Development Director

Are you a relationship builder who wants your fundraising work to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families?

Challenge Air for Kids & Friends, Inc. is seeking a motivated and experienced Development Director to help lead the next chapter of our organization’s growth.

Since 1993, Challenge Air has been building confidence and self-esteem in children and youth with special needs through the gift of flight. Through our signature Fly Day programs, children with special needs become VIP co-pilots and experience an unforgettable day designed to help them recognize their abilities, build confidence, and see new possibilities.

The Development Director will work closely with the CEO/Executive Director to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that strengthens donor relationships, increases contributed revenue, and supports the continued growth of Challenge Air programs.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Development Director will:

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising and development plan.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospective supporters.
• Grow annual giving, recurring giving, major gift, and donor retention efforts.
• Identify and develop corporate sponsorships and community partnerships.
• Build relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations, service organizations, and community leaders.
• Support foundation and grant fundraising efforts.
• Manage donor communications, acknowledgments, stewardship, and recognition.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect information in the organization’s donor database/CRM.
• Track fundraising progress and prepare reports to support planning and decision-making.
• Work with the CEO/Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and volunteers to expand the organization’s fundraising reach.
• Represent Challenge Air at Fly Days, community events, donor meetings, and networking opportunities.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Our ideal candidate is a confident and genuine relationship builder who enjoys connecting people with a meaningful mission. This person is strategic, organized, self-motivated, and comfortable working in a small nonprofit environment where everyone plays an important role.

Qualified candidates should have:

• 3 + years or more experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, sales, relationship management, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, or similar technology.
• The confidence and ability to cultivate donors and make direct fundraising asks.
• The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with staff, board members, and volunteers.
• A genuine commitment to the mission of Challenge Air for Kids & Friends.

WHY JOIN CHALLENGE AIR?

This is an opportunity to play a significant role in the growth of a national nonprofit organization with a unique and inspiring mission. The Development Director will have the opportunity to build relationships with donors and partners across the country while helping ensure that more children with special needs experience the confidence, joy, and possibilities created through the gift of flight.

Challenge Air for Kids and Friends Inc. is a Texas-based nonprofit that empowers children and young adults with physical and developmental challenges through the experience of flight. Through nationwide Fly Days, the organization partners with communities and families to offer youth with special needs ages 7 to 21 the chance to fly in small aircraft, with both wheelchair and non-wheelchair aviators. The program integrates elements of occupational, recreational, and educational therapy to help participants build confidence, overcome barriers, and expand their sense of possibility. Founded to give young people a new perspective from the sky, Challenge Air has inspired thousands to dream bigger and believe in their abilities.