About Qalam
Qalam is a dynamic nonprofit organization committed to serving communities through Islamic education, spiritual development, and impactful programs. With multiple operational tiers—including educational institutions, community programming, travel, media, and development—Qalam functions across various entities under a unified vision.

About the role

• The Head of Development will lead the fundraising and donor relations efforts for Qalam, an Islamic non-profit dedicated to Islamic Education. This role will be responsible for creating and implementing a comprehensive development strategy, cultivating relationships with donors and stakeholders, and generating financial support through various channels, including individual donations, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grants. The Head of Development will work closely with the leadership team, Board of Directors, and staff to ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization’s programs and initiatives.

What you'll do

Fundraising Strategy & Campaigns:

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals, targeting individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and major philanthropists within the Muslim community.
• Lead special campaigns (e.g., Endowment, Ramadan fundraising drives, Zakat, Sadaqah Jariyah, capital campaigns, and year-end appeals) to raise funds for key initiatives and projects.
• Coordinate with religious leaders (Imams, Scholars) to engage the community in fundraising efforts, ensuring that initiatives resonate with the Islamic values of charity and philanthropy (Sadaqah, etc.).

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:

• Build and nurture relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders, particularly within the Muslim community, and ensure ongoing engagement and support.
• Develop personalized donor engagement strategies to strengthen long-term relationships with individual, corporate, and institutional donors.
• Oversee donor stewardship efforts to recognize and appreciate contributions, including public acknowledgments, private events, and personalized communications.

Major Gifts & Grants:

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate entities, with a focus on high-net-worth Muslim philanthropists and institutions.
• Maintain and grow a major gift portfolio, with a focus on long-term giving and bequests. Leadership & Collaboration:
• Lead, mentor, and support a small team of development staff, providing guidance, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure fundraising strategies align with the organization’s mission and overall strategic vision.
• Organize fundraising events such as charity dinners, gala events, community fundraisers, and donor recognition events, ensuring they reflect Islamic values and are in line with community expectations.

Community Engagement & Public Relations:

• Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and Islamic conventions to build awareness, promote giving, and expand the donor base.
• Work with the marketing team to produce materials for fundraising campaigns, including brochures, newsletters, social media content, and videos that reflect Islamic principles of charity and community support.
• Act as a liaison between the organization and religious institutions (mosques, Islamic centers) to engage the community and ensure that the organization's mission is aligned with their values.

Database Management & Reporting:

• Oversee the management of donor databases and ensure the integrity and confidentiality of donor information.
• Track and analyze fundraising progress, providing regular reports on donations, trends, and key metrics to the COO and Board of Directors.
• Ensure that all financial records are properly maintained, including donor gifts, pledges, and fundraising income.
• Perform a monthly reconciliation of donation records ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial reporting.

Budget & Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the fundraising budget to ensure effective allocation of resources toward key initiatives and fundraising campaigns.
• Work with the finance team to ensure that funds raised are allocated appropriately and transparently, adhering to Islamic principles of financial accountability

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or certifications in fundraising (e.g., CFRE) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years in fundraising, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management position, preferably within the non-profit or Islamic sectors.
• Proven experience in securing major gifts and managing high-level donor relationships.
• Strong knowledge of Islamic values and philanthropic traditions (e.g., Zakat, Sadaqah, Waqf) and how they apply to fundraising strategies.
• Experience with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect).
• Strong understanding of Islamic giving structures and the legal and ethical guidelines surrounding charitable contributions in Islam.
• Experience working with diverse teams, including volunteers, Board of Directors, and religious leaders.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse groups, including donors, staff, volunteers, and religious leaders.
• Strategic thinker, with the ability to set ambitious fundraising goals and develop actionable plans.
• Culturally competent, understanding the values, traditions, and priorities of the Muslim community and how they influence charitable giving.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in Arabic (optional but preferred), to engage with Arabic-speaking donors and communities.

Working Conditions

• Full-time position; some evening and weekend work may be required for events, donor meetings, and community outreach.
• Travel required for donor visits, fundraising events, and community engagements.
• Flexible work arrangements (e.g., remote work, hybrid model) may be possible, depending on the candidate.