Director, Regional Development Strategy

About the Position

In the role of the Director, Regional Development Strategy, you will have both external and internal-facing responsibilities, primarily focused on leading the creation and execution of a comprehensive, multi-regional development strategy to ensure the required fund development targets are met annually. This revenue-generating leadership role is critical to advancing Playworks’ 2028 strategic goals. This role is a key player in helping us achieve our 2028 strategic goals, including identifying, cultivating, and securing high-potential funding sources for efficient fundraising growth, emphasizing an increase in individual donors.

This role reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and will drive new revenue growth from institutional funders, primarily corporations and foundations, across a multi-region portfolio in New York/New Jersey, Michigan, New England and Pennsylvania. The Development Director will work closely with regional Executive Directors and development managers in each of these states. The Development Director translates and aligns national development strategy into executable regional plans, serving as the connective tissue between HQ strategy, organizational vision, and regional execution. This role will work to build consistent, scalable fundraising practices across these regions.

The Development Director will lead the implementation of a prescriptive fundraising model that provides structure and accountability while allowing for thoughtful regional customization to meet local needs and opportunities.

This full-time, exempt position can be based out of New York/New Jersey, Michigan, New England or Pennsylvania, with a strong preference for New York-based candidates.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Alignment and Impact
  • Advance Playworks’ 2028 strategic priorities by aligning multi-regional fundraising efforts to organizational goals, including significant growth in new corporate and foundation partnerships, expansion of regional funding, diversification of institutional revenue, and long-term financial sustainability.
  • Support the clear articulation of Playworks’ impact - both nationally and regionally - strengthening organizational value proposition to institutional funding partners.
  • Build regional annual plans alongside regional leaders designed to attain revenue goals.
• Revenue Leadership
  • Lead the development and execution of a multi-regional fundraising strategy that supports national revenue goals, with direct accountability for achieving new revenue targets of $500,000–$600,000 annually across the assigned regions.
  • Ensure each region meets or exceeds its fundraising targets — holding full accountability for the dollars raised, maintaining 3X pipeline coverage of the goal, and achieving organization-standard win and conversion rates.
• Collaboration Efforts Regionally and Nationally
  • Align, customize, and advance regional fundraising plans, funder engagement strategies, and priorities that complement Playworks’ national development strategy.
  • Partner with regional Executive Directors and national leaders to identify, pursue, and secure new funding opportunities, including multi-regional or national prospects.
  • Collaborate with and guide regional program and development teams in adopting fundraising models, providing strategic oversight, coaching, and support to regional development staff to ensure consistent execution and results.
• Performance Management
  • Ensure fundraising practices are cohesive, consistent, coordinated, and data-informed across regions, contributing to organizational-wide visibility and confidence in revenue projections.