Since 1957, Cookson Hills has been a place of hope and transformation for children who need a fresh start. Nestled on 1,000 acres in the scenic Cookson Hills region of Northeast Oklahoma, Cookson Hills provides a stable home, quality Christian education, and therapy services in a safe and trauma-informed environment. Serving children ages 5-17, the organization equips them to overcome challenges and step into a brighter future.
Cookson Hills is seeking a passionate and skilled Director of Development who is committed to serving at-risk children and advancing the organization’s mission through strategic fundraising and relationship-building.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Cookson Hills is looking for a dynamic servant leader to drive its development efforts. The current team is strong and thriving, raising $2.5M of a $3.2M annual budget—but the opportunity is even greater. With the capacity to serve up to 90 children annually, expanding funding will enable the organization to reach more children in need.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, team leadership, and donor engagement and will be excited to become an integral part of the Cookson Hills community.
WHO THEY ARE
Cookson Hills provides home, school, and therapy for children who are at risk. They are faithful to God’s Kingdom and serving youth.
Guardians choose Cookson Hills as an alternative to traditional foster care for children they are unable to care for on their own. While guardianship is preserved with the child's family of origin or adopted family, they receive home, school, and all therapy needs while under the care of Cookson Hills.
MISSION: To provide home, school, and therapy for kids who are at-risk.
VISION: Healthy individuals empowered to positively impact future generations.
Cookson Hills accomplishes this mission by creating a safe and nurturing community where children receive holistic care—physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual. The organization partners with families and guardians, ensuring that each child is supported while maintaining their family connections.
Purpose of Cookson Hills
In alignment with its mission and vision, Cookson Hills exists to provide children with:
A stable home environment where they feel loved, valued, and secure.
A quality Christian education that prepares them for lifelong learning and success.
Therapeutic support to heal from past trauma and develop emotional resilience.
Biblical guidance and mentorship to instill faith, character, and purpose.
Opportunities to develop life skills, leadership, and independence for a thriving future.
Core Beliefs
Cookson Hills is committed to upholding the following core beliefs:
Christ-Centered Care – Every aspect of care is rooted in faith, with a commitment to serving as the hands and feet of Jesus.
Family Restoration – Whenever possible, Cookson Hills works toward healing and strengthening family relationships.
Excellence in Education – Providing a rigorous, faith-based academic curriculum that empowers children for future success.
Healing Through Relationships – Recognizing that true transformation happens in the context of loving, supportive relationships.
Stewardship and Integrity – Managing resources responsibly to honor God and serve children with excellence.
By staying true to these principles, Cookson Hills creates a place of hope and transformation, equipping children to step into a future filled with possibility.
THEIR STORY
For over 65 years, Cookson Hills has been a place of hope and healing for children who need a fresh start. Founded in 1957, Cookson Hills was established with the vision of providing a Christ-centered refuge for children in difficult circumstances. Since then, it has grown into a thriving, 1,000-acre campus offering a stable home, a quality Christian education, and professional therapy services to children in need.
Guardians choose Cookson Hills as an alternative to traditional foster care when they are unable to provide the necessary care and stability for their children. Unlike foster care, Cookson Hills ensures that guardianship remains with the child's family of origin or adoptive family, preserving these vital connections while providing comprehensive support. During their time at Cookson Hills, children receive everything they need to heal and grow—loving homes, personalized education, counseling, and a community that believes in them.
The heart of Cookson Hills is transformation. Many children arrive carrying the weight of past trauma, broken trust, and uncertainty about their future. Through the unwavering commitment of houseparents, teachers, counselors, and mentors, they experience stability, love, and the power of redemption. Over the years, thousands of children have walked through Cookson Hills' doors, discovering their God-given potential and stepping into a future filled with hope.
Testimonials
"Before coming to Cookson Hills, I didn’t believe in myself. Now, I know that I have a future, and I have people who love and support me." – Former Student
"Cookson Hills didn’t just change my child’s life—it changed our whole family. We are stronger, more hopeful, and forever grateful for the care and guidance we received." – Guardian
"This place is more than just a home or a school. It’s where kids find healing, where they are loved unconditionally, and where they learn that their past doesn’t define their future." – Houseparent
At Cookson Hills, every child’s story is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the power of a supportive community. With each success story, the mission of Cookson Hills continues—to provide a place of restoration, opportunity, and hope for children in need.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Director of Development, Storytelling Group
DEPARTMENT: Storytelling Group (STG)
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
LOCATION: Kansas, OK (hybrid)
OBJECTIVE
Are you a passionate storyteller, committed to creating meaningful change in the lives of at-risk children? Cookson Hills is seeking a dynamic Director of Development for our Storytelling Group (STG). This vital leadership position focuses on advancing our mission through compelling narratives, strategic donor development, and marketing initiatives.
This full-time role is ideal for a skilled, values-driven professional with a strong commitment to Christian faith and a humble heart for service. The Director of STG will play a crucial role in elevating Cookson Hills’ impact by leading a team to grow their donor base through storytelling, building relationships, and fostering community engagement nationwide.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership & Strategy:
Serve as a member of the Leadership Team, collaborating with the Executive Director and other department leaders.
Make strategic decisions regarding department direction, risk management, and budgeting, contributing to the overall mission of Cookson Hills.
Energetic fundraiser:
Lead multiple fundraising events each year, including golf tournaments, shooting tournaments, and open houses.
Recruit sponsorships for major events.
Donor Development:
Create and implement a data-driven, donor-centric strategy for growing donor support.
Build meaningful connections with major donors, foundations, regular donors, churches, and businesses.
Share Cookson Hills’ mission through events, in-person visits, and digital platforms. Occasional travel required.
Grant & Foundation Management:
Develop relationships with foundations, submitting letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and project updates.
● Donor Relations & Events:
Oversee donor events and gratitude strategies.
Connect with new and existing supporters, collaborating with church representatives and volunteers.
Learn and share donor stories. Attend relevant conferences.
Data & Financial Management:
Use Cookson Hills’ donor management software to analyze giving trends, generate reports, and develop insights for donor retention and acquisition strategies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
An experienced fundraising professional or a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, English, or a related field, with at least two years of relevant experience in donor development or marketing.
Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience will also be considered.
Faith Commitment:
Demonstrate a commitment to Christian faith, adhering to the Cookson Hills Statement of Faith and Lifestyle Agreement.
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in Google Apps, MS Office (Word, Excel), and donor management software (e.g., Donor Perfect).
Financial Acumen:
Knowledge of finance, budgeting, and reporting, with familiarity with federal and state financial regulations related to fundraising.
PROFESSIONAL TRAITS
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with an ability to engage diverse audiences.
Enthusiastic about networking and communicating the vision of Cookson Hills clearly.
Strong public speaking skills for community outreach.
Highly organized, with experience in project management and a keen eye for detail.
Qualifications:
Required
Bachelor’s degree
Two years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations and/or public relations.
Preferred
Master’s degree
Five years of prior fundraising and management experience.
Other:
Must be trustworthy and highly ethical with a high level of integrity.
Desired Characteristics:
Character/Gifts/Strengths
Visionary Leader – Able to see the big picture and set strategic goals that align with the organization’s mission.
Relational Connector – Skilled at building authentic, meaningful relationships with donors, team members, and stakeholders.
Servant-Minded Team Developer – Focused on empowering and equipping team members to grow and thrive in their roles.
Compelling Communicator – Confident and engaging public speaker who can inspire, influence, and connect with donors.
Strategic and Results-Oriented – Strong in data-driven decision-making, goal-setting, and executing plans to achieve measurable outcomes.
Strong Faith – Committed to a deep and active faith that guides decision-making and leadership.
Collaborative – Works effectively with others, valuing diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
Self-Starter and Self-Sufficient – Proactive and motivated, able to take initiative and work independently.
Entrepreneurial Spirit – Innovative and forward-thinking, able to identify opportunities and develop creative solutions.
Outgoing – Naturally engaging and enthusiastic, able to foster connections with ease.
Strong Relationship Builder – Skilled in developing and maintaining trust-based, long-term relationships.
Resourceful – Adept at problem-solving and maximizing available resources to achieve organizational objectives.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Salary: $80,000-$90,000 plus possible bonus, details will be discussed in personal interviews.
Relocation: Reimburse for the cost of a rental U-Haul style moving truck and the fuel for the truck.
Travel Expectations: Travel will mostly be local with an expectation of being on the road 2-3 days a week to meet with donors. The majority of Cookson’s donors are in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas.
Benefits: Cookson Hills offers employees a competitive compensation and benefits package, health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings, a 100% tuition scholarship for staff children, and optional housing/utilities benefits.
Vacation/PTO: Includes personal time, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year.
First year of service 56 hours or 7 days
1 – 5 years of service 120 hours or 15 days
6 – 9 years of service 136 hours or 17 days
10+ years of service 160 hours or 20 days
OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
Opportunities
Establishing a Major Giving Program – The potential to build a multi-year giving program that secures sustainable funding for long-term impact.
Strengthening Community Partnerships – Opportunities to develop deeper relationships with local businesses and churches to expand the donor base.
Engaging Existing Donors – A donor database with untapped potential, providing opportunities to cultivate stronger relationships and increase contributions.
Expanding Awareness – Increasing visibility and engagement through improved marketing, storytelling, and outreach initiatives.
Challenges
Rebuilding the Development Function – Cookson Hills has not had a Director of Development in some time, requiring this leader to build processes, relationships, and momentum.
Overcoming Geographic Limitations – The rural location presents challenges in securing business partnerships and applying for certain grants.
Strengthening Digital Presence – A weak social media presence limits outreach and donor engagement, requiring strategic digital marketing efforts.
Navigating Shifts in Church Support – As church giving patterns shift gradually over time, there is an opportunity to develop fresh engagement strategies and strengthen relationships with faith communities.
LOCATION
Nestled in the scenic Cookson Hills of northeastern Oklahoma, Cookson Hills is situated near the town of Kansas, Oklahoma. This region is characterized by its rolling hills, dense forests, and clear streams, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. The area is part of the larger Ozark Plateau, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Cookson Hills spans approximately 1,000 acres, providing ample space for its residential, educational, and recreational facilities. The expansive campus includes homes, a school, and various therapeutic facilities, all designed to support children in need.
The surrounding area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Natural Falls State Park, located just a short drive from Kansas, Oklahoma, features a stunning 77-foot waterfall, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for both residents and visitors.
Kansas, Oklahoma, though a small town with a population of around 754 as of 2024, is part of Delaware County and provides a close-knit community atmosphere. The town is conveniently located along Oklahoma State Highway 10, offering easy access to nearby cities such as Tulsa, which is approximately 67 miles to the west.
The region's economy is diverse, with industries ranging from agriculture to manufacturing. The proximity to larger urban centers like Tulsa provides residents with additional employment opportunities, cultural experiences, and amenities, while still allowing them to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of rural Oklahoma.
In addition to the natural beauty of northeastern Oklahoma, Cookson Hills is also within driving distance of Northwest Arkansas, a vibrant and rapidly growing region. Nearby cities such as Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville offer a variety of shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Bentonville, in particular, is home to the world-renowned Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the headquarters of Walmart, contributing to a thriving economy and rich arts scene. This proximity to Northwest Arkansas provides additional opportunities for entertainment, employment, and community engagement.
Overall, the combination of Cookson Hills' extensive campus and the surrounding area's natural attractions and community resources make it an ideal place for individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of children.
NEXT STEPS
This role offers a unique opportunity to combine faith-driven leadership, professional growth, and purpose-driven work to make a lasting impact. If, after prayerfully reviewing this information, you believe this role fits you well, please use the APPLY NOW button below. If you know someone you would like to recommend, please contact:
Mykaelle “Myka” Boos
Executive Search Consultant
company main :: +1 (615) 422–0884
email :: Myka@missionleadership.org
linkedin :: www.linkedin.com/in/mykaboos