Vice President of Development
Employer: Avalon Action Alliance (501(c)(3) non-profit)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Type: Full-Time
Classification: Exempt
Location: Atlanta, GA (Hybrid) Based in Atlanta, with a strong local and regional presence.
Travel: 25%
Who We Are
Avalon Action Alliance provides our nation’s veterans and first responders with life-changing care for the invisible wounds of service, including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, and substance abuse. We are a national alliance of clinical and community partners committed to an integrated, whole-brain approach to healing and long-term recovery.
As Avalon continues to scale nationally and strengthen its path toward sustainability, we are seeking a senior development leader who can drive transformational philanthropy, deepen relationships with high-capacity donors, and help position the organization for long-term impact.
Position Summary
The Vice President of Development serves as Avalon Action Alliance’s senior fundraising leader. This role is responsible for setting and executing the organization’s fundraising strategy, with a strong emphasis on major gifts, high-net-worth individuals, family offices, foundations, and strategic philanthropic corporations.
Given Avalon’s size and growth stage, this is a hands-on, player–coach role. The Vice President will personally lead donor cultivation and solicitation efforts while also building structure, discipline, and long-term strategy. While supported by shared development resources and external partners, this role is expected to actively execute day-to-day fundraising activities and remain directly accountable for results.
This position works closely with the CEO and Board of Directors and plays a critical role in advancing Avalon’s mission, financial sustainability, and national growth.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Execution
Partner with the CEO to develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with Avalon’s mission, clinical priorities, and growth goals.
Set annual and long-range fundraising targets and personally drive progress against revenue goals.
Balance long-term strategy with near-term execution to ensure consistent momentum across all fundraising efforts.
Major Gifts, High-Net-Worth & Family Office Giving
Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, including major gift, principal gift, family office, and foundation relationships.
Lead all aspects of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, including direct donor meetings, proposal development, and follow-up.
Leverage an established personal and professional network to expand Avalon’s donor base, particularly within the Atlanta philanthropic community and key national markets.
Close six- and seven-figure gifts that advance Avalon’s programs, research initiatives, and long-term sustainability.
Board & Executive Engagement
Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen board engagement in fundraising, including personal giving, peer-to-peer outreach, and donor introductions.
Support and prepare executive leadership and board members for donor meetings and solicitations.
Provide regular reporting and insights to the Board on fundraising performance, pipeline health, and strategic opportunities.
Institutional Giving & Strategic Partnerships
Oversee institutional fundraising strategy, including foundations and strategic philanthropic partners aligned with Avalon’s mission and clinical work.
Collaborate with VP Strategic Partnerships and Engagement to identify and pursue partnerships that support long-term impact, innovation, and sustainability.
Donor Engagement Events
Provide strategic and hands-on leadership for donor cultivation events and high-profile fundraising initiatives.
Actively participate in event planning, donor engagement, and post-event follow-up to maximize relationship-building and major gift opportunities.
Ensuring events serve as strategic donor-engagement tools, not standalone fundraising tactics.
Team Leadership & Shared Resources
Direct and prioritize the work of shared development support staff and external consultants, including grant writers and fundraising partners.
Establish clear processes, accountability, and performance expectations without overbuilding infrastructure.
Collaborate closely with marketing and communications to ensure consistent, compelling donor messaging and storytelling.
Financial Oversight & Compliance
Partner with finance and operations to develop and manage the fundraising budget.
Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards, donor intent, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications
Required
- Senior-level fundraising leadership experience with a strong track record of closing major and principal gifts.
- Demonstrated success working with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and philanthropic corporations.
- An established personal and professional fundraising network, ideally with strong ties to the Atlanta philanthropic community.
- Comfortable operating in a lean, growth-oriented environment where senior leaders actively execute as well as lead.
- Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and executive presence skills.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into action and results.
Preferred
- Experience in healthcare, mental health, veteran, or mission-driven organizations.
- Experience working closely with Boards of Directors and executive leadership teams.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
- Collaborative leadership style with sound judgment and discretion.
- Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and tactical levels.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- High degree of integrity and commitment to Avalon’s mission and values.
What We Offer
Avalon Action Alliance offers a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and a flexible hybrid work environment. Salary for this role will be commensurate with experience. This role is not commission-based and does not include fundraising quotas.
Working Conditions
This is an in-office-based role in Atlanta, GA, with a hybrid or flexible schedule possible.
Flexible hours are required. Standard operating hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM or 9:00 AM–6:00 PM EST (8-hour workday).
In-person company meetings are held approximately four times per year in Atlanta or other U.S. locations.
Travel requirement: up to 25%.
Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Avalon Action Alliance is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work and on our teams. We believe that varied perspectives and life experiences strengthen our organization and our impact. We intentionally recruit, develop, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates should email a cover letter, resume, three professional references, contact information, and salary requirements to avalon@avalonaction.org.
Email avalon@avalonacton.org with letter of interest, your resume, and/or credentials, and contact information.