Development Director

About Airlink

Airlink is a Washington, DC-based nonprofit humanitarian logistics organization that works with aviation and logistics partners to transport relief workers and emergency supplies for reputable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) responding to rapid-onset disasters and other humanitarian crises around the globe.

Today, Airlink’s network consists of more than 50 commercial and charter airlines and 200+ international NGOs. Airlink and its airline partners have transported more than 12,000 passengers and more than 16 million pounds of cargo in support of a broad range of humanitarian initiatives that have provided aid to more than 59 million people. Airlink has saved our NGO partners more than USD $36 million in transport costs.

Looking forward, Airlink shows no signs of slowing down, with a three-year strategic plan that includes increasing our team by 25%, doubling our annual revenue, and diversifying our funding base. To that end, we are seeking a Development Associate to support our expanding Development team in achieving its fundraising goals from corporate, foundation, individual, and government donors.

Position Summary

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development will be Airlink’s chief fundraising strategist, responsible for establishing and implementing the infrastructure needed to grow to a $12M budget through the cultivation of individual, corporate and philanthropic support. The Director will expand and diversify Airlink’s donor base and pipeline and work closely with senior management and staff to develop innovative, revenue-generating program ideas.

The ideal candidate will be attentive, persistent, and flexible. They will be a strong leader, confident in making decisions, taking initiative, and bearing responsibility for both successes and failures. Due to the nature of Airlink’s mission supporting disaster response, there will be an occasional need to work extended hours or on weekends with limited advance notice.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and manage a donor expansion plan that aligns with Airlink’s programmatic and organizational goals, including global expansion.
• Establish and perform to annual budget goals, achieving a baseline of $6 million in revenue, with three-year growth to $12 million.
• Establish metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of fundraising efforts, analyze data insights, and develop strategies for continuous improvement.
• Assess donor recognition strategy and develop a framework that streamlines opportunities, while increasing donor ROI and engagement.
• Cultivate foundation and government agency relationships and work with senior leadership to identify new proposal opportunities.
• Ensure development processes, infrastructure, and systems, including database management, prospect research, gift acknowledgements, renewals, mailings, and calendar are well managed and optimized.
• Direct and support a high-performing development team of five, empowering direct reports to own their respective portfolios and maintaining a culture of trust, respect, autonomy, and collaboration.
• Increase Airlink’s visibility and strengthen relationships among corporate, foundation and individual donor communities.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• At least ten years of non-profit development or advance experience, including at least four years in a management role (relevant agency or for-profit experience considered).
• Prior experience in grant solicitation from foundations and other grant-making entities including USAID OFDA / DG ECHO / DFID.
• Strong people and project management skills; ability to work well on a collaborative and interdisciplinary team.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills; ability to craft pitches that resonate across audiences and cultures.
• Knowledge of fundraising/development principles, donor research and cultivation, and proposal process.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Salesforce (or comparable CRM), Microsoft Office/Google Suite, Mailchimp, and Donorbox (or other comparable tools).
• Willingness to travel within the U.S. and internationally (15-20%).
• Unrestricted authorization to work in the United States is required.

Preferred Skills and Personal Characteristics:

• Proven experience leading and managing organizational change, with the ability to adapt strategies and teams to evolving circumstances and opportunities.
• Strategic mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and a passion for driving positive changes through effective communication.
• Maintains a professional, principled, organized, and respectful approach, showing responsiveness and taking strong initiative.
• Passion for Airlink’s mission and commitment to aiding those in need.
• Knowledge of the aviation and/or humanitarian logistics industries.

Location:

Airlink is headquartered in downtown Washington, D.C. and operates a hybrid work schedule with the team in-office three days a week. Given the collaborative nature of this position, we are only considering candidates who are in or willing to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area.

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $180,000. Additionally, Airlink provides a comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to:

• 75% company-paid health benefits, including dental and vision for employees
• Competitive 401(k) matching
• Three weeks of paid vacation per year, sick leave, and paid parental leave
• Cell phone with international service
• EAP Program

To Apply:

Please email your resume and cover letter to rlock@kapartners.com. Subject: Development Director. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone inquiries please.

EEO Statement:

Airlink is an equal opportunity employer. The organization provides equal employment opportunities to qualified persons without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information or make-up, or any other protected category enumerated by applicable local ordinance, state law, or federal law.