For nearly 80 years, Sandy Cove Ministries has been a place where millions of people have connected with God and each other. We offer year-round signature programs designed to uplift and strengthen individuals and families, including summer vacation packages and a day camp for kids. We also contract with ministries and organizations, helping them create their own impactful retreats and events on our property. All of this happens at our breathtaking location on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in North East, Maryland. With 150 guest rooms in our lodge and 220 beautiful acres, we offer guests authentic hospitality and the rest and renewal they crave.

The mission of Sandy Cove Ministries is to help people connect with God and each other in order to be transformed into the image of Christ, through His Word, His creation and community.

The Director of Development at Sandy Cove Ministries provides visionary and strategic leadership for all fundraising efforts of a $7 million Christian retreat center committed to life-changing hospitality and Gospel-centered ministry. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the planning, execution, and growth of a comprehensive development program that increases philanthropic revenue, deepens donor relationships, and ensures long-term financial sustainability in alignment with the organization’s mission and spiritual values. The Director of Development serves as a key member of the Leadership Team and partners closely with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to cultivate a culture of generosity and stewardship.

This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership for the planning, execution, and growth of a comprehensive development program that increases philanthropic revenue, deepens donor relationships, and ensures long-term financial sustainability in alignment with the organization’s mission and spiritual values.

The Director of Development serves as a key member of the Leadership Team and partners closely with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to cultivate a culture of generosity and stewardship.

Essential Job Functions:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

Develop and execute a multi-year development strategy aligned with organizational goals.
Set and achieve annual fundraising targets (annual fund, major gifts, events, grants, planned giving).
Provide regular revenue forecasts and reports to President/CEO and Board.
Identify opportunities to diversify revenue streams and increase donor retention.

Major Gifts & Relationship Management

Build, manage, and steward a portfolio of major donors and prospective donors.
Conduct personal donor visits, cultivation meetings, and stewardship engagements.
Lead solicitation strategies for gifts at $5,000+, $10,000+, and transformational levels.
Partner with Executive Director and Board members on high-capacity donor engagement.

Annual Fund & Campaign Execution

Oversee annual giving campaigns, appeals, and donor communications.
Lead capital campaigns or special project fundraising initiatives as needed.
Develop compelling case statements and impact messaging rooted in ministry outcomes.
Ensure timely and meaningful donor acknowledgments and stewardship reporting.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

Oversee all donor and shareholder touchpoints to ensure a consistent, mission-aligned experience.
Manage shareholder recognition and gift programs, including fulfillment and acknowledgment processes.
Lead planning, content development, and distribution of the regular shareholder newsletter.
Coordinate stewardship strategies for top donors and major gift supporters.
Develop personalized engagement approaches that strengthen long-term donor relationships.
Collaborate with leadership and communications staff to align donor messaging with organizational priorities.
Monitor and refine donor engagement practices to enhance retention and satisfaction.

Events & Community Engagement

Oversee fundraising events and donor appreciation gatherings.
Cultivate relationships with churches, businesses, foundations, and community partners.
Represent the organization at ministry and community events.

Grants & Institutional Giving

Identify and pursue foundation and grant opportunities aligned with mission.
Oversee grant writing and reporting processes.
Systems, Data & Compliance
Oversee donor database management and gift processing systems.
Ensure accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and donor confidentiality.
Develop KPIs to measure donor acquisition, retention, and lifetime value.
Maintain compliance with nonprofit fundraising regulations and best practices.

Board & Leadership Partnership

Equip and engage Board members in fundraising strategy and donor cultivation.
Provide regular development updates and financial performance reports.
Collaborate with Finance on revenue forecasting and budgeting.

Spiritual & Cultural Leadership

Model Christ-centered leadership consistent with the organization’s Statement of Faith.
Integrate spiritual purpose into donor communications and stewardship.
Participate in staff prayer, worship, and ministry rhythms.

Essential skills & experience

Bachelor’s degree required (nonprofit management, business, communications, or related field preferred).
5–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, including major gifts.
Demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure gifts.
Experience working with boards and executive leadership.
Strong relationship building and communication skills.
Commitment to Christian faith and alignment with Sandy Cove’s Statement of Faith.

Leadership Competencies

Strategic thinker with execution discipline
Relational fundraiser with pastoral sensitivity
Financially literate and data-driven
Inspirational communicator
High integrity and stewardship mindset

Preferred experience

Experience in Christian nonprofit, retreat, camp, or ministry environment.
Capital campaign leadership experience.
CFRE credential (or willingness to pursue).

Physical demands of work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, talk, hear and drive on occasion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work environment: Office environment with requirement to work a flexible schedule including occasional nights and weekends with some anticipated travel.

Compensation: Minimum $78,355 | Maximum $117,533

Full-Time Employee Benefits: Health Insurance (Individual and Family), Dental Insurance, Life, LTD, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Holidays, 401(k) with employer match, service awards, meal privileges, tuition reimbursement, attend Sandy cove events free and discounted lodging for staff and immediate family.

Learn more about Sandy Cove by visiting www.sandycove.org

Compensation details: 78355-117533 Yearly Salary

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Sandy Cove Ministries

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Director of Development