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Director of Development

The Barker Adoption Foundation

Job Location:

Bethesda, MD - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 125000 - 150000

Posted: 17 July 2026 (30+ days ago)

Application Deadline: 15 October 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Director of Development

The Barker Adoption Foundation Hybrid (Virtual In-Office) Full-Time

Make a Profound Difference Every Single Day

For over 80 years The Barker Adoption Foundation has helped build and strengthen families through ethical child-centered adoption services and lifelong support for birth parents adoptees and adoptive families. Barker is known and respected throughout the adoption community for the depth and integrity of that support - a reputation built on decades of putting the best interests of children first maintaining rigorous ethical standards and staying with families for the long haul rather than the length of a single placement. Were looking for a Director of Development to lead the fundraising strategy that makes this work possible - and to help even more children find permanent loving homes.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional who enjoys both strategic leadership and hands-on execution. Because Barker is intentionally small this role carries outsized influence: you wont be one voice among a large development shop youll be the strategic architect of Barkers philanthropic future. The decisions you make the systems you build and the relationships you cultivate will shape this organizations trajectory. Youll work closely with an engaged Board a committed leadership team and a passionate community of supporters - all invested in giving you the partnership and runway to make a visible lasting mark.

This is a role for someone who wants their work to matter at an organization whose track record speaks for itself. Every gift you help secure every donor relationship you build and every campaign you lead directly expands our ability to serve the families who count on us - from an expectant parent navigating a difficult decision to a family bringing home a child to an adoptee seeking support decades later. Youll be raising funds for an organization that donors already trust with 80-plus years of credibility behind every ask you make - while having the kind of latitude and visibility thats rare in development work.

About the Role

As Director of Development youll report to the CEO/Executive Director serve as a member of Barkers Leadership Team and will be responsible for leading Barkers comprehensive philanthropy program including annual giving major gifts donor cultivation and stewardship planned giving grants special events and corporate and foundation relations. Youll work closely with our Executive Director/CEO Board of Trustees and a collaborative staff team and youll serve on Barkers Management Team.

Youll build and manage a structured donor pipeline from first gift through legacy giving lead major gift strategy and oversee the systems and reporting that keep our development program running smoothly. Youll also supervise development staff and partner closely with marketing to tell Barkers story in ways that inspire people to give.

What youll do:

Design and execute Barkers fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director/CEO Marketing the Board and staff

Build and grow a donor pipeline - acquisition through major and planned gifts - using donor-centered relationship-driven methodologies

Lead major gift cultivation solicitation and stewardship

Launch and grow a planned giving/bequest program

Manage annual appeals including #GivingTuesday DOMORE24 workplace giving and our Phone-A-Thon

Support the Friends of Barker Endowment campaign

Design and lead fundraising events that expand our donor base and visibility

Oversee grant proposal development reporting and institutional funder relationships

Maintain and grow the DonorPerfect database and fundraising reporting

Supervise and mentor development staff consultants and volunteers

Represent Barker at donor meetings conferences and community events

What You Bring

Bachelors degree plus 5 years in development/fundraising or equivalent experience

A proven track record building fundraising strategy cultivating donors and meeting revenue goals

Excellent written verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Comfort with donor databases (DonorPerfect preferred) Microsoft Office and virtual meeting tools

A natural relationship-builder - with donors board members staff and community and corporate partners

Sound judgment and discretion handling confidential donor and organizational information

Self-direction strong follow-through and comfort leading projects independently

Strong leadership organizational and supervisory skills with real attention to detail

Cultural competence and a genuine commitment to working across diverse backgrounds

Flexibility for occasional evenings/weekends and reliable transportation for periodic local and regional travel

Why Barker

A meaningful mission-driven role where your work directly changes childrens and families lives

A collaborative supportive team culture - you wont be building this alone

A hybrid work arrangement that combines flexibility with in-person connection to our team and community

Excellent benefits

A respected 80 year legacy in ethical child-centered adoption services with the room and support to build a modern sustainable development program

Salary

Salary Range: $12500 - $150000 annually. Placement within the hiring range will be based on the selected candidates experience education demonstrated skills and alignment with the positions responsibilities while maintaining internal equity.

If youre ready to bring your fundraising talent to work that changes lives wed love to hear from you. Please provide a cover letter along with your application and resume.

Required Experience:

Director

Apply Now

About Company

The Barker Adoption Foundation

The Barker Adoption Foundation believes that all children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent family. We are committed to provide support to families through ethical life-long adoption services. The Barker Adoption Foundation supports children, birth parents, and adoptive families t ... View more

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