Organization: Propel ATL
Job title: Development Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Job type: Full-time, salaried, exempt
Compensation: $70,000-$80,000 + benefits
Location: Remote workplace with some in-person meetings and engagements. Candidates must reside in the MARTA service area (Fulton, DeKalb, or Clayton county) by the start date of employment.

Do you want to help shape a more connected, people-first Atlanta? Are you energized by the idea of transforming streets into safe, vibrant spaces where everyone can walk, bike, roll, and ride with ease?

Propel ATL is looking for a Development Director with at least five years of experience to help grow and sustain the resources that power this work. In this role, you’ll lead a dynamic and diverse fundraising portfolio: from major gifts and grants to events, individual giving, and corporate partnerships. Your success will directly advance our strategic vision for a thriving city where transportation expands opportunity, repairs the harmful effects of institutional racism, and builds a more inclusive community.

We’re a small, mission-driven team where initiative is valued, ideas are welcomed, and collaboration is part of how we get things done. The strongest candidates are thoughtful, self-directed, and proactive, and they’re just as comfortable working independently as they are teaming up to tackle big challenges.

At Propel ATL, we invest in our people. You’ll find real opportunities for leadership, professional growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on the future of Atlanta. 

Primary Responsibilities

INDIVIDUAL AND MAJOR DONORS (25%)

• Develop and execute individual giving strategies in collaboration with the Executive Director
• Design and lead multi-channel fundraising campaigns (mail, digital, and appeals)
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with current and prospective donors
• Grow the major gifts program (Momentum Makers), including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors ($1,000+)
• Conduct prospect research and build a strong pipeline of new supporters
• Manage and maintain the donor database, including gift tracking and recognition
• Strengthen donor engagement and move supporters along the giving pipeline
• Leverage advocacy wins and organizational impact to support fundraising efforts
• Foster a culture of philanthropy among staff and the Board 

SPECIAL EVENTS - INCLUDING ANNUAL BLINKIE AWARDS (25%)

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising events strategy
• Lead planning and execution of the annual Blinkie Awards, including silent auction, live program, ticket sales, sponsorship, awardee recognition, and volunteer management
• Plan and manage additional events (e.g., community events, Life After Cars, Vision Zero Summit, and other one-off events)
• Oversee vendor and volunteer management across all events
• Collaborate with staff to ensure successful and engaging event execution

INSTITUTIONAL FUNDING - FOUNDATIONS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES (20%)

• Secure funding from private, public, and corporate foundations, as well as government sources
• Research, qualify, and cultivate institutional funding prospects to expand the base of support
• Write, manage, and track grant proposals, reports, and deadlines
• Collaborate with staff to develop program proposals and grant budgets
• Track grant-related requirements, including reporting and time allocations
• Manage cultivation and stewardship timelines in coordination with the Executive Director
• Develop communications and materials to support institutional fundraising

CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS (15%)

• Secure and manage corporate sponsorships for programs and events
• Ensure timely invoicing, acknowledgment, and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits
• Build and maintain strong corporate relationships through ongoing communication and engagement
• Coordinate corporate engagement opportunities (e.g., volunteer days, lunch-and-learns)
• Collaborate with staff to support stewardship and sponsor fulfillment 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (10%)

• Partner with board members to identify and cultivate prospective donors
• Support board engagement in fundraising through committee participation and regular reporting
• Track and manage board members’ annual giving commitments
• Contribute to development-related board initiatives and projects
• Provide revenue updates and attend relevant committee meetings (e.g., Finance/Operations)

COMMUNICATIONS (5%)

• Collaborate with staff and the communications committee to produce the annual Impact Report
• Monitor and report progress toward short- and long-term fundraising goals
• Refine fundraising messaging to ensure consistency, clarity, and effectiveness
• Communicate performance and outcomes of fundraising strategies
• Support website updates and development-related content

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE

Five or more years proven track record: 

• Raising funds from diverse sources, including major gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and government agencies
• Managing cultivation and stewardship activities and strategic moves management with leadership annual and/or front-line individual giving
• Grant writing/solicitation creation 
• Communications strategy, planning, and implementation in the nonprofit sector
• Large fundraising event planning and execution

KNOWLEDGE

• Fundraising best practices and AFP Ethical Standards
• CRMs (i.e. Nationbuilder) and grant management tools and reporting
• Knowledge of and connections to the funding community in Atlanta and/or nationally

STRENGTHS

• Organized self-starter with demonstrated commitment to accountability and outcomes 
• Prioritizes and works efficiently on multiple projects while remaining detail-oriented
• Strong interpersonal skills – can build and maintain strong, productive internal and external relationships
• Strong writing skills and effective verbal communicator 
• Is approachable and comfortable providing and receiving feedback
• Aptitude for working with diverse communities and people
• Solution-oriented, highly adaptive, and resourceful
• Exhibits common sense, sound judgment, professionalism, and a positive attitude
• Exhibits the integrity necessary for handling sensitive and confidential information

Workplace and Benefits

Propel ATL is a small, eclectic team that enjoys forging change in the city’s mindset about transportation, champions great infrastructure in the city we love, shares a passion for our mission, loves a good laugh, and commits to equity and inclusion.

Workplace Format

Mostly remote; requires some evenings and weekends, as well as occasional in-person engagements at various locations across Atlanta.

Health Insurance

Employer pays 50% of each employee’s medical insurance premium in addition to partial dental and vision, and fully covered basic life and long-term disability insurance.

Retirement Contributions

SIMPLE IRA individual retirement account with employer 3% matching contribution after 60 days.

Paid Leave

• Annual paid holidays include one week winter break, along with 7 recognized holidays and 9 “floating” holidays that can be used at any time
• Vacation accrues at the rate of eight hours per 160 hours worked for the first two years of employment, then increases at years 3, 5, and 10 
• Each staff member receives 72 hours of annual wellness leave
• Paid family leave + leave for bereavement, voting, and jury duty

Professional Development

Each staff member receives career development support from their direct supervisor. Staff also have access to and are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities.

Anti-Discrimination Policy

Propel ATL aims to foster an environment that recognizes, respects, and values different backgrounds and talents. We do not discriminate in our staff, board, volunteers, volunteer committees, or recipients of services, and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected category. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Apply for this opportunity

Email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] with “Development Director” in the subject line. In your cover letter, let us know how you became aware of this job opportunity and what resonates most with you from our mission, vision, and guiding principles. Include any details that uniquely qualify you for this position.

Optional but encouraged: Including work samples in your application email, such as fundraising campaign materials or writing examples can help showcase your skills and experience.

If you need accommodations to make our hiring process more accessible to you, please be in touch, and we will respond accordingly. 

Hiring Timeline

This job was posted on April 9, 2026. Applications are reviewed as received, and the position will remain open until filled. The hiring process includes three interviews, one of which is a panel, and a practical exercise.

Approximate timelines, subject to change, are as follows:

• Interview 1 (virtual): April 27-May 6 
• Practical exercise: May 8-13
• Panel interview 2 (virtual): May 18-21
• Reference checks: May 25-29
• Interview 3 (in-person): June 2-4