top Virginia Employers for Intern Awards. These honors are based entirely on feedback from our team members, gathered through an annual third-party survey. Here’s what they say makes us stand out:

• Embracing Diversity: Our strength is in our diverse team from over 65 countries, fostering an inclusive and vibrant culture that values every voice. 
• Growth and Opportunities: We bolster personal and professional development, offering myriad opportunities, from on-the-job training to mentorship programs and financial support, to help you reach your full potential. 
• Valuing Our Team Members: By prioritizing team member satisfaction, we create a fulfilling work environment with competitive benefits, work-life balance, and recognition programs, ensuring our team feels appreciated and valued.  

The Director of Development is responsible for leading philanthropic strategy, donor engagement, and fundraising activities for The View Alexandria, a vibrant Goodwin Living rental community. Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) and working in close partnership with campus leadership, this role oversees comprehensive development efforts designed to grow a culture of generosity through annual giving, leadership gifts, major gifts, and planned giving. The Director of Development serves as the primary philanthropic relationship manager for residents, family members, and team member donors connected to the campus and plays a critical role in advancing Goodwin Living’s mission to support vibrant, purpose-filled lives for older adults.

This position is based in Alexandria, VA and requires an on-site presence at The View Alexandria at least three days a week, with some evening commitments for donor and resident events.

• Lead comprehensive fundraising efforts for The View Alexandria, including annual fund, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Manage a portfolio of leadership- and major-gift prospects and donors, with responsibility for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and implement individualized donor strategies aligned with Goodwin Living Foundation’s overall philanthropic goals.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new donor prospects, with particular emphasis on residents, family members, and team members.
• Partner with the CPO and senior leadership on six-figure and transformational gift opportunities when appropriate.

• Serve as the primary philanthropic liaison to the campus Executive Director and leadership team, ensuring alignment between philanthropic priorities and campus activities.
• Work collaboratively with the other campus Directors of Development and other members of the Foundation team to ensure coordinated donor engagement across Goodwin Living.
• Partner with Foundation colleagues on stewardship events, donor recognition activities, tours, and small cultivation gatherings on each campus.
• Engage and support resident ambassadors, volunteer committees, and advisory groups to advance philanthropic engagement.

• Contribute to annual fundraising goals, projections, and budgets for assigned campuses.
• Track donor activity, moves management, and outcomes in the CRM, ensuring high data integrity and timely reporting.
• Use data and donor insights to refine strategies, improve donor retention, and grow leadership giving.
• Ensure adherence to ethical fundraising standards and Goodwin Living Foundation policies.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible development experience, with demonstrated success in planned giving fundraising.
• Experience in senior services, healthcare, human services, or mission-driven nonprofit environments preferred.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with donors, senior leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking, communication, and storytelling skills.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and using CRM systems effectively; Raiser’s Edge and PG Calc experience preferred.
• Ability to balance relationship-based fundraising with operational discipline and accountability.

• Mission-driven with a genuine passion for enriching the lives of older adults.
• Highly collaborative, collegial, and relationship-oriented.
• Comfortable working in dynamic campus environments and engaging regularly with residents, families, and team members.
• Self-directed, results-oriented, and adaptable.

At Goodwin Living, we can all find work with purpose! As a nonprofit senior living and healthcare organization based in Alexandria, Virginia, we are driven by our mission: to support, honor and uplift the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Our commitment to our team members is written directly into that statement. We create an enriching and supportive work environment that has earned us Top Workplace recognition by The Washington Post since 2019 and, more recently, national recognition by USA Today. These honors reflect the culture our team members foster every day — one rooted in purpose, belonging, and growth.